The Boy discovers Photography

Earlier this week, we went over to the Star Tower in Estrella Mountain Ranch to shoot some sunset pictures. As we got out of the car Reed asked if he could bring his 'momera' - of course!

Reed would stop here & there to 'take a shot' as we started to walk the trail up to the tower. I'm not sure if he can actually see his shot through the view finder but its awful cute watching him try! He didn't actually capture any shots (let's not tell him!) but he will get the hang of it soon.

He has taken shots of things around the house. I'll post his actual shots soon - its pretty funny to see what he takes ... pictures of mommy, daddy, his favorite stuffed bear, the dust pan. They're mostly out of focus, but one thing at a time! I wanted to frame his 1st picture for his room, until I realized that it was one of me - just rolled out of bed and in the a living room that looks like a war zone. I've since decide a little album will do just fine.

But I think my favorite part of this trip was Reed's reaction to seeing people walking the trail behind us. He told them to "Stop! Say cheese!" and tried to take shots of them! I was SO proud!! They just giggled and kept walking - maybe next time!

Once we got to the Star Tower, he was more interested in the water then his camera. But that's okay. I was able to get a couple of shots of him that I like - everyone was happy!



Thanks for stopping by - God bless!

Waterfall Trail

Before all the rain started, we had made a trip over to the White Tanks to hike the Waterfall Trail. Its an easy trail that goes back to a natural cliff where water drains into a pool after it rains. There was a little bit of water when we were there, just enough for Reed to throw some rocks.

We were hoping Reed would walk but he gets pretty comfortable in the backpack. I guess that works out okay because we aren't ready for Reed v. cholla cactus just yet.

This hike was the 1st time Reed showed so interest in what we were shooting. He's since decided to adopt our old point & shoot (I'll post those pictures another time).

Randy always likes being out to shoot landscapes and it was fun to watch Reed climb around on the rocks. He's pretty fearless still. He learned this trip that if mommy isn't watching you when you jump, you might land on your face (read "might" as "will" if your name is Reed). Anyway, its a nice little walk and most of the trail is stroller accessible. We will definitely make a few more trips and probably pull the pop-up out there for a weekend some time soon!

Giggles in the Rain

We don't get much rain in Arizona. Seems like when we do, it's a LOT of it! Last year I got pictures of Reed sitting in a onesie on the porch in the rain. It was 80* even though it was raining!

This year since he's a little older, we decided to let him go play in the puddles. So, we bundled him up and brought a change of clothes.

When we got out of the car and told him to run in the puddles he acted like we were crazy! He said "No puddles, stop it" and took off for the play area.

He told me "No Momera!", which means no camera, no pictures, stop pointing the lens at me! Since he was shoo-ing the "mama-razzi" I figured, oh well! Maybe some other time ....

... but anyone with a toddler knows, it has to be THEIR idea! I was disappointed because I knew he would love the puddles but instead we played a game of chase ... which means I run away pretending to be afraid of him, then turn around and start clicking away as he catches up to me. A trick I learned because he refuses to look at the camera! I'll use it while I can ... either way - we are both having fun!

Soon enough I was able to get the shots we had come for! On the way back to the car we cut through the parking lot. A parking lot with TONS of puddles ... he couldn't resist! He was so involved with puddles that I don't even think he noticed the camera!

...and I was right in thinking he would LOVE the puddles! Good thing we brought a change of clothes. And let's not forget to thank the Lord for the rain ... and for little boys & puddles.

A Boy with stick, Mom with Camera, Family with Eachother

Welcome to my blog!

Since this is my first entry, let me introduce you to what we like to do as a family - photo walks. Sometimes we go to the park, the White tanks, but earlier in the week we went to one of our favorites places, B&M Preserve. There's lots to explore there and Reed (who turned 2 y/o in Sept) LOVES to run around there while we shoot.

We decided to go down just before sunset. Man, did it get cold quick! But we managed to get out without fishing Reed out of the water this time. While I'm taking shots of them, his daddy takes shots of the scenery, and Reed plays with rocks, bugs & sticks!

It was a nice time. I'm really excited that Randy got his own camera so we can both shoot. Reed is excited that daddy cares more about pictures of mountains then pictures of him. And Randy is excited to just get out into nature.

The Dept of Fish & Game has been doing a good job of cleaning the area up. It's much nicer down there then last year. You should go check it out, the parking lot is literally just below Phoenix Int'l Raceway. We're looking forward to spending more time there ... maybe start fishing for the new year!

...thanks for checking out my blog! I will be posting pictures from photo sessions soon! But feel free to check out my galleries or Facebook page (link top right). Thanks & God bless!