Collin Days

Collin wanted me to take pictures of him riding his bike around on the street the other day. So I took my camera out and plopped down on the curb to watch and record.
All of a sudden I realized that I had the most beautiful view... right across the street! While our little rental home does not have much to offer in ways of landscaping, the two houses across from us sure do!



So I sat there and marveled at my view, when all of a sudden Collin popped in front of my camera, reminding me of what I was supposed to be photographing!!

how we spend our weekends

While some weekends mean work for me, most of the time we spend our weekends bike riding, going to parks, having movie nights and spending lots of time with family.
Joe's Farmhouse Grill and Coffee Shop is our "spot"
It's where I meet my parents, Chris and Kelsey for coffee on weekends and some weekdays. It is also where I have done my last few photo shoots.
Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying breakfast at Joe's.
Joe's has quite an interesting story and concept. Check it out sometime. http://www.joesfarmgrill.com





We often get together for lunch or dinner at the parent's house or Chris and Kelsey's. Every now and again we meet out somewhere... this past weekend we met at one of my favorite restaurants, Cantina Laredo


It has been a real treat to live by Tim's parents and my parents and brother.
We are enjoying it immensly!!

Halloween party at Grandma's

Saturday night Grandma Elephant had a fabulous Halloween party at her house for the kids. It was full of surprises, crafts, candy and spooky decorations.
She and Papa Tom dressed up and went all out for the special night.
Each room had something in it... a skeleton the kids had to cuddle with, a Halloween book for Grandma to read, a flying ghost and more!
In the last "spooky" room (their bedroom) they said to open the door slowly and the scariest, biggest surprise of all would be waiting.
Well, we did, with much apprehension. There were two scary creatures under an orange gauzy material staring at us!
I think it scared all of us a little bit!!
But, the material came off and it was- Nana and Papa!!!!
We had no idea they'd be at the party!
Tim and I came dressed up to surprise everyone a bit too.
To be PC, I won't describe what we dressed as... just see the pictures below. :)
Tim's costume even came with a big fake hairy belly.
Kayla and Collin are in to Star Wars this year and decided to dress as
Princess Leigha (spelling?) and Darth Vador!
Thanks Grandma Elephant and Papa Tom for such a memorable night. Thanks to Nana and Papa for doing a great job surprising us!!!

Agritopia

I had a great morning taking pictures of my friend Susan's family.
We did the shoot in a neighborhood called Agritopia.
It is a gorgeous little neighborhood with white fences, big porches
and beautiful landscaping. Lauren and Hailey were adorable and it
went so well!
Here are a few of my favorites. The rest are in a slideshow labeled 10-26-2008 on robindphotography.com

Pumpkin Patch, Sunday Oct 20th

Our family headed to the Pumpkin Patch yesterday and it was about 95 degrees if you can believe it!
We took a great hayride, jumped in the bounce house, went through a maze and pet and fed farm animals. Our good friends, Shawn and Susan came with their kids and some old friends Christine and her daughter, Samantha joined us all as well.
We had a great time!

Pictures

Is it just me.. or did Kayla look a bit like Edward Scissorhands when she woke up this morning??



Kayla got a new webkinz, an eagle she named America. She is taking this mother eagle thing very seriously. In fact, yesterday I found her sitting on top of America in a nest she made in a tree. Collin was an aggressive daddy eagle protecting them.


Some more pictures from the O Grace shoot

Theater Kids

Well the Phoenix Valley Youth Theater is becoming a big part of our lives, particularly mine and Kayla's. Between her acting class and recent auditions, we seem to be there a few times a week.
I am so impressed with the group of people there that more than ever I hope Kayla will remain in drama for the rest of her childhood, and maybe even her whole life in some capacity.
This is the first big time city theater we've been a part of, so it is fascinating to learn about stage production, casting, directors, etc...
Treasure Island is the play that is currently going on at the theater.
The stage is really incredible to look at.

We were there twice recently for the Winnie the Pooh Christmas Musical auditions.
Most of the cast of Treasure Island showed up to audition for the musical and I can't even put in to words what a family the cast and crew really are.
I don't know about Hollywood kids or movie actors, but theater kids are the nicest, most outgoing and quirky group of people I have ever met.
These teenagers are openly geeky, sweet and dramatic.
They were oohing and ahhhing over Kayla and the other little ones, and you could just tell how nurturing and sweet they are.
Kayla felt very much at home with these kids and it was a very emotional moment for me.
I was not in to theater as a kid so this is all new to me. And I love it!!!
Tim and I are learning that theater is extraordinarily important to Kayla. She is very emotional about it and told us the other night that it is her "job to be on stage. I love being there and I believe it is for the people in the audience."
(yes, I was covering the smile on my mouth as it was a little dramatic and funny, but still so cute that she feels that way) :)
So I'm slowly adjusting to this new part of our life.
It requires a LOT... a lot of driving, a lot of patience and a lot of schedule rearranging. And throughout all of this, I have to be sure that Collin is happy and succeeding in his little life. I remember that it was the age of 4 for Kayla that she seemed to start trying sports and dance and things like that, so I'm hoping that 2009 brings new and fun opportunities for my now "preschool age" boy.
The toddler years are quickly disappearing. :(
Life is crazy busy here, and I've stopped saying, "we have a crazy week, but next week should be better." I'm giving in to the fact that this is probably what life will be like from now on.
Tim is being incredible supportive and patient, considering I usually pass out on the couch as soon as the kids are in bed.

BUT I must say I am in high heaven today. This weekend I shoot a Friday wedding, which means I have Saturday and Sunday off to just relax and play.
I LOVE when I have Friday shoots!!! So I'm off to work, but when I get home I'll have 48 beautiful unscheduled hours ahead of me!