My Camera, My Friend

So, I need to test the limits of my new toy, and what better subject than the cutest baby in the entire world?

I of course messed with the settings, settling upon a few favorites. I highly enjoy the natural light and raw settings, although I have yet to perfect the use of the white light filter.

I must admit that I am a bit bummed with my monochromatic filters.




I would so love to allow accent colors into the photo because I am abysmal at post-editing as of now. However, I do like that I can adjust sharpness, contrast, tint, and filters (without actually have filters), with the digital settings.




























I am also quite fond of the settings for portraits, landscapes, etc.





Since, Mac is way better than grass, I chose to play with color settings and flash versus natural lighting. All in all, I am quite pleased with my clingy little subject.

If I only had a working tripod and remote, then life would be... well, full of thousands more pictures.

Ode to my friend Jen

It's funny that she always knows what to say to make me laugh...(La Parada de autobuses)

Or feel better...(Well at least you didn't...)

She seems to understand what I am saying, even though what I mean is more of a feeling, and I can't wrap words around it...(no, no, I totally get what you mean, it's just like...)

Our worlds seem to run parallel to each other, whether she is near, or far...
She is one of the most humble people I know, and one of the most complimentary (Kirsten, you are not as big as a bus, look at all those stairs you climbed! You're super woman.)

She makes herself sound amazing while putting herself down, I love our hour long conversations! And the updates bout her mom...(Only I would think of something as stupid as... It's not totally dumb, is it? How is that book coming?)

She would be my hero if I I asked... (I felt like punching her in the face, because I knew that's not what you wanted... I almost shouted at the woman! I would watch all of your babies if we lived there... I told her that she's my friend, and I don't want to hear what she has to say about you.)

Weirdos are strangely attracted to her... (your baby is so pretty... {the crack and the heat done got to that one})

Every time I walk into my baby's room, I think of her...

Everything is embarrassing to her, even though she shouldn't be embarrassed...(baby shower, passing out in Salt Lake City Temple, Bearing your testimony about me giving birth, talking about Sarah Palin to people who love her...)

Oh Jen, the stars shine a little brighter on days I talk to you.

The hostages have been released...

Enjoy!

Whirlwind...

So, in the whirlwind of the new year, we seem to have done so much already. I cannot believe that January is almost over. We rang in the new year with some Martinelli's.
He FINALLY got his haircut. He actually looks like a cute little boy now.
I am so glad to be gone with the mullet...





Though I seem to have misplaced the bag of hair that I want to put in the "to scrapbook" box.
His new haircut is too cute for words. I did it on new years day because Tim said it had to wait for the new year. Not a moment too soon, I say.

His poor cousin is also in dire need, but I think they will wait for th one year mark. Mac and Jamie seem to enjoy playing with each other. Malcolm is especially enjoying showing off his almost walking skills. And definitely loves all that roll and have wheels.


We also enjoyed a bit of time with the family at the aquarium. The world is so sweet through a baby's eyes. And big too! So after seeing all that water (oh, and my husband is holding all the REALLY cute aquarium pictures hostage, so I am so sorry that these are all I have to show), we had to hop in the bath!

And of course, I cannot leave out my birthday present, which is a whole month early. MY new camera takes fantastic pictures! I am stoked. World, look out, here I come. Ready, shoot, aim.

To Tahoe we will go!

Oh,

the joys of travel. We enjoy it so, especially when we have 4 wheel drive and snow tires.

It was a frigid 4 degrees outside, and let me tell you, sitting on an outdoor toilet at that climate makes for a quick stop. The snow was so high, at our stop that my dad was extolling the virtues of snow camping, and under snow tunnels and forts. It looked like fun to me, but I'm not sure














my mom would have taken the bait. But we still enjoyed the travel. I know that it's hard to see Mac in the picture in front of the snow bank because he's camouflaged, but trust me, he is living it up in his snow suit!
Once at the cabin, Malcolm's first discovery was the radio, which he was quick to turn on and turn all the way up so he could dance. I could not believe that he figured out the CD player so fast. My child is incredible, and way to smart. So, every night we took turns watching what mischief he could discover, and getting in the hot tub which was outside. That's right, you heard me, we made the trek into 0 degree weather just for some steamy fun, and oh was it worth it.














So, the next day was skiing, and fun lodge time with the baby, I think that the pictures speak for themselves...

We also enjoyed taking Malcolm for a spin in the sled, and building mini-snowmen everywhere.





































We had so much fun this trip, and we played and played for days. But, by the time we left Malcolm was a pro at travel, and aside from our flight being delayed, and then our bags not meeting us on the return trip, I think that all and all, this was one of our best trips EVER.