tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-317279032024-03-12T23:52:09.692-04:00Born In Our HeartsMichelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.comBlogger755125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-68861457522898596282010-12-06T01:01:00.002-05:002015-08-27T08:20:56.868-04:00I Heart Faces: Self Portrait & The Big 4-0<center>
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Ahhhhhhh, self portraits. Not something I enjoy doing very much. I am so much more comfortable on the other side of the camera. But tomorrow I start a new decade - yep, I'm turning <b>the BIG 4-0! </b>In honor of this big birthday, I had been thinking about doing this for a while, and what luck - this week is "Self Portrait" week at I Heart Faces. The only thing, though, is that I should have done it earlier - when it was not 32 degrees out and starting to snow! Maybe I'm not getting wiser in my old age after all. lol. The actual "40" sign I was intending to use was in between two train tracks in a not-so-safe part of town, but when I arrived, there were some teens playing nearby. Thankfully, within 5-minutes, my hero husband had spotted another 40 sign. This one was on a very busy, six-lane street. I was drawing quite a lot of attention. People were wondering about the crazy lady up on the street pole. :) </div>
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This shot was taken with my camera on a tripod (in the parking lane of the six-lane street, with my car parked behind it to protect it) and a wireless remote. To prepare, I had my husband (aka my downtown bodyguard and camera protector) climb up on the pole first and place his head where I wanted it to set the focus and exposure, then I had him step down and I climbed up, placing my head as close as possible to where he was. I had the camera on a two-second delay so I had enough time to move my hands and hide the remote and Voila!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5233492160/" title="IMG_9677-copyBLOG by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9677-copyBLOG" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5233492160_608b4e216e_o.jpg" height="823" width="550" /></a></div>
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To see more of my self portraits (yikes!), you can click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/michellerphotography">here</a>.</div>
Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-36621490149961472892010-12-01T14:34:00.015-05:002010-12-01T16:17:59.901-05:00Vacation MemoriesWe've been home for 10 days now, but I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from our family vacation. In my defense, I uploaded them when I got home, but didn't even have a chance to look at the images until three days ago. We got home on a Saturday night and I was sick in bed the next two days, then came down with something completely different and had to get my act in gear to host 27 people at our home for Thanksgiving. We did have a wonderful time, though. This was Leila's third trip to Disney, Mia's second and Kara's first. Kara was so excited, but didn't really know what to expect. To my surprise, she had never heard of Disney World while she was in China. Considering she seemed to watch TV every waking moment she wasn't in school, I was quite shocked. I was so excited to get away with the family, but especially anxious to see her reaction. The weather could not have been more perfect! We went during the same week two years ago and had record lows. I had to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe for all of us then - including winter hats and mittens. Not this year - it was sunshine and low 80s every day. Hallelujah! <div><br /></div><div>A word of warning: to say this post is photo heavy is an understatement. If only my mom and mother-in-law stick around until the end, I'll understand. :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our first full day, we took it easy and relaxed - riding a multi-seat bicycle around the resort and going swimming. We gave the girls the choice of driving to a beach or swimming and they chose swimming in the pool - hands down. We were resting up for a long week of Disney. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224545998/" title="Untitled-001 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5224545998_9172b7050a_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-001" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We have always taken a more leisurely approach on our past Disney trips - three days max with a break or two to the beach in between. This time, we decided to go all out - five days in a row! The girls were the perfect age to do it and it ended up working out great.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day One: The Magic Kingdom</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224540354/" title="Untitled-1 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5084/5224540354_3685416452_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223943011/" title="Untitled-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5223943011_b2b871ec0d_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223943129/" title="Untitled-3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5223943129_2f8238e7f1_o.jpg" width="560" height="218" alt="Untitled-3" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And appointments at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, of course...</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223943129/" title="Untitled-3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224540796/" title="Untitled-4 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5224540796_341cfbb159_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-4" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223943461/" title="Untitled-5 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5223943461_0b7f89b4a4_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-5" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223943681/" title="Untitled-6 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5223943681_dd83d5fa00_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-6" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224613146/" title="IMG_8662 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5224613146_7ea56fbf3f_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_8662" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224613340/" title="IMG_8682 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5224613340_61771d7983_b.jpg" width="560" height="840" alt="IMG_8682" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224612804/" title="IMG_8671 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5224612804_1aabfbe23b_o.jpg" width="560" height="840" alt="IMG_8671" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224613002/" title="IMG_8672 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5224613002_3d34b3fbb2_b.jpg" width="560" height="840" alt="IMG_8672" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day Two: Animal Kingdom</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223944223/" title="Untitled-8 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5223944223_fa3771c697_o.jpg" width="560" height="420" alt="Untitled-8" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223945065/" title="Untitled-12 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5223945065_b68275fb79_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-12" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lion King and Finding Nemo are my favorite Disney park shows.