Learning Curve

Last year I upgraded my camera. A few months back I purchased a new lens and more recently I attended a photography workshop with one of my favorite photographers. I've slowly been getting ready to move into the post processing realm (outside of the minor iPhoto pre-sets) and I've finally taken my first few steps. 

I purchased Lightroom 4 last weekend and since then I've been watching tutorial videos in my spare time. There is certainly an art to it and I'm definitely a novice, but it's amazing to see what a difference it can make. I've only learned a few adjustments so far and I haven't even gotten into Photoshop yet, so I have a LONG way to go, but there's no big hurry. I'm enjoying the opportunity to explore the creative side again. It's been too long.

I'm working on a mac so I'm not sure how the colors will look on a PC screen, but hopefully you see the 2nd version as I do ... more fun ... vibrant color, a bit more contrast and a touch of warmth

the original straight out of my camera

with a little post processing

Nature Hike

both running and in opposite directions

they are getting so close in height ... here they are both wearing 2T pants- M's are just a touch longer

the strength of a good lens (when I get the focus, exposure, and lighting right) ...  blurry foreground and background ... the subject crisp

M got tired at the end and was so excited when her dad agreed to provide a shoulder ride. I gave Isla one

M's new shoes - resale of course

although sometimes a pain, both girls are still rear facing. We'll probably keep it this way until M's 4 and I's 3

Isles' new shoes ... I think granny got these from someone

Baby 3 Update

I had my 20 week ultrasound this past Wednesday at 22 weeks. It's been so difficult to fit everything in this summer. Anyhoo I'm always nervous about this and I'm happy to say it couldn't have gone better. The tech was great and spent about 30 minutes with us and then the dr. came in for a double-check (standard procedure) for about 20 more minutes. They used the regular machine for the standard level II stuff and then brought out the 3D views for fun.  And sorry for the blurry photo but you can see a bit of this cutie. The baby was moving a lot so it was difficult to get a good picture.

Cool Summer Morning Walk Downtown for Breakfast

 The mornings and evenings are a bit chilly around here lately which means my favorite time of year isn't far off. I love the fall and the cooler temps. We decided to go get breakfast downtown and the weather was perfect for a quick walk. So we loaded up the stroller and brought the dog too.

Sweet Vintage Suits

We don't generally spend a lot of money on wardrobes for the girls. At this age they grow so quickly it just seems silly to spend big for new and expensive clothes that won't fit in 3-6 months. We'd much rather put that money in education savings ... esp. since we've recently realized to adequately save for 3 to go to college (I'm talking state schools here) in this day and age means socking away the equivalent of an extra mortgage payment every month. Yikes!

That being said ... once in a while I do see something that inspires me to temporarily push my financial sense aside. And I'll admit, it can be part of the fun of having little girls. Well, these vintage inspired swimsuits fit the bill. I just couldn't resist. They were on sale at Janie & Jack. If you happen to be familiar with this upscale children's clothing store, you know that sale items are still pricey. I rarely go in this store and when I do it's usually to see all the beautiful and cute stuff I have no intention of buying. But the last time I was there ... in April I believe it was ... these suits caught me in a weak moment. I just LOVE them.

O c e a n C i t y

the reading nook at the beach house

cute cousin B

the girls loved playing with cousin M

We just got back from a week long vac-a and I thought I should post some shots before things get crazy next week. I did get my new lens to the beach with Mike and the girls one morning and plan to tweak those shots a bit in Photoshop but I don't think I'll get a chance to do that until September. So these are family shots straight out of my camera ... no post processing. I've never used PhotoShop on my own pictures and haven't used the software at all since undergrad. I'm hoping to learn some LightRoom magic in the next month or so too.

Anyway, as you can see, the girls had a great time and were sad to leave.

Uncle Pat and the tall grass behind our beach house which was a few block from the ocean

multiple trips to the park ... this one was just down the street from our place

Aunt B, dada, Granny, the girls and Uncle J

Cousin Karen and her sweet kids planned a morning bike ride on the pier 

taking a quick break

cousin R

playing a game on the I-pad

a cool park on a hot day just a short drive from where we stayed

Mae & Isles loved this slide as you can see

Isla and dada take a stroll down a quiet stretch of beach one morning

M enjoying the warm sun and cool ocean breeze

Garage Space

I never thought it would happen to us. They've taken over our 2 & 1/2 car garage! 

In the summer we only park one car in the garage so we can leave all the outside kid toys more accessible. We are still able to fit 2 cars in during the winter months ... after a bit of creative maneuvering. Hopefully it doesn't get more difficult when # 3 arrives.