There’s not much better than vacation, but now that school is in full swing, we have to cram our entertainment into our weekends. Admittedly, some weekends are spent just chillin’ in the house, but not this last weekend. This past weekend was a busy one for the kids.
Our daughter has gotten very interested in tennis. She was excited to try out her new tennis skirt. 
Tennis is serious business.
The dude isn’t really into tennis, though. As you can see, he’s sporting his bike helmet. Not because we’re afraid he’ll get whacked by a rogue tennis ball, but because, for the most part, he was ridin’.
And she was playing and practicing.
She worked up a sweat. Can you see the beads on her cute nose?
Daddy needed a turn on the bike.
And then the little guy contemplated how on earth he was gonna get up those stairs.
That was Saturday.
Then Sunday rolled around, and I somehow got conned into taking them to the park on a hot day at noon.
Glad I did. We had fun.
Biking was a serious adventure that day.
At least my daughter could manage a giggle.
Maybe we should try the swings to see if we can get the little guy to lighten up….
I’m not sure it’s possible for my kids to be unhappy on swings.
Poor guy. He looks so miserable….
Time to leave the park, and gosh, they gave me quite a gift at the end of our park adventure. I’ll show you in a bit. But first, I’ll show you the reward I got them for being so nice to their mama.
Cold Stone Creamery.
And because my car was dirty, and my kids love the car wash….
And why did they get ice cream? This is why. Look at this. I haven’t gotten a picture of the two of them smiling AND looking at the camera AND holding each other in a long while.
So there you have it. Our weekend. This Life Story was the last of the series. We started last October and have made it full circle. In case you don’t know what this Life Stories thing is about, I’ve been participating in a blog circle with other amazing photographers from around the globe for the past year. Every month, we share images about our own family. It’s a chance to be sure we’re taking the time to capture our own moments. I have LOVED this year. Loved it. I have learned how to capture my family doing what we do without forcing them to pose for me. I have practiced shooting in less than ideal portrait lighting. All the pictures shared in this Life Story were shot from around noon to 2pm. Not the best light, as most photographers prefer to shoot in either morning or evening light, but still, it feels good to know I can shoot in it and still create images that I love.
I’m not sure I’m going to continue this project. I want to. We’ll see if I can find the time…. Do you think I should?
Next up, from down under, is Liat Biderovsky of Lee Bird Photography! Click on her link and see her amazing Life Story and follow the links at the end of each post to make your way full circle. You’re in for a treat!
You can follow me on Facebook where I’m usually better at posting pictures. Thanks so much for looking!
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She loved her pink hat. It matched her pink sunglasses….
She was a girl that could be sassy, serene, silly.
Sometimes, when she was thinking, she would hold her hands just like this.
But one thing was for sure. She took her mommy’s breath away.
Again and again.
And again….
Her mommy looked into her daughter’s big brown eyes, and with just the briefest glimpse, everything was right with the world.
Everything.
Sometimes, when her mommy looked at her, she saw a little girl.
But with just the slightest shift in perspective, she would realize that her little girl was growing up…
…she still was a little sad.
“What’s the matter, Mommy?” she asked, peering earnestly into her mommy’s eyes.
“”Oh, sweetie,” said the mommy forlornly, “will you still love me when you’re older?”
And started to giggle….
And then really started to laugh laugh laugh!
“You’re so silly! Of course I’ll always love you, Mommy!” she said sweetly, hugging herself. “Always and forever.”
This age is a perfect age for a session for your growing child! They are learning to express themselves as they begin to emerge into the person they are becoming. If it’s not obvious, I love photographing this age and would love to help you freeze your child at the age they are right now.
We were sort of expecting it to be warm, but it wasn’t. The rest of us smarties packed a jacket, but the hubs didn’t have anything. We DID however, have a pink and white striped towel in the car that not only provided warmth, but clearly, is a huge fashion statement. And the hubs just OWNED it. Work it, baby. Work it.
Trees are cool. See all those light green leaves? Those are the new growth for this year. Every year, a Redwood tree grows a new leaf, and so you can count back from the front of the branch to see how old the branch is. See how all the knowledge I collected in my years as a camp counselor is paying off? And of course, trees also have a new growth ring every year. I dig trees.
Hello…. My name is Laura. And I’m a sucker for sunflare.
This red crested woodpecker was having a really good time.
And this woodpecker appears to be stalking its prey….
My husband always creates the best games for the kids. His creativity in play always impresses me! This one was simple enough…. pick a leaf, and on the count of three, drop it in the creek, and see which leaf gets to the chosen destination first. I think my daughter won this one. She loves daddy’s games.
But I’m pretty sure my son won this one. He’s so intense. I love that.
And then he looked over at me… and for just a moment, the world stood still. I love that man.
The kids spotted a heron in the creek. It was pretty cool to watch. It was hunting for fish and just continued down the creek for quite some time. Beautiful bird.
And maybe I’m alone here, but does anyone else think that E.T. should phone home? I want some Reeses Pieces.
So, there you have it. Our story of our trip to Muir Woods. We had a great time and were just a little bit sad to leave.
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