My kids want to go to college...tomorrow!

Between scheduled days off and this insanely cold weather, our kids have not gone to school on a Monday in the past six weeks. It's crazy!  (But it's definitely the right decision when we are having these sub zero temps).  Last Monday, we took advantage of a planned day off and went to visit one of our favorite college students.  We all met her through the theater productions they've done together at our local Park District.  There's a sweet, little love affair going on between the three of them that is fun to see.  This was my kids' first visit to college and the first time they got a full understanding of what it would be like to go away to school.

After arriving, it was time for lunch. We gave them the option of going out to eat or heading to the school cafeteria. They chose the cafeteria as that sounded much more exciting and new.

It was a very short walk. Just the next building over.

Hanging out in the cafeteria. They got lots of smiles from all the workers - clearly, they weren't the normal diners they see every day!

After lunch, we drove around campus to show my munchkins some of the other buildings, the Student Union and where classes were held.  I, of course, made them all get out of the car for a 2 minute photo shoot.

Such goofs!

We then made our way to Starbucks to hang out for a bit.  

Finally, we headed back to the residence hall to hang out in her room for a bit.  The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever and had lots of fun on the bed and under the bed and they tried to find ways to not have to leave. 

It was so high she had to jump up on to the bed.

I think they could have hung out all day.

Had to get a sock photo. My daughter has started mismatching her socks.  I wonder where she gets that from?!?

Oddly enough, these 2 girls have matching baby dragons AND matching Princess Castle Clocks.  Oh it makes me laugh.

We had such a fun visit.  As we left, my kids said, "That was SO cool. We want to go to college tomorrow."  I informed them that first had to graduate from high school, which they offered to do the next day. Thankfully, it doesn't work that way as this mom is nowhere near ready to see her babies head off to college. But, I'm glad to know they'll be looking forward it.

Winter and Weeds

If anyone knows how to properly dress in cold weather, it's my husband. In light of that, we've been going on family hikes this winter, regardless of how cold it is.  I believe, on this day, it was about 18 degrees.  With all the layers we had on, I can assure you, not one of us was cold.   We keep finding new places to explore, walking sticks and my camera in tow.  And, for this photographer, there's nothing quite like photographing weeds in the winter. Weird but true.

On our way to explore

Such cool shadows

Our fearless leader.

Looking up...

...at this!

My sweet peas.  Can't let the whole hike go by without at least one shot like this!

Weeds

and more weeds!

Gorgeous light!

My little hiker!

Queen of the trees, as she dubbed herself!

It's all in the details.

The lone leaf.

Go get your snow pants and snow boots on!  So many beautiful things are out there, waiting to be seen!

Coffee, friends and cameras

If you have spent any time with me, chances are my camera has been along for the ride.  It's especially true when I hang out with other photog friends.  I'm so thankful that most everyone is used to me snapping away, no matter where we are or what we are doing!  Today was no different.  I met my fabulous friend, Tonya (who took the amazing Indy photos a couple of weeks ago) for a brief coffee date. Her adorable little daughter was also in tow!

I spend quite a bit of time at Starbucks as I prefer to be out and about and around other people (even if I'm not talking to them) rather than always sitting at home doing my work, editing, follow ups, etc.  However, I had a craving to go to a more independent, local coffee shop today and Tonya had a great place in mind!  It's called The Wicked Good Cafe and was just perfect!

Loved the teapots lining the shelves. This was also the first shot I took with my favorite lens, after shattering the lens filter and having it fixed yesterday. Phew. So glad it worked!

Beautiful light in the house!

Seriously, how cool is this coffee?

Turns out, even coffee shots can be photobombed!  :)

Tonya's special chalk artwork.  Must. Be. Captured.

I do believe we could have photographed the coffee and the drinking of the coffee and the designs of the coffee all day long. (this is my official Project 365 shot for the day!)

BUT...we moved on...to much cuter things.  Such as little people and mommy snuggles and kisses.

Who could resist this face? Not me. Or my camera.

Sweet girls!

What every mom loves!!!

Kiss. Kiss.

No better place on Earth!

Thank you for such a fun and enjoyable morning, my friend!  Let's do it again soon.

-15 degrees = No School!

For Christmas, I got this awesome new toy called a Gorilla Pod.  Looks pretty cool, huh? The legs are totally flexible so I can attach this thing pretty much anywhere.

What's a photog mom to do as we head into WEEK 3 of Winter break (thanks to this insanely cold weather) but pull it out and have some fun at home?!?!  I attached it to the footboard on my bed, grabbed a remote and had some fun!  My kids are always such willing subjects and for that I'm truly grateful!  So, we all piled on to my bed and this is what happened. The first one is my "official" Project 365 shot for today!

Lots of giggling ensued!

A fleeting calm moment...and I do mean fleeting.  

My beautiful sweet girl!

She got into a giggling fit over a funny photo I took of her. 

This was taken just after doing flying leaps on my bed.  See - the calm was fleeting!

A boy of many faces.

And,  I had to throw in one selfie, as long as the remote was out.

Good use of a full inside day!