A couple weekends ago we made the trip out to Langley for our annual pumpkin patch excursion. We go to Aldor Acres every year and this year was no exception.
Both the kids love seeing the animals but in such different ways. Angelo enjoys them from afar, appreciating their beauty and pointing out every little thing they do. Gracie, on the other hand, is always ready to stick out her hand and jump right in and play with them.
When we were in the barns playing with the pigs they were running all around her feet and she was loving every minute of it until the piglets started munching on her boots. I love her "isn't anyone going to do anything about this?" look while we laughed and I snapped a few photos, mean mama.
For the kids and I, finding pumpkins is serious business. Jim would be content picking the first pumpkins we come across after hopping off the tractor. But not the kids and I. We need to examine each pumpkin, discuss it's merits and make sure we have a good mix of round pumpkins and taller skinny ones. Actually, that last one may be all me.
And on this trip we needed four pumpkins, one for each of us, regardless of the fact that there may be a number of other smaller pumpkins at home from preschool fieldtrips and Thanksgiving dinner decorations.
Aldor Acres is a bit of a drive but there are so many things I love about this pumpkin patch. The way they have extra activities for the kids while never losing sight of the fact that they are a working farm. That you take a hay ride out to pick your pumpkin from the real field it was grown in - mud, vines, worms and all. The fact that they are so friendly, encouraging the kids to "drive" the tractor in the field once we've chosen our pumpkins. And the drive out to the farm once you get off the freeway is absolutely stunning.
Both the kids love seeing the animals but in such different ways. Angelo enjoys them from afar, appreciating their beauty and pointing out every little thing they do. Gracie, on the other hand, is always ready to stick out her hand and jump right in and play with them.
When we were in the barns playing with the pigs they were running all around her feet and she was loving every minute of it until the piglets started munching on her boots. I love her "isn't anyone going to do anything about this?" look while we laughed and I snapped a few photos, mean mama.
For the kids and I, finding pumpkins is serious business. Jim would be content picking the first pumpkins we come across after hopping off the tractor. But not the kids and I. We need to examine each pumpkin, discuss it's merits and make sure we have a good mix of round pumpkins and taller skinny ones. Actually, that last one may be all me.
And on this trip we needed four pumpkins, one for each of us, regardless of the fact that there may be a number of other smaller pumpkins at home from preschool fieldtrips and Thanksgiving dinner decorations.
Aldor Acres is a bit of a drive but there are so many things I love about this pumpkin patch. The way they have extra activities for the kids while never losing sight of the fact that they are a working farm. That you take a hay ride out to pick your pumpkin from the real field it was grown in - mud, vines, worms and all. The fact that they are so friendly, encouraging the kids to "drive" the tractor in the field once we've chosen our pumpkins. And the drive out to the farm once you get off the freeway is absolutely stunning.
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The Pumpkin Patch | Vancouver Family Photos
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I am blessed to be friends with some pretty amazing photographers. A few weeks ago, 19 of us, including our fearless mentor, joined together to each photograph a month of mornings. One photo from each of us, taken before 10AM, every day for the month of October.
I've never done very well with daily photo projects. I'm notorious for starting and then petering out after day 3. Not this time. I'm loving the challenge of finding a new way to photograph the littles before 10AM each day, especially since we don't get much real light until after 9AM.
You can view all the photos from my Month of Mornings project here and follow along until the end of the month.
I've never done very well with daily photo projects. I'm notorious for starting and then petering out after day 3. Not this time. I'm loving the challenge of finding a new way to photograph the littles before 10AM each day, especially since we don't get much real light until after 9AM.
You can view all the photos from my Month of Mornings project here and follow along until the end of the month.
2 comments so far
( October 30, 2011 )
Heather M. said:
wow, i love seeing them all together like this. are you proud of yourself for doing this?! i hope so!
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I decided to go with two spreads again this month, one for my weekly photographs and then another one for my favourites. Mainly because, even though I did try to keep it down to one favourite, I ended up choosing a favourite of Angelo, one of Grace and then one of the two of them together.
I know I didn't show you that one of Gracie in the bottom left corner but that was her "back to school" photograph - her first day of swimming lessons, except it happened after I'd posted for that week.
I can't get over how much I love the fact that these pages are such a seemingly random group of photographs yet they the kids' ages and stages so perfectly over the past month. Or how sunny it was when it feels like we've been back into the rainy season for ages.
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Our Year in Photos: My September Photographs
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The day my eye started twitching was the day I figured my caffeine intake was getting a little out of control. But it's just so easy to press the button on the coffee machine and get that extra little boost of energy. I know some level of tiredness is to be expected with a 4 year old and an 18 month old at home plus a full-time photography business, but still, there was a time when I had plenty of energy all on my own.
I do a lot of things right when it comes to staying hydrated and generally eating healthfully but I know there's room for improvement. So over the next month or so I'm going to see what I can do to get some bounce back in my step.
Here's what I'm thinking...
Have you done anything to increase your energy levels? Any tips for me? Something I could try?
