Momma's Boys...

#67

...are usually fighting.  But I bribed them with ice cream to be still long enough for me to take this picture.  Then it was right back to wrestling and jumping all over each other on the trampoline.  Never underestimate the value of bribery as a parenting tool.

Technical Notes:  Nikon D70, Nikkor 28-80mm, f/3.3-5.6G, ISO 800, 62mm, f/5, 1/125, Auto White Balance.  In editing I sharpened the picture as I often do with this lens.

Building a Race Car

#66

Before we bought paint at Home Depot a few days ago, we participated in their free kids' workshop.  It's a really fun little workshop they put on once a month where the kids get to build a little project.  And my Home Depot also gives out snacks for the kids and has pastries for the parents so that makes it even more fun!  This month the kids built a race car.  You always have to be careful around a 3 year old wielding a hammer.  But we all managed to walk away with no injuries this time.

Technical Notes:  Nikon D70, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G, ISO 200, f/2, 1/50, Auto White Balance

Tulips in Bloom

#65

All of my little tulips that I planted about 3 weeks ago are now blooming!  I bought them at the nursery already sprouted and put them in little pots to use in my outdoor studio.  I didn't know how long it would take them to bloom but I'm pleasantly surprised that it happened so quickly.  It almost inspires me enough to burry some bulbs in my flower beds out front for next year.  Almost:)

Technical Notes:  Nikon D70, Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G, ISO 200, Focal Length 48mm, f/4.2, 1/1600, White Balance set to Fine Weather.

Redecorating

#63

#64

I LOVE painting my walls because it's the easiest, cheapest way to give a room a facelift.  Except that I've repainted my living room wall 3 times in the last month because I can't decide on a color :/  So if you do it like that then it's not cheap.  But I've finally picked out a good color.....I think.  No really, no more repainting.  I finally picked a lovely shade of green that I really like and that added some much needed brightness and color to the room.    

Picture #63 is because I love seeing all those paint cans lined up and just imagining all the fun possibilities.  Picture #64 is the boys waiting oh so patiently for our paint to be done mixing.  By the way, if you ever take your camera to Home Depot and just start randomly photographing the merchandise, be prepared for some weird looks!

Technical Notes:  Nikon D70, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G, ISO 200, 50mm, f/2, 1/50 on pic #63, 1/125 on pic #64, White Balance adjusted in editing.

I'm a Farmer

#62

Says the boy with a shovel in his hand.  The same boy who doesn't like to help his mom weed the garden.  But he does love to eat the tomatoes that his brother picks.

Techinical Notes:  Nikon D70, Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G, ISO 200, Focal Length 75mm, f/5.6, 1/30, White Balance set to Cloudy.

I WILL hit that ball!

#61

With the little league season fast approaching, my son and some girls from his class decided to get together to practice this afternoon.  He's always eager for a chance to get together with his friends outside of school and especially if they are his good friends J & R.  I brought my camera along and let the other mom pitch to the kids.  Everyone should just stick to what they're good at, right?  This particular picture made me laugh because of the look of sheer determination on my son's face.  

Technical Notes:  Nikon D70, VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G, ISO 200, Focal Length 72mm, f/5.6, 1/1000.  In editing I lightened & sharpened his face.  These baseball fields are positioned so the sun is directly behind the batter in the afternoon/evening so pictures are always a challenge.  There's always a shadow on the face.  And this lens is soft so I usually find the need to sharpen any pictures taken with it.

After the Swim

#60

I took Milo to the pond today to go for a swim.  He needed the exercise and so did I for that matter!  Except I didn't swim so I guess I didn't really get any benefit.  After he was done swimming, he promptly went and rolled in the dirt.....and in something dead.  No day is complete without a roll in something if you are a Weimaraner.

Technical Notes:  Nikon D70, VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G, ISO 200, Focal Length 120mm, f/5.6, 1/100.  I used a preset called Monster Punch on this picture which is the same preset I used on the picture of Oscar the Cat a few days ago.  It's funny because I hadn't found any use for this preset prior to the cat picture and now I've used it twice in one week.