Day 147 Early Birthday Gift

Every varsity athlete needs a customized sport bag, right?! James saw an ad in our local paper advertising backpacks with names embroidered on them so he told me he wanted one for his birthday. I told him he had too many backpacks as it is. Little did he know I had already planned on buying this duffle bag for him. He got it a couple days early so he could use it for the first away cross country meet of the season. It works great for all of the stuff he needs to carry. He loves it!

Day 146 Eighth Grade Mug Shot

Oh, how time flies, *sigh* James started 8th grade today. He was selected to be a WEB leader so he had to wear his shirt to school. Also, he cut his hair off last week because he didn't like the way it hair flopped on the top of his head when he runs for cross country...funny kid :) Here's to his last year in the middle school...hope it's full of learning, fun and personal success inside the classroom and out!

Day 145 Long Exposure

I have always wanted to try this so I headed over to the interstate right before dark to capture some light trails. This was my first attempt, but I am definitely excited to experiment some more!

Day 144 Pineapple

Brian has been on a pineapple kick so he purchased this with the good intention to grill it up, but he waited too long...a little past it's prime :(

Day 143 The Power Of Post Processing

I completely loved this photo from the start, but I must admit, I blew it. Completely underexposed :( I didn't let that stop me! I have been busy working on trying to improve my photography skills. I may not be perfect, but I am constantly learning so that these mistakes become less frequent. Any photographer will tell you that you need to get the photo right straight out of the camera first, but sometimes that doesn't happen. So after a quick PSE class this is what I was able to do with that awful picture. It's a keeper!

Day 142 Photo Packaging

All packaged up and ready to go!

Day 141 Race Day

My little guy made the varsity cross country team! Here he is with his team before the first race of the season. He's in 8th grade, the boy in gray is in 9th and the other 5 are seniors.


A double rainbow appeared right before the start of the race...must be good luck!


Brian cheering James on!


Sprinting down the home stretch with some of the girls team cheering him on!


The tradition continues...Coach Parlin, James and Brian :)