Day 98 Chinese New Year in Chinatown, Chicago.

A month or so ago when Mike and I were on our way back from Wisconsin we took a wrong turn and ended up in the thick of downtown Chicago. After a while we passed Chinatown. I have been wanting to go back since that day and explore. Imagine my surprise when our hotel concierge this weekend reminded us that Sunday was the Chinese New Year and that there would be celebrations in Chinatown on Sunday.

I was as giddy as a child on Christmas, and begged Mike to go. He contends that he wanted to go, but between you and I, I think he could have taken or left it. Either way he obliged me and we made the trek.

We had to park 4 or 5 blocks away, luckily the cold wasn't a bitter one. As silly as it sounds the main thing I wanted to see were the dragons in the parade. So due to the cold we didn't finish the entire parade. In all honesty I'm not completely convinced that I'd go brave the cold and massive crowds again. I'd love to go back to Chinatown but I think I'll go some time other than The Chinese New Year.

The year of the OX


A group of children all playing with "snaps". I love this picture. Boys and girls, all different colors, fast friends for the day, all playing together without a care in the world.



I was captivated by this little ones precious face.



One of my other favorite sets for the day.









Julian High School Marching Band













Cute brother and sister. I caught a glimpse of the little girl giving her brother a hug and had to grab a shot of the two of them.



This little one was very skeptical of me.

Day 90, Glenn's Girls

Saturday I borrowed more children to be my never-tiring subjects. I've been working endlessly trying to figure out just the right settings for low-light/indoor scenarios.

Tell me what you think...



Day 18 of 365 Favorite Finds

A friend that I've had for 20 or so years opened her own boutique type shop. I'd love to be more specific about what it carries, but there really is something for everyone. It's got some clothing, home decor, gifts, toys, and so much more. If you walk in and can't find something you really just didn't look hard enough.

Tonight was her holiday open house. I was suppose to go work with her, but Mike had a late meeting, so instead I went up and went shopping instead. I also took pictures and she, being the lucky girl she is, gets to be todays project. Enjoy.









The littlest elf....Brandi's daughter Ali.

Day 10 of 365 Imagination.

One thing I love about my kids is that they don't need fancy toys to keep them entertained. They have such an imagination.. here is proof.

Blayre found this stick and decided it looked like a stethoscope. Here he is tending to Caide.



(Unfortunately the lighting is way off AND this one is blurry, but that's all part of the process.)

Meet the whole family.

I thought I would add some pictures of the other kids to here, it might seem as though the youngest are the only ones in the pictures so far, but really it's because they are the ones I am with most often. Being home all day they are my most available and WILLING subjects.

Here is the rest of the clan.


Caide.


Mason


Kendyl


Peyton


Blayre


Mike, my husband.


Finally a self portrait, in Maui this year.

Day 4 of project 365

Todays first picture is a package I received today. If you remember day 1 of 365 you'll remember a very unhappy baby Caide. Today this came....



Here is to hoping it works!!

Moving along, Halloween is getting closer. Today we carved some pumpkins with the kids. Here are some pictures from that fun.

3/365 I didn't realize that this would be so hard.

Over time I've taken really great photos. Why does it seem that they always come out better when I'm not trying to take great pictures? Today my light seemed off. Shadows in all the wrong places etc. Let's just say I'm feeling very uninspired by these photos.

However to keep with the project here are some pics from the day.

We took the kids trick or treating at the college Mike works. They had a great time and got to dress up a little bit early. Three out of our five kids for your viewing pleasure.

Day 2 of 365. Cayman & Kendyl

Originally todays project was going to be of the first snow. However, I didn't get any good pictures due to poor lighting and by the time there was decent lighting the snow was all melted..so instead today I bring you Cayman, my mom's dog.

When I was little my grandparents had Dachshunds specifically I remember Raisin, an over-weight, red, short hair, miniature dachshund. I think out of all the dogs they had over the years that one was my favorite. There was another dachshund that they had at the same time as Raisin and heck if I can remember that ones name.

Back to Cayman, usually about 3 times a week we'll run over to my moms and let Cayman out to potty and play with him for a little while. Today I took the camera.

Meet Cayman...