Foyer Portraits

The kids have started a program called the Busy BEES, as recommended by our developmental specialist, Beth, and our speech therapist, Jennifer. It's sort of a short preschool program which will give the kids some time to socialize with other kids. It lasts an hour and 45 minutes, and is once a week through the second week in August. The kids are starting Mother's Day Out (twice weekly for 4 hours at a time) in September, so Busy BEES is the perfect way to ease them into Mother's Day Out. Their first "class" was earlier this week.

For their birthday, Cathy and Amanda gave the kids adorable personalized backpacks (which the kids knew all about thanks to Dora the Explorer -- they wear them and run around screaming "backpack"). So, since the kids were going to "school," we got the kids dressed, put on their backpacks, and I started taking pictures. I have taken pictures sitting in our foyer before, so I decided to try that again, and just hope they came to me since I can't run around after them. For some reason, we have fantastic light there in the mornings (and in fact is where Heather Swanner took the kids' newborn pictures).

To be honest I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the photos. I think it's the best set of photos that I've taken yet. . . .

Piper was not in a great mood, but then Piper has been a little grumpy lately, probably having something to do with getting in her two-year molars. Here are her photos:












Henry was in a great mood, as usual. He also had a little Blue Steel for the camera. . . .










Rosemary amazed me. Usually I have the WORST time getting photos of this child. She usually is a little ham, but then as soon as she sees a camera she gets solemn. That morning, though, Rosemary was being her regular self even in front of the camera.








I'm really glad that I've gotten better at editing on Photoshop Elements for these photos. Honestly, I didn't do much to them, but it was nice to add a little here and there. I really feel like these photos captured my kids. I hope that this is a sign that my photography is improving and is not just a fluke!!

Oh, and the kids had a fantastic time at Busy BEES. Gary and Stephanie took them since I am on bedrest, and they both seemed to think that the kids had a great time. It absolutely wore them out, though. When they got home, I met them at the door and Rosemary sat down and had me take off her shoes. Then she laid down on the rug as if she were going to sleep right then and there! Stephanie said that everyone managed to stay awake through lunch, then took a really long nap. I can't imagine how tired they are going to be after four hours of Mother's Day Out. . . .

Happy 4th of July everyone!!