Divided attention

As I write this, I am watching RANGO! So far, it is a pretty cute movie.

We had a great time with Nichole, Dwayne, and the kids! I didn't get my camera out enough but I got a few shots. I did get some really cute shots of Caroline and Tempest playing with bubbles but those shots were taken with my phone. Besides playing bubbles, we tried to stay cool as the heat index reached 100+ degrees. The guys played golf and the girls were able to go wedding dress shopping with Sheena. Family visited, kids played in the pool, and I even was able to do a little shopping with Nichole! Below are some shots from our visit (sorry for the lack of family/people shots!!!)

Yesterday's photography session at Navy Pier in Chicago was educational, motivational, and fun! Capturing true emotion was able to refresh some things that I already knew and enlighten me to some aspects of photography and to some of my camera settings that I had not yet explored. I can't wait to put it all to the test as I start photographying things (Jude) around home. My two favorite pictures from yesterday...

The picture above was my first attempt at panning! I can't wait untill Jude is playing sports. With a little practice, I think I will be able to get some cool shots in the near future.

Alright RANGO, you have my full attention!

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun & Chasing an Infant!

Chasing Jude as he crawls around the house to ensure he doesn't reach the girl's food and water bowls, open the stove, fall backwards as he pulls himself up on everything, or fall face first into the mantle, has given me a glimpse of what life is going to be like when he is actually walking! Jude's army crawling started at the beginning of June. It didn't take long (3 weeks maybe) before he was in a full, belly-up crawl. Not only is he crawling but he says two distinct words... Bob and Dada! haha... I am sure he is just making noise at this point but we like to pretend he has an imaginary friend and can holler for Daddy!

Sleeping through the night? HA! He is still up for some snuggling (and eating) about 3 times each night. We tried the "crying it out" twice. It didn't work for us and we can't stand to listen to him get so upset. At least my body is used to getting up. At least I get to snuggle. At least I can sleep in the glider. Yes... I still have my rose colored glasses on!

Let me take those glasses off for a second and complain about one thing. Complaining is not something I like to do, however, time seems to keep moving faster. I can't believe my little man is going to be 1 year old in THREE months! CRAZY! There are so many things I want to do each night (relax), week (blog), month (date night), year (endless list)... so many places I want to go (South America, New Zealand, even just to the mall in Bloomington)... so many people I want to visit (Grandparents, parents, siblings, etc.), that I am not sure time is going to allow it - at least as soon as I want it. And if time does allow... I am not sure finances will. Sigh... :) On a lighter note... we will do what we can, when we can.

A final note and some pictures... then it is my bed time!

Final note: I am SUPER EXCITED about going to a photography class and "safari" this weekend in Chicago. My friend (Joe Young) and I are headed up to Navy Pier. This awesome deal was on Groupon. I can't wait. I am sure I will have lots of "big city" photos to post this weekend.

Last but not least, some pictures (of my best creation yet... and some other stuff)! This first photo is how Chad has successfully put Jude to sleep. He watches Daddy (sitting up) and eventually gets tired enough and rolls over and goes to sleep. Okay... this has only worked once or twice! But still AWESOME and adorable!

Story time with Aunt Kayla! (This book is fantastic... and humorous!)

Before he was on all fours, he was an army crawler. I wanted to put a T-shirt mop on him so he could clean my floors as he navigated around on the hardwood! haha...

He was all smiles in his first parade at Scibbles! I love how attentive he is in this photo! Your right... I love everything about this little man! :)

I should have some photos from our recent visit with Nicole and family next week - although I think I forgot to use my camera most of the time - we were too busy visiting! Those photos are still sitting on my memory card... and some on my phone. :)