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224542432/" title="Untitled-11 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5224542432_a13116f6bf_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-11" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223945269/" title="Untitled-13 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5223945269_7900886552_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-13" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223943861/" title="Untitled-7 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5223943861_56fec453b2_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-7" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223944457/" title="Untitled-9 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5223944457_033cb36b5c_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-9" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224542212/" title="Untitled-10 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5224542212_7e5539d499_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-10" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224543106/" title="Untitled-15 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5224543106_4b589c1931_o.jpg" width="560" height="218" alt="Untitled-15" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am wearing a rain jacket, but I still got soaked! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223945405/" title="Untitled-14 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5223945405_42cf932235_o.jpg" width="560" height="249" alt="Untitled-14" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That night, we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The castle looks so amazingly beautiful at Christmas time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224543260/" title="Untitled-16 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5224543260_7d5a1c4acb_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-16" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had planned to meet up with some friends from back home. Mia and her friend, Gracyn, were so cute to watch. They were dancing in front of the castle and Mia had her hand around Gracyn's back during the parade. Adorable!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223946403/" title="Untitled-21 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5223946403_6bafe13fa8_o.jpg" width="560" height="420" alt="Untitled-21" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223946053/" title="Untitled-19 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5223946053_52b65d3104_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-19" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223946225/" title="Untitled-20 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5223946225_33725139af_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-20" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223945915/" title="Untitled-18 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5223945915_35e50e0105_o.jpg" width="560" height="249" alt="Untitled-18" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223945779/" title="Untitled-17 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5223945779_9f53908f9b_o.jpg" width="560" height="249" alt="Untitled-17" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day Three: Epcot</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so happy to see Mulan, as was Kara and Mia.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls all loved Soarin' and Test Track. They were their favorite rides of all four parks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223946665/" title="Untitled-22 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5223946665_5c16c2791a_o.jpg" width="560" height="311" alt="Untitled-22" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had the Princess Dinner at Akershush in Epcot's Norway pavilion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223946831/" title="Untitled-23 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5223946831_bebb60f594_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-23" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day Four: Hollywood Studios</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was our least favorite park, but the American Idol show got two thumbs up from all of us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223947031/" title="Untitled-24 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5223947031_eb8fdac554_o.jpg" width="560" height="420" alt="Untitled-24" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mia LOVES Handy Manny and Woody.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223947405/" title="Untitled-26 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5223947405_bfe30e559e_o.jpg" width="560" height="249" alt="Untitled-26" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was such a neat concept. Park-goers can audition for American Idol in the morning and then compete throughout the day. The audience votes for their favorite singer each show and then the winner moves on to the evening competition. Whomever wins the evening competition gets a "Golden Ticket" that will get them access to the front of the line at any American Idol audition in the country. The winner of our show was really good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223947605/" title="Untitled-27 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5223947605_4966f7c424_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-27" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls were pulled out to dance in the street during the parade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224544912/" title="Untitled-25 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5224544912_0d405c57e1_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-25" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day Five: Back to the Magic Kingdom</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5223947743/" title="Untitled-28 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5223947743_b85c6c169d_o.jpg" width="560" height="249" alt="Untitled-28" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buzz Lightyear was one of the highlights of Mia's trip. Buzz is her absolute favorite! