The Minnesota Zoo

We headed to the Minnesota Zoo last week for one last time before the summer comes to an end.  We will still go during the fall and winter but it was nice to head there one more time before school starts.

The Minnesota Zoo is so much fun and there is so much to do there besides just see animals.

They have a splash area where the kids can run around at get wet.  We normally bring their swim suits but this time they went in their clothing.  They also have a few different play areas and we usually stop at both and let the kids run around.

There are so many fun exhibits and so many animals to see.  We actually caught the bird show this time and the kids love it.  They love seeing all the different birds.

We usually always bring a lunch with us because really the food is not that great at all and it is super expensive.  We do however always get a treat and it is almost always dip and dots.  I love dip and dots and you can't get them at very many places.

We spend about 3 or 4 hours there and that is enough time.  We usually can only do the indoor trails or the outdoor trails in that time.  It would take all day to do the entire zoo and the kids just do not have the energy for it and either do I.

I also love being able to capture pictures there and just enjoy time with the kids, my mom and the animals.

I am sure we will be back sooner then later!!  Letting the kids run and get all the energy out is worth the drive and time!

Why This Face

Why Do You Think Avin Is Making This Face?

Only Because She Tried A Ring Pop!

( Alex insisted she tried it and I didn't argue )

Wordless Wednesday

I NEED YOUR HELP!

I took a mini photo shoot of the girls and I need help picking out images for my new header.  You can go here and check them out.  The password is classic!

I do ask that you have your flash player updated.  There is a virus going around the internet and I do know that if your flash player is not up to date you can get it from this site.  All my clients use this site and I have only had 2 issues out of the last 10 or so shoots I have done.  So I just wanted to warn you before I sent you somewhere and got your computer in a mess.

Coming To An End

Lake Season is coming to an end.  We have not even been to the lake that often this summer and it seems like every time we aren't there the weather is perfect but every time we go the weather is just all right.  

It is hard with Chad working on Fridays and Saturdays and with me shooting weddings to get there often.  I wish we could make it there 2 times a month and we might have to try and do that next summer as the girls ( mainly Alex ) is really starting to enjoy the lake and all the activities to do there and spending time with family. 

 

We got some cute pictures of the girls by the little try that we are trying to grow.  Not really sure how much it is growing but it is still living.  

I love taking pictures of the two of them.  I love having two girls.  I love having sisters.  I am loving watching them grow up.  I am loving watching their bond together grow.  I love watching Chads bond between the two girls.  I love everything about these two girls.

Avin is so strong, and her smile lights up a room.  She is determined and loud.  I love when I am in another room and I can hear her talking to herself or her toys.  She loves to be where the action is and she loves watching the kids play.  She is sitting up all on her own now and she loves it.  She loves being able to look around and play with her toys. 

Alex is sassy but sweet.  She is active and an outdoor girl.  She loves being around people and is always looking for something to do.  Her has the most stunning eyes in the world.  She can always make us laugh with the crazy things she says and she lights up our world.

These girls are our world and we are so lucky to have them in our lives and as our daughters.  I love watching them grow as I said before and being at the lake with them is amazing.  We are lucky to have a lake place to go to and have all these fun toys and family to spend time with.  I love that they are exposed to jet skis and boats and water at suck a young age. 

Too Bad It Is All Coming To An End.

 Fall Is Just Around The Corner! 

( isnt alex so cute taking pictures of her sister )

Perfect Props

As a new photographer I am always looking for and thinking of new ways to use or find props.  I got his idea in my head to use nursery wall letters as a prop.  I got in contact with Julie at Pint Sized Designs and we worked together to figure something out.  Usually when I get an idea in my head it never works out but Julie is great and she gave me a few different ideas and we decided to go with something that would work great with both a boy or girl and would really pop in black and white photos.

I am in love with this picture!!  

It took me 4 newborn shoots and this amazing sleeping baby to capture these images.  Its not easy placing wooden letters on a sleeping baby with out waking him or her but this little man was PERFECT and FAST ASLEEP!

I also love this picture with the hands above.  Perfect for adding the mommy and daddy's hands into the babies photograph in a different and unique way.  It took me awhile to figure out how I would hang them but this came to my mind and I love the idea.  No need to make it look like they are floating when you can have mommy and daddy's hands in the picture. 

It takes a perfect sleeping baby to use these but in a way that is perfect because I don't want to use the same props in every picture. I love how these turned out and I can't wait to use them again on another sleeping baby.  

Thank you Julie for working with me and being patient while I waited for a baby like him.  I love the letters and I only wish every baby that came into my life had their name or initials on letters like these.  Makes a picture personalized and is great for framing or hanging on their wall.

If you know someone having a baby or in need to wall letters for their child please check out Julie at Pint Sized Designs.  Not only is she great to work with and has great ideas but she is also extremely patient. 

Swimming Lessons

The past 3 weeks and this week to come Alex has / had swimming lessons.  

We switched to a new location and love it.

It is a 0 level entry pool and I don't have to go in with her.  She has about 12 kids in her class and two teachers.  She has grown so much and is actually learning.

When she started swim lessons she would not put her head under water. She also wouldn't jump into the water and allow her head to go all the way under.  As you can see above she has past that stage and now allows her head to go all the way under.  

She is also comfortable with blowing bubbles and putting her head down in the water.

She is truly enjoying swimming lessons.

She is learning the front float and how to use her feet to help move her body.  She is doing so well the teach doesn't need to help her. I am pretty sure Alex told her not to help her and that she can do it on her own.

She is learning the back float.  This took her a little while longer as she didn't like the feeling of her ears in the water. She is doing so well now and really improving.

Daddy and Avin come to watch.

They get to play different games.  Some of the games are red light green light, hokey pokey, and diving after things.

She has made is so proud and I am so glad that she is in swimming lessons.

At the end they get to slide down the slide.  Alex also loves to play in the tunnel and just hang around.  The water is shallow that we don't have to worry so much. You might notice Alex friend Mya is in class with her as well ( she is in the zig zag suit ).

To see Alex excited about something.  To listen to her talk about swimming lessons and what she likes or has learned is worth it all.  

We will hopefully be signing her up for another Lesson.  Registration starts in September.  To us swimming lessons are so important and are a must.  Every child needs to learn how to swim and the right ways to swim.  I am just glad she is enjoying it.

Alex favorite things about swimming lessons are : jumping into the water, going under water ( she always wants her teachers to watch her ) and going down the slide.