Black and White Wednesday- Rain Day

I didn't truly realize what a distraction Jonah is to the girls until today...his first day back to school for the year. I had all day to entertain my 2 favorite ladies. And it was literally all day....no naps for these girls for some reason. We made cupcakes for Jonah....orange and green ones to be exact (Reagan picked the colors). We played, we read, we cleaned, we struggled to find other things to do.

Did I mention it poured down rain pretty much all day?

Finally, I couldn't keep these 2 chicas cooped up any longer. We broke out the raincoats and boots and headed outside.

They had a blast.

It was still raining when we went out, which provided a lovely little stream of water beside the curb.

How convenient.

Naturally, they had to check it out first.

Where it came from.

And follow it's path back down the hill.

And find out how fast it was flowing.

But then....

...they discovered their river would take leaves with it.

Which easily entertained them for the next hour.

Finally, it was time to go pick up Jonah from the bus stop.

Leaving the stream wasn't a popular decision.

Guess you can't win them all.

Thank God for our rain today....and for some bonus entertainment!

Jonah had a great day by the way.

The cupcakes were yummy.

And the kids were in bed, silent and exhausted, at 6:59pm.

Black and White Wednesday- Princess Rylie

A while back, I found a blog that drew me in immediately. Adorned with gorgeous pictures of her kids, I noticed one of her beauties was Chinese....and named Reagan.....and came home from China just a few weeks after Rylie. Well, back in the spring, she offered some on-line photography classes, which I signed up for as my birthday present. I have always loved taking pictures, and a few years ago got a used dSLR camera, although I really knew nothing about its functions above staying in Auto. Well, Lisa taught us some super-useful info, which transitioned us all into shooting in manual. I still need a lot of practice, but have had fun learning!

Of course, I have lots of opportunities to practice with the kids....when they decide to cooperate.

Rylie has been my biggest challenge, though. She hasn't quite figured out the smile-on-demand thing, or how to continue looking at the camera for more than a split second. Luckily, she gave me a great opportunity to practice one morning, while she was playing dress up. She took just about every conceivable thing she could find to put on, and transformed herself into a fancy little princess.

At first, she didn't really get into it.

And I think she was annoyed at the camera being in her face.

Or distracted by her toes.

But, I couldn't let the opportunity pass by.

To capture a moment when this little girl initiated a little session of pretend play.

And one in which she looked so beautiful at that.

Well, I couldn't let that moment pass by.

How I love you, my little princess. And I love capturing your moments of joy.