{embrace} the camera : June 10

I'm cheating a little today. I attempted to get a shot yesterday, but it just didn't work out. So, here are a few from last summer when I was pretty pregnant. I'm happy to see that I do get in a picture every now and then even when I'm not trying.

I should have known better...

I've heard from a lot of moms that their girls don't get into things like their boys do. Not this girl. She's pretty curious so far. I had Heath mount this thread rack on the wall many months ago. I wasn't thinking of it being within arms reach of a baby. I learned it wasn't the greatest decision.

Then and Now

Today was the last day of school for Hunter. It went by so fast (for me!). He thoroughly enjoyed his first year of school and I'm so thankful. He's changed SO much in just 9 months! Have a look.

The first day of school back in September

Today - ready for his Splash Day at school

A new favorite

{embrace} the camera

Sticking with the theme of vacation pictures this week here are a

couple of me and Peyton at the beach.

Little Fish

Hunter's been able to swim since he was about 18 months old. He could swim from the steps to someone or from someone to the steps. A person had to be in the pool at all times though. As of last summer he'd jump off one side of the pool and swim to the other. The one thing he hasn't learned is how to take a breath and keep swimming. To do this he needs to use his float like he's learned in swim lessons. He can do it when forced (by the swim teacher), but always refused at home or had a meltdown over it. Until this year! He's finally doing it. I feel like I can officially say that at 3 years 8 months he knows how to swim. I took some video last night and you'll hear from him that he especially wanted to show this to Grandma, Dedi, and Uncle Ronnie.

Peyton's first trip to the beach

We spent a looong weekend in New Smyrna over the Memorial Day holiday. I have a lot of pictures to share so I'll have to make installments over the next week.

Peyton has never been to the beach so I wasn't sure what she'd think of the sand. Suffice it to say, it didn't phase her. We headed down to the beach right after we arrived. The sun was setting so we were only going to stay for a little bit. I had visions of Peyton just sitting on a towel for a little bit, but she was eating sand in no time!

Having a baby pool at the beach is one of the best ideas ever

The wagon came in handy, too.

When she got tired she just slept. What a life!

Mom in the Photo Challenge: Day 5

Well, I managed to finish the challenge! It's an iphone photo. We've run away to the beach for a looooooooong weekend. Today was gorgeous and we enjoyed many hours at the beach. Peyton is her mama's girl and loves the beach. She even managed to take a little nap in the wagon.

I've loved this challenge. It definitely takes some effort to get into the photo, but I know the kids will love these pictures when they're older. To keep this going Thursday is going to be Emrace the Camera day and I'll post a picture of me with one or both of kids. (Great idea, Emily!)

Mom in the Photo Challenge: Day 4

Not much time today. We're off to the beach for an extended weekend in just a couple hours. Today's picture I took while Peyton was eating some lunch. This will be my last day of the challenge since we won't have a computer at the beach, just iphone internet.

Mom in the Photo Challenge: Day 3

Daddy isn't a big fan of the 70s look, so we're doing something different today, just for him :o) We used the self timer with the camera propped on a book and I got down and laid on the floor with my girl who, by the way, is NINE months old today. I can't believe it!

In other news, somebody is doing some crawling. I guess that's what you call this. It's not pretty, but it gets her where she's going.

Mom in the Photo Challenge: Day 2

Laying on the floor trying to hold my heavy camera above us.

Camera sitting on a piece of furniture while I let Hunter continuously press the button.