Paxton isn't always wiggly

So my last post, I said that Pax wont sit still for me. This is not 100% true. He will if there is a sucker involved.

But usually I end up with something like this.

Or like this. (And yes, I know Kian is chewing on a sharpie, but he is sitting still isn't he?)

Everynow and then I get something I really like, like this (dang that stupid sharpie)

Or like this

And just in case you aren't digging the B&W:

My most willing subject...

When I am not playing with the kids or cleaning up something, I am learning about photography. Constantly. I am starting to dream in Photoshop. I am reading books, reading blogs, and listening to podcasts everytime we are in the car. This whole photography thing has been a passion of mine for years and years. I love the camera, and I love learning about it. I have been surprised to find that 80% of my pictures adhere to the rule of thirds. I am starting to see how light really effects shadows in a whole new way. I am really starting to find what I like, my special style. So lately I have been trying to figure out this whole aperture aspect. I understand what it is and what it does as far a reading goes. I understand how it effects the photographs I am taking. I am just trying to figure out how to use it to my advantage. A large aperture is awesome for taking pictures indoors in low light. It allows for a quick shutter speed which is a necessity when you have wiggly children. But it is also impossible to keep the photo in focus when you have wiggly children and a small depth of field.

Whatever right?

Point of the post is....
Kian is the only one who will sit still long enough for me to take his picute using a shallow Depth of field. Huh??

Kian doesn't move as much as Paxton. I love photography. The end.

Snow Times

It has been warming up in the high 20's and low 30's every few days, so Pax and I have been taking advantage of Kian's first nap to spend some time in the snow. We have been building lots of snow forts and igloos. It has been so nice to spend some time outdoors that it has really got us excited for summer to hurry and get here. We both have missed the long afternoons playing at the playground and exploring the great outdoors.

Snow Bunnies.

Now on to the important stuff. The first Monday of every month is Military Monday at Alyeska, the ski resort here (Right outside Anchorage). We have been able to take advantage of the FREE lift tickets twice. There is nothing we love better then spending the day together snowboarding (for free) in a few feet of fresh powder. Here are a few pictures we snapped the last two times.

The adventures of KiKi

My little Kian is a hoot. Always exploring. Always willing to let Mommy get out the big cyclops camera for a few pictures.


Here he is checking out Paxton's flashlight.

My Cartoon Junkie

Paxton LOVES LOVES cartoons. He would watch them everyday for hours on end if we would let him. There are a few days a week when I need to shower and Ty isn't home to keep him out of trouble so the TV becomes the babysitter. He doesn't mind one bit. In my photography studying, one book said that the light from the TV can make some interesting pictures. I thought I might as well try it out. I know Paxton didn't mind one bit and I think I actually got some photos with some sort of emotion in them vs. the normal "Why do I have to do this Mom?" look I normally get.

My project #1

I sleep with the best quilt in the world. Ty and I are one of those silly couples that sleep with separate blankets. He has his quilt from his Grandma and I have mine from my Nanny. I think I got it for Christmas when I was in Kindergarten, it might have been 1st grade. Either way, it is around 20 years old, and I have been sleeping with it nearly every night since then. I have done two major patch jobs on it, but the problem is that both of my boys love Mommy's blanket nearly as much as I do. The love to snuggle up with it, and there are many of nights when I even let them use it. So for the past few years I have been saving clothes that I don't wear anymore. I finally have cut them up and put them into another quilt. I figured the worn in clothes might make it soft like old trusty. So here it is.

The main blue and green colors are old scrubs from the hospital I use to work for. They have been washed and worn MANY MANY times!

My Two Turkeys.

It is impossible to get a good cute picture where they are both looking at me, or even in the same direction, or at the same distance from the camera, so one of them is not blurry. I can only persuade them so much, and I only have a small number of silly noises I can make.

Happy 8 Months Kian!

It has been 8 wonderful months (and 3 days) since little man entered our family. He brings so much joy and happiness to our lives. We couldn't be prouder to call him ours. He often gets called KiKi, Little Bubba, or from Paxton KIAAAAAAANNNN! He crawls, he climbs stairs, he stands, he cruises. He waits for you to turn you head and goes right for the things he knows are No No's. His giggle sounds like some sort of bird call. He is the WORST sleeper at night. Even worse than Paxton, that's really saying something there. He loves to cuddle and to be held. He is fascinated by every move Paxton makes and truly enjoys eating Paxton's artwork, crayons, transformers, and anything else Pax will leave on the floor for him. He has started eating table food this last week and is doing awesome. I couldn't tell you what in the world his favorite food is, because he loves it all. He has the hugest thunder thighs and softest cheeks. We sure love our littlest Laflan, and look forward to the joys he will bring to our family in the years to come!!