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224545596/" title="Untitled-29 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5224545596_dd85acb468_o.jpg" width="560" height="420" alt="Untitled-29" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goodbye, Zai Jian & Dosvidania to Disney World... until we meet again. It has been a great week. (And the girls still had the energy to skip to the car that evening!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224545796/" title="Untitled-30 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5224545796_b45c0874f4_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-30" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our bags were packed, the car was loaded and we were headed to the airport. I asked the girls if they had a good time and this was their response...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224546208/" title="IMG_9514 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5224546208_a90d22591d_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_9514" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224546426/" title="IMG_9518 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5224546426_8a9b7929ee_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_9518" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224546656/" title="IMG_9524 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5224546656/" title="IMG_9524 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5224546656_bffb82c691_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_9524" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll take that as a yes. ;)</div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-75188469851551738572010-11-08T20:37:00.006-05:002010-11-08T21:22:07.432-05:00A Long Overdue Update<i>Hello? Hello? Is anyone out there?</i> I have received some really sweet comments of concern sent to my business email address lately, and a couple here on the blog, too - from people who wanted to check and make sure everything was ok, since, as my mother recently reminded me, <i>"the last blog post you did was on August 20!" </i>Rest assured, everything is going very well here. The girls are good, Nolan is good and so am I. I've just become a bit overwhelmed with trying to keep the household and my new business afloat and as much as I didn't want to do it, I decided that blogging needed to be put on the back burner for a little while. It was either blogging or my sanity, given all that I was trying to crunch into my 24 hours. I am sorry if I have caused anyone to be concerned! I'll try to do a quick catch up on the last month or so and then hope to post a bit more regularly, as I am taking the rest of the month and all of December off. WOO HOO!!!! I love my job, I truly do. I am just looking forward to a break from having to juggle family, editing, sessions and all of the never-ending administrative tasks that come with running your own small business. Plus, we have a fun family getaway planned that I hope to blog about in the coming weeks. YAY!<div><br /></div><div>So, here's just a little bit of what we've been up to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mia turned 5 in October. Boo hoo hoo. Where has my baby gone? She looks and acts so big - although she is still outrageously funny!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159485645/" title="IMG_3656-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1239/5159485645_f0f30aefe1.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="IMG_3656-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She had a cheer-themed birthday party, which turned out to be lots of fun for her and her friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159487393/" title="IMG_2774-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1054/5159487393_5493345856.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2774-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160090996/" title="IMG_2804-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5160090996_0db269e5ef.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2804-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159487739/" title="IMG_2805-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5159487739_ecf2eb783a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2805-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160091882/" title="IMG_2868-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/5160091882_ed2c304d73.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2868-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160091514/" title="IMG_2836-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1364/5160091514_c6c1718f74.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2836-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160091120/" title="IMG_2970-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1210/5160091120_fd08dfd4d5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2970-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leila got glasses. I think she partially needed them and partially wanted them because some of her friends have them. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159485869/" title="IMG_2752-Edit-copy-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5159485869_a18ed51ec8.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="IMG_2752-Edit-copy-2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My brother and his family moved from a state away to just 15-minutes away. It is so great to have them so close. We were able to attend a few of Jorge's football games, one of Lucy's soccer games and play lots and lots of four-square over the past couple of months. We visited our favorite pumpkin patch a few weeks ago. And yes, that pose is all Mia. I catch her making this pose in the mirror many mornings. That girl is too funny!!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160088168/" title="IMG_3953-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1341/5160088168_8ff84f07d1.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="IMG_3953-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160090194/" title="IMG_3821-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/5160090194_042ff82f66.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3821-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159486045/" title="IMG_3799-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5159486045_679fd61872.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3799-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159486453/" title="IMG_3826-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/5159486453_e1ef1bd968.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3826-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159486453/" title="IMG_3826-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"></a>My beautiful niece, Lucy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160131512/" title="IMG_3804-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/5160131512_54eb422409.