Seven Years

Claire and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary this year. The kids were croupy and finally at 9:20 on Saturday night we got them to sleep and made it out the door for this very nice evening.

We were seated in the bar--the restaurant was closed.

They were serving the Happy Hour Menu.

And a bottle of wine.

The world shines.
Copper for the seventh anniversary.

Looking out at the Willamette.

Christmas on the river.

**Smile**

Thanksgiving

Ok, so I need to explain. Namma was reading to the kids, and at this point in one of the books there was a song and they are all singing together.

Tosti's cook to the white meat.

And the feast table.

The cheese going on the beans.

A beautiful lady attending the feast. :)

Another lovely lady preparing the gravy.

And Inge, taking a walk with me and throwing things in the pond and in the river.

Rose and Her Men

Learning to Crawl

First Snow

Saturday Afternoon Drive

Everyday Portraits

Mona is learning lots of things these days. Among them clapping her hands, and waving.

And Nelly doesn't really usually eat this well. I just thought I'd document the rare moment when the food is actually going in.

Lewis and I were looking at the map. Looking for Idaho, I think.

I don't know if there's a story for this look or not.

Inge is quite the artist. On a drawing day she can create as many as 12+ master pieces.

Inge is growing fast and she is much less cute than lovely these days.

And she knows how to pose--thats why you get so many more pictures of her. :)

Nelly, she and Mona rule cute around here.

Here they are playing peek-a-boo behind the curtain.

Lewis is holding his trucks while Nelly watches my screen saver.

And an extra wide effect with a kit lens and a .5 conversion lense on the front. Can you say doggy... yuck on the quality, somewhat interesting on the perspective. However, it is not a true .5 conversion either. Inge nailed this one on the first try I think--I love her expression.

Mommy and Mona--Claire and Claire

quick post

So here are a few more pictures from this week for those far-flung grandparents that never get tired of seeing their grand kids. For the rest of you--I'm sorry if these posts get a little monotonous...

Here's Inge by the fire. One of those pictures that you can tell is great even in the camera. We do have a nice cozy house and I'm glad I've been able to show that in some of the photos recently.

I include this picture of Lewis specifically because he is making a face that looks like something I've seen on Grammy's face--and on her dad's face (my Grandpa) as well.

I was babysitting Mona--so why not turn it into a little photo session. Remote shutter release is great! Notice our similar expressions as well. We're really into it!

Mommy is nibbling Mona here--but it goes both ways. :)

Inge listening to Lewis
Nelly listening to Inge

A classic example of dragging the shutter.

Sunset through the foliage.

I'd like to point out that this photo was taken with ISO 3200.... I'm learning to embrace the high ISO--after all that's why we get the DSLR and haul around all the gear. Just use that sensitivity. You won't regret getting the shot--even if it is a little grainy.