An Evening at Carkeek

Yesterday, we had the luxury of clear weather after many recent days of rain, rain, rain, and some more rain. As I drove to the kids' school from my bus, I had an "ah ha" moment .... this would be a perfect opportunity to snap some photos of the kids for our annual Christmas card photo. So, I swooped in, nabbed the kids, high tailed it home, got their clothes changed, and out we went to Carkeek.

The kids had a marvelous time running around, climbing on the various pieces of driftwood, and spending time outside. They suffered through their mother's relentless attempts at getting a picture for the Christmas card. (Yes, I am that mean.)

I was quite surprised (although, shouldn't have been considering the weather) by how many people were at Carkeek. There were lots of families there letting their kids run and burn off energy, too. (Smart!)

The kids see Carkeek as their stomping grounds and look their "their" pieces of driftwood from the last time we were on the beach. In their typical fashion, they also moved some of the driftwood around to better suit their needs ... this time, they built a driftwood teeter totter.

Carkeek is one of my favorite places, too. The sight of the Olympics paired with the Puget Sound calms my soul and helps me feel centered.

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay too, too long because homework and dinner were needing our attention at home. That said, we did take a few minutes to stand on the railroad bridge to watch a commuter train zip by below us.

On our way out of the park, we saw something new ... red chairs of varying sizes. One of them was HUGE ... think "Incredible Shrinking Woman" huge. OF COURSE, we had to stop the car and take a look. There was a sign nearby asking for people to submit their photos to the artist, but nothing asking people to stay off of  the chairs. SO, up they went!!

Conor lending a helping hand

Annika determined to help Conor up

Jumping down from the big red chair

A Glimpse

Yesterday, I took some photos of Conor as part of my current 365 photo project. It was a quick few minutes on our deck as the sun was setting and Conor was about to head off to bed. I took photos of him singing a song for me, making silly faces, and just having fun. It was a nice ending to the day together. Lighthearted, casual, fun.

After he headed down to bed, I pulled the memory card out of the camera and took a quick peek at the shots I got of him. This one (see below) REALLY jumped out at me... not because of my photographic skill or artistry, but because I got a glimpse of Conor as a teenager. There's something about his expression and posture that screamed "I'm growing up and one day, will be a teen" to me. Just wanted to share...

Mamas with Cameras 365 Project: Week 4

What  were the Olsons up to this past week? Well, here's a little sneak peek! Week 4 of my Mamas with Cameras 365 photo project. I hope you enjoy!

Even when fast asleep, Conor still holds on tightly to Spot 1 and Spot 2

Uncle Troy and Annika having a little snuggle

Do you ever feel like you're being watched??

She dressed as a mail carrier and delivered handmade notes in
origami envelopes to each of us
(aka: creative stalling tactic)

Conor sharing a little breakfast with Spot 1 and Spot 2.
He's having pancakes. They're having Savannah grass.

My current knitting project: More wool socks!

King Street Station clock tower reflected in a puddle

Mamas with Cameras 365 Project: Week 3

Another week of 2016 has zoomed past and is officially in the history books. It has been a wet, wet, wet week here in Seattle, so plenty of opportunities for weather-related photos. I've actually had to challenge myself NOT to do too many weather photos because drops and splashes are so easy to come by right now.

Conor looking at baby photos while snuggling with my childhood Snoopy doll

Rainbow over Seattle

Proof that the boy sleeps, even though he says, "Sleeping is boring, so I don't do it."

Mission Impossible Yarn Maze

Annika peering through Mama's new photography toy

Waiting room hug-turned-wrestling-match

Our neighbor's house reflected in a raindrop

2015 Photo Challenge: Week 3

I'm still plugging away at the March photo challenge put forth by the Mamas with Cameras photo group and am really enjoying myself. I've done well sticking with my 50mm prime lens and have gotten a few cases of the giggles while contorting myself to get shots framed as I want them. I think I've created a new mashup... yoga + photography = yotography!

What was in front of my lens this week? Take a peek!

Lemon Drop

Shoe tying cooperation

Neighborhood Watchcat

Cherry Blossoms

Good morning, Seattle

Coming in for landing

Taking some time to stop and smell the daffodils

Conor's Bubble Face

The photography group that I belong to (Mamas with Cameras) is doing a month-long photo challenge this month. It is akin to the 365 photo project I completed last summer ... just a lot shorter. There are no rules for the photos, just take 'em.

I snapped this one of Conor a few days ago and can't help myself from returning to it on a somewhat regular basis. There is just something about his expression and the look in his eyes that simply captivates me.

After I shot this photo, he started doing silly faces and some smiling faces, but this one was the winner to me.

So, I wanted to share it with all of you...