Summer wind down

6 days. My daughter starts 4th grade in six short days.  This summer went by way too fast.  Time runs out for more summer activities. However, we were lucky to be able to keep busy and still fill this summer with great memories.
I have been busy going through my 500+ pictures from the last month and working in Photoshop with what little time I have lately.  Yep, 500+.  That is what happens when you are an amateur photographer and just snap away at anything that inspires you.  I took over 150 pictures at the beach/lighthouse in my hometown.  I can't remember when I was there last at sunset so I took advantage of the beautiful sky and clicked away.
We also got a good downpour of rain at my parents house and as soon as it stopped I took a walk around the yard snapping away at my mother's gorgeous landscaping. I am always in awe that she takes care of it all herself (with some mowing done on my dad's part).
I am also getting used to utilizing a tripod--as I did with the moon picture.  Still need some practice with that and with shooting a night.

So, as I enjoy this last week with my daughter, here are some pictures I weeded out of those 500+.

 

 

 

Toddlers and summer are a better mix

Summer vacation is a little more than half over already for my daughter.  I feel blessed to get to spend these days with her.  I cherish them. However, can I just say this? Toddlers are much easier in the summers than 9 year olds.  Seriously. I remember being able to do anything with her or throw anything her way to play with and she would be entertained all day. In those toddler years everything was fun and exciting. We would go in the little baby pool, play with toys, do art projects, play with play-doh, go to the park, cuddle and watch a movie, go to play groups, etc.  Now, all I hear is "I'm bored".  I ask if she wants to play a game with me...No! I ask if she wants to do an art project...No! If we are not going to the pool or going somewhere 'awesome' like the zoo or children's museum then summer just sucks (her words, not mine).  9 year olds. Ugh. The transition into those pre-teen years is frustrating and takes a lot of change on my end as well.

We have been keeping as busy as we can with the pool, a trip to the zoo and plenty of time at grandma and grandpa's house.  I haven't had a chance to work on Photoshop or write a decent blog post all summer but next week I am alone.  Time to get stuff done and do some photography for a local contest and write a better blog post.

In the meantime, here are recent good times.

Sunsets are beautiful behind our house

Fun times at grandma and grandpa's

Cold the day we ventured to Lake Michigan, but saw these crazy guys

Rough Lake Michigan waters

Don't mess with Lake Michigan when she is angry

My parent's garden always brings inspiration

The Lake is beautiful even on a cold and gloomy day

Zoo Day!

Run like a cheetah!

My parent's house is my own little retreat

Cold beach day