Apple Picking Tradition

A long time tradition. Apple picking at Eckerts Orchards.

We have gone every year since Emily was about 2.

We always go before lunchtime...so we can sample LOTS of apples while in the orchard.

Rowdy always reminds the kids not to pick apples up off the ground (I think they know that by now). I always tag along behind with camera in hand. Rowdy always points out a "giant" apple high in the trees, and picks the kids up to pick that perfect apple. (They keep growing and it seems to be getting harder to lift them up.... the kids , not the apples)

We always get apple cider when we are done picking....

We always have a GREAT time.

I love fall.... I love apple picking...

I love my family......

Happy to make memories!

Practice, Practice, Practice

"Nikki and Brian"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Recently I had the pleasure of taking photos of a very special friend of mine, and her new fiance'. This is just a sample of SOME of the photos we took on that VERY hot evening. I am not finished cropping and editing the photos, but I know that Nikki (and her mom) are anxious to see the photos.... so here is a taste.

(disclaimer- I am new at this...It is a learning process.... but I love the process!)

A moment to blog.

I can't believe how long it has been since I sat down to blog. I hate when I take such a long break from blogging. I feel guilty. Like I have cheated myself and my family out of updates on the latest news. How funny is that...like anyone really cares... I can count on one hand how many people actually READ this blog.
Regardless....

I guess I haven't blogged much, because not much has be happening. School has begun, and things there are CRAZY. I am not sure what is happening this year, but it is crazy. Without divulging too much information...I can say that I have had more borken bones, allergic reactions, consuming poisonous berries, and potty training incidents in the first two weeks of school....than in the last 4 years combined. CRAZY>

Emily and Jake are off to a great start at school this year.

Emily is in several advanced classes this year, and seems to be breezing through them with no problems. She is taking advanced band and jazz band as her electives. She is quite good on the saxaphone these days.
Emily has also found a new love...she is a volunteer at a local Animal Hospital. She volunteers every week, and is loving it. She hopes that this experience will help her to decide the direction she wants to concentrate on in college.

Jake is enjoying 6th grade. He is getting great grades and seems to get these marks rather effortlessly. He is concentrating his free time on excercise and "working out". He has become very dedicated to the eliptical and has become a great "coach" for me. Of course he still loves to hang out in the basement and play computer games. He is a typical 11 year old...after all.

Rowdy and I work and spend time with the children.... and that seems to be all there is time for. I did get a chance to take some photos for a very dear friend. My neighbor and friend's daughter recently became engaged, and I had the pleasure of taking their engagement photos. It was fun, and I am proud of the photos.
I will probably post them once I have a chance to create a slideshow. Soon I will be busy taking Senior Portraits. That is so exciting...and scary!

Hopefully I will not break for too long before the next post.

Until then......