Cub Scout Field Trip to Station 31

Two Cub Scout dens took a field trip together to Fire Station 31, otherwise known as "the one with the pole."

As far as station tours go, this was fun and more in depth than usual.  But the general rowdiness of the large group of boys made it very difficult to enjoy the trip.  There was a lot of behavior that was unacceptable to me and went unchecked.

[Long rant about parenting deleted by author.]

You know what I'm talking about.

Endorsement: Lose It

We're trying to keep better track of our food and exercise here.  Daniel started using Lose It and I've joined in.  I have to say, it's a really fun tool to use and the layout and visual food and bar of your caloric intake is very motivating to exercise and not overeat.

I've never understood or counted calories before so being aware what's in my food is extra informative to me and helps me cook healthier meals for my family's different nutritional needs.  Because, erm, I reallyreallyreally love butter.  A lot.

I'm a whopping 85 pounds right now.  Weight loss is not an option, but gaining muscle and tone is.   Lose It gets two thumbs up from me.

Levi

Another one of Levi, just because.

Lost: Tooth and Tooth Fairy

Penn finally lost a tooth that has been loose for months.  It fell out in his Good 2 Go Taco at Art Conspiracy.  He was alarmed and spit it into the trash.  I scooped the spit out of the trash and fingered through until I found that tiny piece of youth.  And Penn was happy.

That night he hid the tooth in his room because he didn't want the tooth fairy to come get it quite yet.  And the tooth fairy didn't come.  The next night he put it under his pillow and eagerly awaited the painstakingly folded money origami that oh-so-creative tooth fairy always left under his pillow.  But, the tooth fairy didn't come.  He tried again last night, because I assured him the tooth fairy would come.  She was probably too busy last night but  he was at the top of her list tonight.

This morning, Penn sulked slowly down the hallway and plopped on the couch.  "She didn't come."  He looked up at me with the biggest crocodile tears you have ever seen and I couldn't bear to lie for that neglectful tooth fairy woman again.

"I have to tell you something.  Momma is the tooth fairy  And I forgot.  I'm sorry."

Penn looked up and grinned through his tears just a little. I gave him tooth fairy money and apologized profusely.  He was sad the rest of the morning.  I told him everyone finds out at some point that the tooth fairy isn't real, but he couldn't be the one to tell everyone the big secret.  He asked if Papa was my tooth fairy.  I told him yes. He perked up considerably before school.

We both felt like we lost more than a tooth.  A belief, maybe.  Trust.  Because now he knows that things aren't always as they seem.  Now he is aware that even the most beloved trusted people can look him in the eye and lie their heads off.  For fun.  I've always hated letting Penn believe the stories of the tooth fairy and Santa and the Easter Bunny.  And today was a good reason why.

Sure, it will all just be another notch on his growing up pole, but it doesn't make me feel any better.

Ormberget Family Portrait

I've shot the Ormberget's a few times and they used to live one street down from us!  Also, Janet's from Michigan so we're in the same mitten club.  We've both moved since, but we'll always have Facebook.

We met early at the Arboretum last weekend and had a great time finding places to shoot.  This was the first time I've walked with a family full of small children from one end of the Arboretum clear to the other end.  Totally worth it.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Moise Family Portrait

The Moise family is CUTE.  I love plopping kiddos down on the white paper and watching them figure it out. The above was the first photo I took of them and it's one of my favorites of the whole session.  I think it's a perfect exhibition of their ages; 6 months, 3 and 5.  Thanks Moises!

The Walker Family Portrait

I've been shooting the Walkers and their beautiful blue eyes for a while now and it usually involves chasing someone.  This year they're all grown up and sitting still and frankly it was too easy!  When they left I realized we didn't even use up all of our time which never happens with anyone.  Thanks, Walkers. So fun to see you all again!

Villalba Family Portrait

I've loved watching the Villalba's grow over the years.  Everyone remembers this sweet baby portrait of the oldest daughter. Her baby sister's baby portrait was just as adorable.  And now they're all walking and talking and running around the Arboretum!
















Many thanks to this super sweet family for rescheduling at the last minute so I could enjoy the morning of my "honeymoon."

The Montgomery Family Portrait

I remember when Levi was a passing thought on a wedding day and then a lump in his mommy's belly.  I remember when he was only 3 pounds of joy and I remember taking his little baby portrait.

It was so much fun to chase him around last weekend for a photo of the whole precious family.  I'm so fantastically in love with all of them and it's an honor to be part of so many fabulous moments in their life.