I do a lot of things right when it comes to staying hydrated and generally eating healthfully but I know there's room for improvement. So over the next month or so I'm going to see what I can do to get some bounce back in my step.
Here's what I'm thinking...
- Drop my afternoon coffee. I never drink coffee after 2PM or else I'll be up all night. But I think even my 1PM coffee might be affecting my sleep a bit.
- Get 7-1/2 hours of sleep every night. I'm pretty sure 8 hours isn't going to happen for me but I'm going to really try for the 7-1/2 hours (heck, I'll be happy with 7 hours).
- Supplement with iron and vitamin D - every day. I'm anemic and should be taking my iron every day but I'm terrible about remember and if I take it once a week, that's a good week.
- Turn off the computer by 9PM on nights I'm not working. Even on nights I'm "off" I get sucked in checking emails when I come down to turn off the computers. So if I shut them down before 9PM, everything else can wait until the morning.
Have you done anything to increase your energy levels? Any tips for me? Something I could try?
4 comments so far
( September 30, 2011 )
michelle s. said:
I could've written a very similar post to yours. How about this?
I am going to give up my PM coffee, too.
Want to do it together?
This picture is SPECTACULAR!!!!
( September 30, 2011 )
Kristin Conk said:
i so feel you! I need to get more sleep! I am going to try to turn the computers off earlier too! thanks for the inspiration
( September 30, 2011 )
Heather M. said:
Are you kidding me?! This is one of THE coolest SPs ever! I feel this way every day too but have no answers for you. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes for you.
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Last week we had a "day of yes". I didn't tell the kids, I just made the decision that when they asked something I was going to do everything within reason to say yes.
It's not that I'm a mean mama, really, I'm not. It's just that there always seems to be so many things to do and so many things on my list that I do find myself saying no just a little too often in order to get to the next thing on the list. Jim is really good at sitting and playing, I'm not. I'm definitely a multi-tasker. But in all my multi-tasking, I think I miss out on on some of the special moments that come from slowing down just a bit.
Like saying a prayer for "the spiders who make their webs and live for around 20 years" - no idea where that came from but if he wants to thank God for them, he certainly can.
Like wearing a cheap plastic Percy ring to swimming lessons - don't ask why I was going to say no to that because I really don't have a good reason for that one.
Like the first time he actually drew feet on a person (he drew them on Superman actually) - which I almost aid no to because how much printer paper can we possibly go through in a day and because I didn't want him messing up my stuff when he went to get the paper off the printer.
Like reading Click Clack Moo three times today like we used to when it was just Angelo and I at home and we seemed to have lots more time for those sorts of things.
Like a surprised look, a kiss on the shoulder and a "you're the best mama ever" all just for saying he can go watch the hockey players after swimming without starting the sentence with "sure, but we can't stay long because we have to...."
And while I meant the day to be more fun for them, in the end I think it was really more fun for me. Because saying yes and seeing their smiles is just so much better than saying no.
It's not that I'm a mean mama, really, I'm not. It's just that there always seems to be so many things to do and so many things on my list that I do find myself saying no just a little too often in order to get to the next thing on the list. Jim is really good at sitting and playing, I'm not. I'm definitely a multi-tasker. But in all my multi-tasking, I think I miss out on on some of the special moments that come from slowing down just a bit.
Like saying a prayer for "the spiders who make their webs and live for around 20 years" - no idea where that came from but if he wants to thank God for them, he certainly can.
Like wearing a cheap plastic Percy ring to swimming lessons - don't ask why I was going to say no to that because I really don't have a good reason for that one.
Like the first time he actually drew feet on a person (he drew them on Superman actually) - which I almost aid no to because how much printer paper can we possibly go through in a day and because I didn't want him messing up my stuff when he went to get the paper off the printer.
Like reading Click Clack Moo three times today like we used to when it was just Angelo and I at home and we seemed to have lots more time for those sorts of things.
Like a surprised look, a kiss on the shoulder and a "you're the best mama ever" all just for saying he can go watch the hockey players after swimming without starting the sentence with "sure, but we can't stay long because we have to...."
And while I meant the day to be more fun for them, in the end I think it was really more fun for me. Because saying yes and seeing their smiles is just so much better than saying no.
2 comments so far
( September 23, 2011 )
michelle s. said:
I love that you did this. I totally understand the problem of saying No too often. I think it comes with the territory of being a mom. But every now and then... a day of Yeses can be so good for the spirit. You are such a great mom Jenn. I love your blog and getting to see these glimpses into your life and your thoughts. :)
( September 23, 2011 )
Heather M. said:
oh wow, this is such a fantastic idea. it makes me so happy reading about your day. i totally need to do this. thanks for the inspiration. and i just love seeing photos of your kids.
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When Jim and I were dating, we spent a fair amount of time up at Whistler. We're so lucky to have such an amazing getaway such a short drive away. I'm no snow-bunny but I love it up there pretty much anytime other than the dead of winter. We were there for a volleyball tournament in 2003 (he was playing, not me) and saw a wedding party being photographed. We turned to each other and both commented on what a great place Whistler would be to get married.
