Friday, July 30, 2010

Birthday pictures

Here are the best shots from Katya's photo shoot yesterday. I am happy with the composition, the locations and outfits but I am not happy at all with the clarity of the photos. I feel they all have a soft focus which I am not a fan of. Part of the issue is that I am not the most steady and I find the tripod to cumbersome. Also, I was having to use pretty slow shutter speeds because of the lighting. I can be pretty hard on myself and I need to remember that I am a complete novice and I will get better with practice!! I would like to start doing some shoots for family and friends to get practice. I LOVE photograhing kids! It is really gratifiying to capture the precious moments that go by so fast as our kids grow up before our eyes.

I am looking forward to Katya's party tomorrow!! Wish ALL our family could be here. Love to all, Brenda
















Thursday, July 29, 2010

Katya's Birthday!!!!

Our baby girl is 3 today!!!! Wow! What a wonderful 3 years it has been. We are so crazy about this kid, she is everything. I am absolutly loving watching her grow up and learn and become who she is. What an honnor it is to be her mom. Here are a few pictures from the last photo shoot. I will be doing another shoot with her over the next few days...I hope I get some as good as these!


Friday, July 23, 2010

Rosey pictures

The girls and I had a fun picnic lunch at Washington Park's rose garden this week. It was a long week, settling back into the grind. We are so glad that we have Tahoe to look forward too...I am ready for more camping! Enjoy your weekend everyone.








TWINS!!!!

I still can't wrap my brain around this announcement that Ryan and Shannan are expecting twins!! We knew they were pregnant when out camping but they were keeping it between family and close friends until their first OB appointment. That was yesterday and the confirmation ultrasound reviled two healthy looking babies with beating hearts! The doc is pretty confident based on the ultrasound that they are fraternal twins. Ryan called us with the news and is still pretty much in shock himself. CRAZY! Please keep the Ross family in your prayers!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Twin Harbor camping

Why does vacation always go by SO fast?! We had a ton of fun. Katya was THRILLED to be camping and to have her cousins to play with (the Ross's are family). Just being out camping was such a fix that I needed, it has been too long! The girls did really great. The first night of sleeping was pretty rough but the second and third night went really well. I am SO thankful that Reagan is a good sleeper, I cannot believe some of the screaming she slept through.

The most comical part of that night was shortly after I left the tent for the second time (giving Reagan back her blanket that Katya took and telling Katya to let her sister sleep). Poor Reagan was so exhausted, she quited down after being woken and kept up by her sister; then out of the quiet we all heard her cry and say, "Ni-Nite!" in the most tragic voice. I went into the tent and discovered Reagan sitting in the corner of her pack and play bawling and Katya sprawled out in the rest of the crib. Katya was naked except for her diaper. After rectifying that situation they both fell asleep but Katya woke up a few hours later and cried inconsolably for at least 30 minutes. By the grace of God Reagan slept through it.

I am REALLY excited for our Tahoe epic camping trip in August now that we have this one under our belt! Both kids just loved being outside all the time. The weather was cold but that did not keep Katya and Addison from getting in their bathing suits and enjoying the water. It was GREAT spending time with everyone, especially the Ross's who we don't see enough of. Payton is getting so tall and is such a big girl! She is so sweet and snugly and got along well with Katya.

I was not too happy with how my pictures turned out over all but at least they documented our fun trip. There were a few good ones.


The dogs got to run on the beach which was so fun for them!

Ryan setting up his kite. Payton did a good job of holding onto it! I was impressed.


Fun in the sand!





This was first trip down to the beach...didn't bring Katya's bathing suite but she managed to get pretty wet.

So she ended up wearing Craig's sweatshirt back to camp. She loved her 'daddy dress.'

Here is the gang, minus the photographer and Reagan, at Westport (just a few miles from our campground)

I love this picture of Payton by the docks!

Katya in Westport. We went to a little aquarium and walked on the docks.

We went out to lunch and had FABULOUS Bloody Mary's...though we were pretty full after drinking/eating them!

Tarter sauce mayhem. Yeah, we discovered Reagan likes tarter sauce a little bit.

Addison, Shannan and Payton...I love these girls!

It wouldn't be camping without hot coco by the fire.

Someone had the brilliant idea of bathing the girls in this kitchen gear tub! Payton and Addison fussed through their turns but not Katya! She lounged!


The next day Katya joined Addison to make bath time more fun! I can't belive the fit in there:0)


So cute! They love each other (Reagan had a bath too but the pictures didn't turn out).

Addison enjoying mac and cheese.

Those baby blues!

Reagan ate a lot of meals standing up! In fact she was on her feet a ton this trip...holding onto the picnic tables or chairs. She would seriously entertain herself for 40 minutes walking around the tables, ice chests and storage bins.

She has gotten much steadier on her feet! The big smile and up turned had is for standing unsupported which she was just doing.

Payton has the most GORGEOUS hazel eyes.

Payton and her mommy.


The trip was much needed r&r...even though a lot of work. Can't wait to do it again!

A final note...for those who have not done so... I am trying to win a "Cutest Kid" contest by a local photographer on facebook. We would get a free one hour session and credit towards prints. PLEASE VOTE!!!! You need to become a fan of Bean and Sprout Photography and then vote by leaving a comment under Katya's picture on the contest photo album. You can only vote for once, and for one picture! THANK YOU!!! I cancelled Katya's professional shoot to save money but I am nervous to do it myself.