Park Thoughts on Spring Break

You know, I have sure enjoyed planning out and executing some cultural events this year.  But when it comes right down to it, for me, the unscheduled times are just as refreshing and oh so needed sometimes.

We enjoyed a day visiting my mom over spring break, and I lugged my camera along to an impromptu park visit.  I love that my kids love to play and be together.  Trust me, we still have our moments, but I have been pleasantly surprised as a mother at how well my kids get along.  I love that they were all choosing to play together in some of these shots.  And yes, I would love to know what is going on in their minds, especially as I look back on some of these photos.  :)

Maybe that is just it...we all need time to wonder.  I love that at one point someone in each one of these photos is in his/her own little world, just wondering about something!  When do we lose that?  One of the beauties of childhood is discovery, and I've decided that discovery is aided times a million when one is outside.  (Agree or not?)

So glad my kids haven't outgrown parks yet.  I sure haven't.

 Um, like this girl's thoughts ^^.  I am often wondering.

 This slide was so super fast!  But fun.

Oh yeah, and just to keep it real?  These photos don't capture how I had to ditch my shoes to sprint down the hill after my four year old, who suddenly decided to book it back to Grandma's (that girl can run!) while I called, shouted, shouted louder, shouted frantically louder for her to STOP!  I thought she couldn't hear me. A lovey-dovey couple in the park were staring at me as if I were possessed.  But I did catch her right before she crossed a busy road, whew!  And it turns out she heard me all along, she just wanted to go to Grandma's.  :)  Maybe she thought if she got within Grandma's radius she would be protected from all foul happenings, including her mother's.

If you enjoyed this, check out this beautiful family under some gorgeous magnolia trees in Central Park.  Ah. So weird, but I'm tempted to print a couple of these off and frame them they are so beautiful.

How about you?  Formal activities or informal ones?  Or both in different ways?

A First Photoshoot...Part 1

This lil' rookie photographer took out the kiddos for a photo shoot this summer.  I did it to surprise my husband for his 40th birthday.  The photos are really fun, though I wish I'd taken someone along for a little help!  The baby was just confused as to why I couldn't hold him.  We had to get creative.  I'm still learning so many things by trial and error but these are fun!  Enjoy.  Sorry, I know some are repeats and others are for a little comic relief.

 Kids trying to entertain E. so he wouldn't cry.  He was not very happy about all this.

 Tricky to get everyone to look at once.  But at least the baby is entertained by brother's mouth.

Dino Days

We enjoyed a gorgeous day out at a local Dinosaur Park with some friends before the snow hit.  I must apologize in advance for the sheer number of photos in this post.  I know, I know.  Sigh.  They are all just so cute.  Which would you cut out?  I especially love the ones with a big bro or sister helping out a little one.  I love it!  We went with some friends, mostly not pictured here, but you can see my oldest daughter pictured with one of her best friends in a couple of photos.  They are such good little buds. 

And to everyone and especially my other kids, I'm sorry for the disproportionate amount of baby in these.  Just know I love everyone equally, and I followed you all around gooing and gaahing when you were a baby too.  If in doubt, just ask your dad.  He was there, loving you too, and rolling his eyes at me.  :) 

 I love his little face in so many of these!  He looks SO happy.

 He is telling me how he and his little new buddies thought the giant fish under the water were pulling the ducks under.  Just smile and nod your head unless you want to argue.

Love these guys.