Fast forward to February 2004 when Jim proposed. We knew we wanted an outdoor wedding and that we didn't want to wedding plan for a year and half so September in Whistler it was. We had an amazing wedding at the Chateau and then had our reception at the Westin. Both the venues were gorgeous and it really was a perfect weekend. We were so blessed to have so many of our friends and family there with us.
And now, every year on our anniversary we make our way back to Whistler. We visit other times of the year with the kids but the September long weekend is all ours (thanks to my parents who babysit for us!).
This photograph was taken in the exact same spot we were married, seven years ago to the day.
We're looking somewhat older and somewhat more tired but also, I think, somewhat happier and more content. I love you Jim, happy anniversary.
Fast forward to February 2004 when Jim proposed. We knew we wanted an outdoor wedding and that we didn't want to wedding plan for a year and half so September in Whistler it was. We had an amazing wedding at the Chateau and then had our reception at the Westin. Both the venues were gorgeous and it really was a perfect weekend. We were so blessed to have so many of our friends and family there with us.
And now, every year on our anniversary we make our way back to Whistler. We visit other times of the year with the kids but the September long weekend is all ours (thanks to my parents who babysit for us!).
This photograph was taken in the exact same spot we were married, seven years ago to the day.
We're looking somewhat older and somewhat more tired but also, I think, somewhat happier and more content. I love you Jim, happy anniversary.
4 comments so far
( September 16, 2011 )
michelle s. said:
OH MY GOSH!! I ADORE this shot. I mean like TOTALLY ADORE it. The pose. The quiet contentment. The wedding ring front and center. I just totally love it. Congratulations!!
( September 16, 2011 )
Heather M. said:
I noticed the wedding ring front and center right away too. :) Love the relaxed pose and how comfortable you 2 look together. So glad you were able to get away!
( September 28, 2011 )
Cate said:
I love this shot! And I love your hair. Bangs look great on you.
( September 28, 2011 )
Cate said:
I love this shot! And I love your hair. Bangs look great on you.
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Whistler | Vancouver Family Photographer
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Some days you just have to dance.
And I love the way he dances with his entire body.
Have a great weekend everyone!
And I love the way he dances with his entire body.
Have a great weekend everyone!
3 comments so far
( September 20, 2011 )
Heather M. said:
these are perfect. i love the expressions you captured and that beautiful light!
( September 20, 2011 )
Heather M. said:
These are perfect! His expressions are awesome and I just love the light.
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dance | vancouver child photographer
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On Monday we came home from 5 days in Victoria. With Gracie being almost 17 months old, we've done lots of three day weekend trips in the last couple years but nothing longer than that so it was great to spend some time away relaxing as a family.
My parents had rented a three bedroom condo on the inner harbour 13 months ago when my sister and her fiance lived over there. The thought was we could all hang out and have a long visit. But shortly after they'd booked it my sister accepted a job in Calgary so it ended up just being my parents and us.
My aunt and uncle lived in Victoria while I was growing up so we spent a fair number of weekends over there as kids. Because of that, I thought we'd spend most of our time relaxing by the pool and skip all the touristy stuff but we ended up packing a lot of the tourist stuff in. We were actually in the parliament buildings when they announced that the HST had been repealed, kind of cool in a dorky sort of way.
Gracie still naps in the afternoon so Jim and I would usually stay in the condo while my parents took Angelo out to the pool. He was in heaven having them play with him for so long. And after an entire summer of swimming lessons, Angelo decided he was just going to start swimming on his own (apparently his bones told him how). That's him up above in the middle photograph showing how he swims like a shark now.
Angelo developed a serious addiction to my parents' ipad while we're there. Though in fairness, I developed a similar addiction to their kindle.
Gracie still naps in the afternoon so Jim and I would usually stay in the condo while my parents took Angelo out to the pool. He was in heaven having them play with him for so long. And after an entire summer of swimming lessons, Angelo decided he was just going to start swimming on his own (apparently his bones told him how). That's him up above in the middle photograph showing how he swims like a shark now.
Angelo developed a serious addiction to my parents' ipad while we're there. Though in fairness, I developed a similar addiction to their kindle.
And just so I don't forget... in 5 days we did the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney, Beacon Hill Park, the Parliament Buildings, the Victoria Bug Zoo, date night at Zambri's (where the waiter spilled Jim's appetizer all down the front of him), a walking tour of downtown, go-karts, mini golf, rode the water taxi, took a horse and carriage tour of the inner harbour, walked lots, ate tonnes and spent countless hours at the pool.
2 comments so far
( September 2, 2011 )
Wendy said:
Love the pictures! They really capture our time together. It was a wonderful five days (and very quiet when you left).
( September 2, 2011 )
Terri said:
Great pictures Jenn.
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Victoria | Vancouver Family Photography
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What a fabulous pumpkin patch and a great series of images. That fog is so ethereal. It totally makes these shots. :)
it looks like such a great place! love the photos you captured. i have a feeling my kids would love it there too.