Pulled herself up!

Elsie pulled herself up to standing for the first time yesterday.  Way to go Elsie!  I was getting her naky for bath time and she crawled over to the tub and got onto her knees, then feet, and was trying to climb into the tub.  Els loves her baths!  She did it again today on the wooden castle and got stuck.  She is also hands and knees crawling now.  

The afternoon light is so lovely in our living room, I just love that warm soft glow. 

Ft Stevens

We had a GREAT time out camping at Ft Stevens! The campground had lots of faults: sites too close together; way to close to civilization; expensive (27$ a night, geeze) and the worst, horrible mosquitos. But there were lots of postives too. Such a cool area, lots of historical things to see, great bike trails for when the kids are older, hiking trails directly across from us, free hot showers...and most importantly, Grandma Bev and Larry were there:-) That made it. More pictures to come. Here is Elsie enjoying her first meal outdoors at Grandma and Larry's site. Later I figured out how to anchor her highchair to the picknic table which was really handy.

Thanks to Rachael Myers Photography for the great, free templete and thanks to Pure Actions for Photographers for teaching me how to use a templete:-)
 

More from Olympia

We are gearing up for camping this weekend at Fort Steven's. Of course it is suppose to rain; but we will make the best of it:-) Here are some pretty portraits of the girls from memorial weekend. Love to all, B

Elsie bug

I stole this picture off my sister's blog:-)  Elsie with her cousin Laney, wearing similar outfits, and Katya squeezing herself into the photo!  Too cute. 

Elsie is taking more and more hands and knees crawling "steps."  She is climbing up onto low things, such as the bottom stair, or me laying on the ground (she likes to climb over me:-)).  She pulls herself up onto her knees and she is standing while holding onto things by herself, after we put her in the right position.  Good progress using those legs little one!  She is starting to consolidate her naps into one, but this will take months to really get down. 

Elsie LOVES being outside and hightails it toward any open door she sees.  Her very first camping trip in next weekend at Fort Stevens, OR!  We know it will be challenging but fun.  I am dying for my camping fix.  I hope the weather is okay...it was pouring rain this morning, after a really nice (and too hot) weekend.  Love to all, B

Our week, my obsession

It has been a fun, fun first week of summer for us Faulkner's girls.  On Tuesday we met up with my favorite Bozeman friend and his fiance and little boy at the zoo.  It was so awesome catching up and meeting his family; can't believe it has been almost 5 years since I have seen him!  Wednesday was Katya's last day of preschool (tear).  The little kids and I stayed the whole day at school to enjoy the luau party and field day activities.  Katya was so happy we were there.  On Friday we meet up with a friend and got to see there awesome new (old) house in NE Portland.  Such a cool place!  Amongst all that of course I have been editing, studying and learning. 

Facebook has been the most indispensable tool in my photograhy education thus far.  Through it I have found so many amazing photographers, blogs, tutorials, and conversations.  The conversations are not always positive, I see themes that seems to permeate the industry right now.  Negative and even mean comments about someones work, edict being discussed to combat this.  Image theft is another unfortunate topic.  And then the biggest issue, and the one that is most important to someone like me, is the over saturation of the industry; particularly with new photographers who are not ready to go into business.  I feel a twisty, panicky feeling in my stomach when I think about how many zillion people are trying to get into the business.  I am comforted by the thought that not all of them will succeed.  My early thoughts on this subject are confirmed and I am dedicated to really truly learning, and not going into business too soon.  I have found some really awesome and supportive photographers who do nothing but encourage newbies and pass on their knowledge. 

I have SO much still to learn, years and years worth of camera skills, editing skills, business knowledge, web design, posing...the list goes on and on.  And even if I never launch my own business, I love portrait photography so much, I can't see myself stopping!  I love it so much.  Thanks for "listening" and for supporting me in my dreams.  I will continue to use my private blog as a platform for learning and expressing my progress.

Baby Quinn

What a gorgeous family! Here is a sneak peak for Josh and Joanne of their beautiful baby girl. I had such fun meeting and photographing her. She has the most beautiful, creamy skin...such a pretty baby.

Weekend in Olympia

On the road to Olympia.

Larry and Reagan on the riding lawn mower (yes, it made me nervous).

Katya could live in the playhouse! She loves it so.

Sitting on the playhouse porch.

Katya loves being silly for the camera!

Elsie LOVED playing in the grass.

Levi enjoying the evening sun

We had such a great visit as always!  Grandma and Larry are always such great hosts.  We can't wait to join them for a night of camping at Ft Stevens in a few weeks!   

Elsie and Reagan's well child checks

Last week was Reagan's 3yr and Elsie's 9 month well child checks that had to be rescheduled over a month ago.  Reagan is 28 lbs and 36 inches, under the 20th percentile for both.  Elsie is 21 lbs and 30.25 inches, 87th and 95th percentiles.  My mini toddler and giant baby:-)  I love them so stinking much!  Both kids checked out fine.  Elsie is behind the curve with gross motor skills because she is not weighting her feet much or pulling herself up.  I am not worried about it.  She is getting around like crazy, and up and down for sitting like a pro; she will get around to standing when she is ready.  I scheduled another ultrasound on Reagan's lymphangioma for the end of July.  It has been on Craig and my mind a lot, still a source of fear for us, and we would like Dr. Hayden to check it a little sooner than later.

Much love, Brenda

COC ceremony part 2

Feedback

I posted a poll at the top of my blog about names for my photography buisness. For some reason the question is not appearing above the answer options...but it is pretty self explanitory.  I would apprichaite the feedback! I am working on designing some buisness cards, therefore I really need to pick a name and stick with it:-)  A majority of photographers just use their own name, but I am not sure about that.

Also, I am wondering if anyone besides Craig thought the line, or bar through baby L's picture on my header was a mistake.  It was not:-), but if many people think that then I should do some work to revamp.  Thank you all very much!  I will get back to posting COC pictures soon, and a post about our fantastic visit in Olympia last weekend.