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3804-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160131512/" title="IMG_3804-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"></a>And my adorable nephews, Jorge & Joe.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160131518/" title="IMG_3814-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/5160131518_2cf1fe3cab.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3814-copy" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160131522/" title="IMG_3836-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/5160131522_44dcd1885c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3836-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The mini- zip line for Mia.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160131526/" title="IMG_3756-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/5160131526_cfee13463e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3756-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The big zip line for Kara and Leila. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160090510/" title="IMG_3867-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/5160090510_361122d42d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3867-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160090632/" title="IMG_3876-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/5160090632_0fc531553c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3876-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159486907/" title="IMG_3939-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/5159486907_801fd123da.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3939-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then, of course, there's Halloween. We had a Toy Story "Jessie", a gypsy and a scarecrow pay a visit to our house this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160088580/" title="IMG_5738-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/5160088580_bac92947b0.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="IMG_5738-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160088334/" title="IMG_5710-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1414/5160088334_35d02bfd9a.jpg" width="344" height="500" alt="IMG_5710-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160089346/" title="IMG_5729-Edit-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/5160089346_b6e0f4db6f.jpg" width="405" height="500" alt="IMG_5729-Edit-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159485499/" title="IMG_5595-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1332/5159485499_887e27c7dc.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="IMG_5595-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160089200/" title="IMG_5592-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/5160089200_f106c1d5ed.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="IMG_5592-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160131508/" title="Scarecrwo2-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1101/5160131508_0078feba17.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Scarecrwo2-copy" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160088718/" title="IMG_5692-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5160088718_a2b8809dd0.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="IMG_5692-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kara had to work hard to make this "mean" scarecrow face. She kept bursting into laughter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160089004/" title="IMG_5707-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5160089004_81f8a16fd0.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="IMG_5707-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160092098/" title="IMG_7299-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5160092098_da099e42b1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_7299-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And our most recent "happening" at our house was a trip to the E.R. yesterday for Mia to get three stitches in her upper lip. She was hit by a flying toy truck in Sunday School yesterday morning. I was so proud of her. She was so big and brave and didn't flinch as she got the stitches. I, on the other hand, almost passed out and ended up kneeling on the floor asking the Dr. to go get my husband for me. Here, my baby girl is taking it like a champ and I couldn't bear the sight of that fish hook (NOT what I was expecting!!) going through her sweet little lip. Fortunately, Mia was concentrating so hard on staying still, I don't think she even noticed that my words of encouragement were coming from the floor and not beside her. lol! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We still ended up making it to a Chinese tea party a little over an hour later. Mia and her friends learned some history of tea and were able to pour their own and sample three different kinds. Then, they worked on a craft project. It was such a fun little play date/party for the girls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160092216/" title="IMG_8389-Edit-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/5160092216_dfb16401ba.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8389-Edit-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160092722/" title="IMG_8397-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/5160092722_fab8c946f6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8397-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159489063/" title="IMG_8409-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/5159489063_ac7933ba09.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8409-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5159488483/" title="IMG_8408-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1054/5159488483_08f084256c.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="IMG_8408-copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160092574/" title="IMG_8431-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/5160092574/" title="IMG_8431-copy by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/5160092574_c019af6295.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8431-copy" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that's it for now. Thanks again to those who reached out to check in on us. I'm sorry that I had anyone worried. I'll try to do better.</div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-65246358050479458622010-08-06T08:32:00.004-04:002010-08-06T08:53:55.524-04:00Our Summer Vacation<div style="text-align: left;">OK, so we've been back nearly two weeks already and I'm just now posting this. Bad blogger, very bad blogger! We had such a nice, relaxing weekend spent in west Michigan. