Homework week 4...

This post is bittersweet! It is my last photography class assignment..."to go out and take pictures, pictures, and then some more pictures"

So I will forewarn you...I posted several. I realized some of them are out of focus or the lighting isn't quite right. I included them, so that you would know, even though I've had 4 whole classes(note the sarcasm). I am still figuring out what setting works best in which situations. Honestly I think this is something I will always "be working" on. I am hopeful though, that as I keep taking pictures, maybe...just maybe I'll get better at it. Oh, and I also noticed as I was editing pictures, I should have cleaned my lens...so don't look too close :-)

We are starting off with Awana game night...the kids had a blast. They played games for candy, but if they could say the Bible verse assigned to the particular game then they got a cool prize...Bible, stuffed animal, harmonica...and so much more.

Can you see my little "Sparkie" in the sea of crazy??? (Tenley is part of the Sparks club this year)

 I didn't catch these characters names, So I'm calling them Happy and Bubbles...

 Miles was so proud of his stuffed panda. (He is still in the Cubby Club)

 He wanted to jump in the bouncy house and didn't think he should have to wait like everyone else...it's hard to be a big boy sometimes.

Next we move on to Laura's and Will's wedding. Their wedding was beautiful, I'm so glad we made the trip.

Syd was running around all over the place before the wedding started. Who am I kidding she was running around before, during, and after the wedding. But at least she stayed quite while she was wondering around  :-)

 ATTITUDE...

"See Syd, this is a horse...it's what I'm asking Santa Claus to bring me for Christmas"

One of my favorites...I was going for a somewhat silhouette look. I love the way the light is hitting Laura's face. She looks so happy and content.

 I love the look on Syd's face! She is clearly wondering what's going through her Daddy's mind. "Does he thinks it's weird that I'm eating cheese & strawberries together?", "Is he tired?", maybe "He's sad cause I didn't offer him a bite" Little does she know...he is just trying not to be in the picture...

 The two that started it all...Granddad & Grandma (60 years strong) What a wonderful example they are...we love you both!!

 Miles and his cowboy boots were a huge hit at the wedding...He has just recently started tucking his pants into his boots. It's drives me nuts...maybe that's why he does it!

 Listening to the toast...

 K.I.S.S.I.N.G....

 I really like this picture for several reasons...

 A beautiful home...

 What can I say...Apparently Jazz music makes her want to move...

 ...and grove!!

 So made for each other!!! I said smile...they heard make a silly face(I guess that means they are still kids at heart :-)) I love it!!

 See now they cooperated! So sweet!

 BEAUTIFUL!! Huge eyes...and I think she is telling me, "you got to pucker up your lips like this...."

 Fresh flower center piece...their wedding was so elegant.

It was at this point I realized Goose was done chasing kids. Time to put the camera away. Take the kids back to the hotel and get some rest...

So sad...she didn't want to leave. She was having a blast...poor kid!

 Trying to take the kids picture as we were leaving was probably not one of my best ideas, but the scenery was gorgeous...I had to try! The only shot where they were all "kind of" looking my way. Then Syd bolted...again!

 Tenley was more than happy to pose for me...It was so sweet watching her, she felt very pretty all dressed up.

 Miles just wanted to sit on the tree, so if he had to smile for the camera...so be it!

 Cartoons and a warm bed...I think yes!!!

 At the brunch for Laura and Will. Just so you don't think we forgot them. Johnny had just left to go home and Tom didn't get to make it, or they would have been in the picture too.

 Syd having a little fun on Grandpa's shoulders...not really sure why she is covering up his face with her dress though...

 Grandpa and Grandnanna had an excellent time in Hawaii...it was a fast trip, but well worth it! Just kidding, but the palm trees in the background could make it believable...right?

 I think by this point Granddad was tired of me taking his picture, but I couldn't miss this Kodak moment...Granddad & Grandson.

3 Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf...

Halloween 2011...To say that Miles and Syd were not cooperating for this photo shoot, would be a huge understatement. Goose and I actually considered just taking Tenley trick or treating and leaving Miles and Syd with Grandpa and Grandnanna.

You can't really tell, since I'm struggling with Syd to take the picture, but Stansell Baby #4 dressed up as "little pig #3". I know, a year early, but 2 little pigs and the big bad wolf, just doesn't make any sense.

Tenley was our little Halloween trooper this year. She tried to help get the kids to take their picture. She was so proud of her outfit. Every time we got out of the car she made sure that she had her ears and nose. She also made sure that Miles and Syd had theirs.

Trick or Treat...Smell my feet...Give me something good to eat. Tenley sang this so much that by the end of the night, Miles knew it by heart.

A little break at Grandma and Granddads for some of the yummy spoils.

Little stinker...you can look at her shirt and tell she was snacking before we even got to Grandma and Granddad's.

The kids(all of them) ended up having a really good time. We trick or treated the square, several family members, and we took the kids to a Halloween party just for them(Miles' Sunday school teacher threw for her SS kids). They collected more candy than we even know what to do with. 

It was a LONG night, but considering last year it was broke up into 3 different nights. I think I prefer the fast, slightly stressful, rush, and then over one-nighter!!

Sadly, I think this is the last year the kids are going to be so sweet about me planning the "themed" costumes. Miles kept telling me, "Ok this year I'll be a wolf, but next time, I'll be a super hero, and alsoly(that's his made up word, but it's too cute when he says it, I just can't correct him) Spiderman. Maybe, he'll at least let me make his costume. I have so much fun doing it! It's just my way of making it original.

Until next year...The end...