Air Force Thunderbirds

(Note: If you are already subscribed to my family blog, sorry...this is a dup posting :)...michelle)

This weekend is the Travis AFB Air Show. We didn't want to venture out to the base today with the little guys, BUT we live close enough to the base to hear them fly by and SEE the action!

For the past few days, we have been listening to and enjoying them fly above us during practice.
Today, was the first day of the Air Show and as soon as we heard the "zoom", we ran outside and were treated with an awesome show! I was able to get a few really good shots of them mid-maneuvers.

My favorite from the day, though, is this one....



We had all gone inside already, but I heard the thunderous roar of the planes so I ran back outside with the camera and found them flying RIGHT ABOVE our house!!! SO EXCITING!!!!

Mystery Baby

I had the honors of photographing an ADORABLE baby recently. BUT because this was a suprise for mommy and daddy and they haven't seen the finished work yet, I am only going to show teaser photos.

First Day of School - Part 2

I think first days of school are meant to be torturous for parents. The kids always seem to do fine, while moms (and dads) worry about how they will fit in, whether or not they will cry, will they hate it, the list of "what ifs" is endless.

Monday was the 2nd time this month I had to experience "the first day of school". First with my 5 year old for kinder and now with my 2 year old for pre-preschool. (I am not sure exactly what it is called, but pre-preschool is appropriate.)

Fortunately, I do not have to leave him behind. I get to experience everything with him for the first 6 weeks. I think this is a great way to transition kids into the preschool environment. This way, he gets familiar with the school and the environment before I have to leave him by himself for a couple of hours a couple times a week. It doesn't mean it is easier (for me), though. He is only 2!

After the 6 weeks, my time in the classroom with him decreases. Instead of participating with him, I sneak into the observation room with the amount of time there slowly increasing as we get closer to the end of the 6 week session. At that point, he should be fully independent of me and in a "big boy" class.

Here is my big boy so excited to go to school!



I love the seriousness of his face. At the same time, he has a smirk that says "I'm so excited, but I'm trying to keep my cool".



He didn't hesitate to dive into playing. As soon as we entered the door, he was a blur heading for the free play area.



Recess time is always a hit. Cody found the coolest "ride" there.



He had a GREAT time at school and loves it! Today was his 2nd day and still no tears. I knew he would love it, but....he's still only 2! He's still my baby and I'm not ready to let go!!!!!!!

New Website

With much sweat (but no tears, thank goodness), a new and improved website has been created!

I am happy to announce that I have a new website in place - www.MRS-Photography.com.

Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Homework

DJ has been having a great time at school and is even upset that he doesn't have to go to school on Saturdays and Sundays.

The one thing he is eager about is homework. He receives the packet on Thursday and it is not due until the following Friday.

He knows this, but still is adamant about finishing it the day he receives it. He makes his mama proud!!! :)

Look at the concentration on his face!



I love them sausage fingers! :)

Cute Quote of the Week

I am borrowing this idea from Zak of Fun Day Photography. He recently started posting quotes from his little girl and that inspired me to start posting DJ's quotes. At 5, he sure has a lot to say. :)

Yesterday, while watching TV, a Lasik commercial came on. DJ asked me about Lasik and I explained to him it is the procedure that mommy had done to help her see better so that she didn't have to wear glasses. He then asked why his grandparents still wore glasses. I told him it was because Grandmas and Grandpas need to wear glasses to read since they are old. His response was "So does that mean you are getting glasses soon?"

Um...the last time I checked 35 was NOT old!!!!! :)

Discovery Kingdom

We recently had the opportunity to visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA (formerly Marine World). For the San Diegans, it is Magic Mountain meets Sea World.

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by this little cutie.



Sylvester was being silly and stole DJ's hat.



Movie Star Alert - Bugs and Daffy!!!!



I was so excited for Cody when I saw the Thomas the Train section. He loves anything train so this little section was right up his ally!



There is just something about flamingos that is so beautiful.



This is Valerie. She is one of the elephants that you can ride on. We had such an exciting adventure riding on an elephant!!!



Isn't this little guy a cutie?

Beautiful Sky

While at my son's swimming class yesterday, I looked up to see the most beautiful sky.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a "real" camera on me. So, I grabbed my Blackberry and snapped this picture.

The clouds look so beautiful and I like how the sun is peeking through the trellis.

School Days are Upon Us

The day I had been having anxiety about had arrived...

The first day of Kindergaten for my first born.

He was more ready for this day than I was. I couldn't sleep the night before and was in tears while he fell asleep early and slept so soundly.

He woke up that morning and exclaimed "I'm going to Kinder today!" I was excited for him, yet broken hearted for myself. Sure, I have one more left at home, but even my days with him home are numbered. He is scheduled to start his special ed preschool within a couple of weeks. I won't start talking about that, though, because the tears will start flowing!

DJ couldn't wait to go to school and even requested his "special occasion" hair style - spikey hair.

We decided that we would walk to school that day. He was all smiles about going to school!



He loved his new backpack.



When we dropped him off, my tears were flowing. I did not want to leave his classroom. He, however, was doing great and sat right down in circle time to listen to a story.

As soon as we got home, I got started on my special treat for him. What's a special occasion without a cake?





Today is the 4th day of school and he is having such a great time and looks forward to going every day. I hope he feels that way when he is in high school! :)

Today is also the first day of homework. He has been looking forward to this day since preschool (where he was disappointed that they never assigned homework).