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent our first day on Strawberry Lake in Pinkney, Michigan boating with a friend. The girls had a blast, as you can see...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865346007/" title="IMG_5584-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4865346007_a8260b948f_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_5584-Edit560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865961920/" title="Untitled-4560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4865961920_f2f3f6565e_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-4560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865962222/" title="Untitled-7560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4865962222_2b3528555a_o.jpg" width="560" height="218" alt="Untitled-7560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865343849/" title="Untitled-5560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4865343849_193c563b42_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-5560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We rode the dunes in Saugatuck. We also "ran the dunes". Going downhill is a lot of fun. Going uphill is KILLER!! I recommend watching others from the top. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865343285/" title="Untitled-3560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4865343285_493e7223e6_o.jpg" width="560" height="420" alt="Untitled-3560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865961704/" title="Untitled-1560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4865961704_e1da44ccdb_o.jpg" width="560" height="249" alt="Untitled-1560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We strolled around beautiful Saugatuck. I love this little town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865393195/" title="IMG_5730-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4865393195_870c187aff_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_5730-Edit560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a public restroom. A pretty public restroom. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865963920/" title="IMG_5733-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4865963920_dae012ac3c_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_5733-Edit560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And a highlight of our trip was having dinner with my friend, <a href="http://www.sophiajaneboutique.blogspot.com/">Kimberley</a>, and her precious family. The kids got along great. And dare I say that a certain little charmer had a wee bit of a crush on two older girls. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865343057/" title="Untitled-2560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4865343057_d18d538714_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-2560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We spent an afternoon at the beach in Holland. This was Kara's first time to a beach. She loved swimming in the lake. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865962344/" title="Untitled-9560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4865962344_b128718771_o.jpg" width="560" height="420" alt="Untitled-9560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865344315/" title="Untitled-8560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4865344315_4b5a8fdb5d_o.jpg" width="560" height="404" alt="Untitled-8560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to Michigan Adventure amusement & water park. I didn't want to lug my camera around all day, so no pictures. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We spent another day at the beach - this time Grand Haven Beach. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865400735/" title="Untitled-6 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4865400735_7cce063dc0.jpg" width="500" height="361" alt="Untitled-6" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4866018170/" title="Untitled-11 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4866018170_f2cb65fe31.jpg" width="500" height="278" alt="Untitled-11" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4866018432/" title="Untitled-13 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4866018432_65355cfca0.jpg" width="500" height="222" alt="Untitled-13" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then topped off our week with some evening beach photos. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865962754/" title="IMG_5878-Edit-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4865962754_64631a2ff5.jpg" width="336" height="500" alt="IMG_5878-Edit-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865344779/" title="IMG_5795-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4865344779_9378b5b496.jpg" width="500" height="336" alt="IMG_5795-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865345163/" title="IMG_5821-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4865345163_1daec0d233.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMG_5821-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865963486/" title="IMG_5835-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4865963486_c76e6bf91b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMG_5835-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865963652/" title="IMG_5848-Edit-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4865963652/" title="IMG_5848-Edit-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4865963652_e5dfa44b99.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMG_5848-Edit-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a wonderful week away!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-8290233852126626392010-07-11T15:50:00.009-04:002010-07-12T07:42:58.839-04:00I Heart Faces: I Heart My Country<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgY6f8avojD2YL85MaXWiewqXUjIOxFZufBpYzZoeHsq6rGM67h855QVptSFfv7vQOQ__F0iHyDTvxUDAAJqgf7DsUGYy4Ee-duirjTgx-ocXkB_T3AOxwPmwmISF-5XPE0iW3w/s1600/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgY6f8avojD2YL85MaXWiewqXUjIOxFZufBpYzZoeHsq6rGM67h855QVptSFfv7vQOQ__F0iHyDTvxUDAAJqgf7DsUGYy4Ee-duirjTgx-ocXkB_T3AOxwPmwmISF-5XPE0iW3w/s400/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492738757829449154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought I'd participate in this week's <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com">I Heart Faces</a> non-competition theme, considering I still haven't posted any photos from our July 4th weekend on my blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">As we celebrate America's birthday, we also celebrate Leila's July 4th birthday... this year our birthday girl turned 9. