July 4: Trying to take photos

Last summer, it was very exciting when the whole family was up July 4th weekend for Bobby's wedding.

I decided I wanted July 4th portraits but they didn't really work as I hoped. I wanted to experiment with light.  I figured if it didn't work, we'd move.  Little kids weren't interested lol.  Still got some cute shots.

Ellie was not interested.

Jamison, Alex, Afam, Logan, Abbey and Jordan, Jeff's son.  

Adam being a dork.

Logan.

Baby Jules.

Abbey got bored with a photo session.

Ellie only wanted Daddy.

Jules!

Time to play!

Changed spots and got good family shots for my sisters.

Love the curls!

Love this picture!!

Eye

I did it again.  Even though the first one failed.  I went to Rochester this time.  To an actual hospital and eye clinic not the bsck alley clinic it seemed I went to the first time. I hope it works.  The swelling makes it impossible to tell.   This is me picking up Adam yesterday, looking a bit like an abused wife.   I want just this one thing to look normal.  And I don't want to watch it get worse and worse until I can't even use that eye.   Here's to hope and prayer.  

Afternoon With Q and J

Way back last July we had a date at Oak Hill park with Jackie and Quiten.   One of my favorite parks.

Ellie was so cute and tiny!   They spent lost of the time in the water sprinkler and just loved it when Jackie got in, too and chased them.   This is what summer is all about!

Exploring the 'burbs

I figured it was time to jump in here more so on Monday after dropping Abbey off ( here's Ellie at school taking her coat off to stay.  She sits at the tables and everything), we stopped at My Gym and signed up for a free toddler class. 

Then it was time to check out a library.  I ended up at the Manlius one.   The kid librarian wasn't there, but Ellie made herself at home. 

She loved the train stuff.  I got a membership which is good at all local libraries and some books for all the kids.  Ellie had a tantrum when we left, so I guess she liked it!

Adam and Technology

Adam loves technology. He mastered my iPad before he could hold a conversation.  It's the absolute best bribe and punishment for him!  Sometines I say if you get all ready and get in the car for school and wait you can use my iPhone.   Motivates him like you wouldn't believe.  Last week I found 80 plus selfies he took while waiting.  It cracked me up.

  But it's not all fun and games. He can master video game levels way beyond us and when his friend was over and wanted to play Wii the kid acted typical while Adam was intensely trying to teach him how to win.   When he first started with technology, I was worried it would stymie his amazing imagination.  Nope.  Just fed it.  

A Blanket and a Pillow

Shopping for Todd is impossible.  He actually doesn't enjoy receiving gifts, particularly in front of others.  I thought that was lame until one of my host teachers a few years back was the same way and I looked it up.  It actually is an unusual personality trait.  Then there is the fact he really doesn't want anything.  He just works and hangs out with us.  No time for hobbies.  And then add to it Christmas is his birthday!  Ugh.  I've had a few hits and many more misses over the years, but I don't take them personally anymore.   I had this blanket made for him from my favorite photos of the year. I knew he loved when he said stressfully that he couldn't use it in card he wrecked it. Awww. No matter.  I put it in the parlor where Abbey has taken it over.  She loves it and my pillow from Tammy.  She wants to snuggle them.   I love them both, too.  Sometines Abbey seems so much like me.  

My Tammy pillow.  Its just perfect. And it's funny; it's practically a match to the blanket.  She also gave me a giant clock that's just what my library/parlor needs.  :).