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4784161248/" title="IMG_2950-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4784161248/" title="IMG_2950-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4784161248_a7a266b3af_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_2950-Edit560" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was Kara's first July 4th celebration in America. Last year, we spent Independence Day in Beijing. I think Kara thoroughly enjoyed her first July 4th - from watching "America's Biggest Small Town Parade" from the front lawn of her Nana's house in West Virginia and filling her parade candy bag with more than 300 pieces of candy to catching fireflies in the back yard and seeing her first real fireworks. To see all three of my girls holding American flags is something that always warms my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4784161248/" title="IMG_2950-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4784161592/" title="IMG_2944-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4784161592_d5446d5850_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_2944-Edit560" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then there is Mia... my big four-year old who no longer needed constant supervision during this year's parade. She was able to stand alongside her sisters while we sat behind them and watched her fill her bag with candy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4784160826/" title="IMG_2927-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4784160826_6c0659321f_b.jpg" width="560" height="407" alt="IMG_2927-Edit560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to all of the brave men and women who allow us to </div><div style="text-align: center;">celebrate our freedoms on July 4 and every day throughout the year!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4783529267/" title="IMG_2904-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4783529267_9e6c88e241_b.jpg" width="500" height="767" alt="IMG_2904-Edit" /></a></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-32527592771326905712010-06-27T23:04:00.003-04:002010-06-27T23:42:38.920-04:00Catching Up... Again<div style="text-align: left;">What a bad blogger am I? Does anyone else out there feel so overwhelmed and busy that they can't keep up? That's the way I've been feeling lately. If anyone is still reading my badly neglected blog, you can click over <a href="http://www.facebook.com/michellerphotography">here</a> if you want to see what I've been up to. I was really over-scheduling myself in May and June and I'm taking the lessons learned and hoping to put a better family/work balance back in my life. But in the spirit of keeping my blog relatively up-to-date so I can "scrapbook" our life for me to look back later, I wanted to do another catch-up post on what we've been up to in June.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kara celebrated her 12th birthday on June 3. That evening was just a fun family outing to the batting cage and driving range.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741136266/" title="Untitled-3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4741136266_abe19bf66f_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-3" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That weekend, she had a small party with two of her closest friends at Sweet & Sassy, followed by a yummy dinner.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741136266/" title="Untitled-3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741135932/" title="Untitled-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4741135932_26970479e0_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740499291/" title="Untitled-1 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4740499291_c2cfb8fdc3_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="Untitled-1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740500371/" title="MedSizeCover-2560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4740500371_9b266f6d5b_b.jpg" width="560" height="365" alt="MedSizeCover-2560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kara had two cakes and this was how she made her wishes. I love it!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740500737/" title="KaraBirthday560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4740500737_eb021468b2_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="KaraBirthday560" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kara's big gift was a new iTouch. We loaded it with Chinese movies and music. She has been introduced to the joys of iTunes gift cards!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740501169/" title="KaraBirthday-34 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4740501169_0e3f3c830d_b.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="KaraBirthday-34" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls had fun during their last day of school. This was Kara's last day in elementary school, so an extra big day for all of the 5th graders. (sniff, sniff) I made this to decorate Kara's locker.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741133336/" title="IMG_6812 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4741133336_732046e486_b.jpg" width="500" height="804" alt="IMG_6812" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741246272/" title="IMG_6820 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4741246272_ef0a9d97dc_b.jpg" width="500" height="749" alt="IMG_6820" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740495265/" title="IMG_6976 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4740495265_96bf392d30_b.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_6976" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leila's teacher threw water balloons at her class. Her teacher was awesome!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741132406/" title="IMG_6928 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4741132406_9c265ce79d_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_6928" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, Mia wanted to join in on the action.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741132794/" title="IMG_6929 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4741132794_184a295548_b.jpg" width="560" height="390" alt="IMG_6929" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The outgoing 5th graders paraded around the halls as the school bell rang. Seriously, I am SO not ready for a middle schooler!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740497475/" title="IMG_6992 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4740497475_73b6d5760f_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_6992" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since school let out, the girls have been golfing nearly every day - either just going to the driving range or going with their daddy to a small golf course. These shots were taken during our family golf outing on Father's Day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740493013/" title="IMG_0941 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4740493013_8354a7cb50_b.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_0941" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740493423/" title="IMG_0945 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4740493423_1b4f0db7d5_b.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_0945" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740498419/" title="IMG_0923560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4740498419_29ae0bdb32_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_0923560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740493837/" title="IMG_0954-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4740493837_5750c73bca_b.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_0954-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And what's summer without lots of swimming?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741128470/" title="IMG_1666-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4741128470_d4be09d46a_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_1666-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741131922/" title="IMG_7100-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4741131922_391de36fc3_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_7100-Edit560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And good ol' back yard slip-n-slide fun...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4741127702/" title="IMG_1043 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4741127702_5e6761d0fa_b.jpg" width="700" height="460" alt="IMG_1043" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740491111/" title="IMG_0985 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4740491111_b4e508b8ab_b.jpg" width="700" height="540" alt="IMG_0985" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740491529/" title="IMG_1016 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4740491529_ab6516cb69_b.jpg" width="500" height="671" alt="IMG_1016" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740490601/" title="IMG_0980 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4740490601/" title="IMG_0980 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4740490601_4dbc86d05d_b.jpg" width="700" height="475" alt="IMG_0980" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhhhh, it feels so good to get this posted.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are enjoying your summer!!</div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-10140650337154259282010-06-07T16:26:00.002-04:002010-06-07T16:32:09.512-04:00I Heart Faces: Play<center style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://new.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took my three girls, my nephews and my niece to the park yesterday afternoon and was able to capture this shot of them on the monkey bars. Ranging in ages from 3 - 12, they all love to play together. And nothing warms my heart more than watching them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4677824755/" title="560IMG_6318-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4677824755/" title="560IMG_6318-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4677824755_3d6e94aea2_b.jpg" width="560" height="870" alt="560IMG_6318-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Processed using </span><a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Florabella</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Wisteria & Soft Sunshine actions </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and Florabella Sugar & Spice texture.</span></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-42777784368029733442010-06-02T22:14:00.010-04:002010-06-03T07:06:39.066-04:00Happy Birthday, Kara!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4664593701/" title="IMG_5714-Editb by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4664593701_3e50034348_b.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_5714-Editb" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4664621965/" title="queenofquirk-SBAapr10-pp1 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4664621965_e3073c6c83_b.jpg" width="560" height="560" alt="queenofquirk-SBAapr10-pp1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today, Kara turns 12 - our first birthday celebration together with her as a family. Last year at this time, we were just three weeks away from travel and we missed spending her 11th birthday with her. According to Kara, this will be her first birthday celebration ever. Words such as these are hard for a mom to hear. Although I may never know, I think part of that might be due to her birthday falling so close to Children's Day - a holiday celebrated in China on June 1. I do know that Kara's foster family gave her a cake for Children's Day, as we have a photo of her with it and I incorrectly assumed it was her birthday cake. I am looking forward to making this a special day for her. It will be just us today, but she's having a small party with two of her closest friends on Saturday - one who happens to share her birthday with her. It was <i>her</i> choice to keep it small, so it will be small and special - just like her. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Kara - WE LOVE YOU & can't wait to celebrate your special day with you!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy Birthday, my soon-to-be sixth grader!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4664593167/" title="IMG_5749-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4664593167_ce7382c18e_b.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_5749-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4664594221/" title="IMG_5726-Editb by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4664594221_81edb1787e_b.jpg" width="560" height="407" alt="IMG_5726-Editb" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4665218768/" title="IMG_5683-Editb by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4665218768_c22273e49c_b.jpg" width="560" height="382" alt="IMG_5683-Editb" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4665218936/" title="IMG_5704-Editb by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4665218936/" title="IMG_5704-Editb by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4665218936_54e4962562_b.jpg" width="560" height="376" alt="IMG_5704-Editb" /></a></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-33813421858622900352010-05-29T21:59:00.020-04:002010-05-29T22:54:42.147-04:00Playing Serious Catch Up<div style="text-align: left;">So far this Spring, I have been quite busy taking photos of other families - <i>something that I am loving doing</i>- but it has left me little time for updating my own blog or reading other blogs. I am still trying to figure out how to balance my new workload with ease, and blogging has just been forced to fall at the bottom of my list. I have yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of other things that are on my plate right now, but I refuse to give it up completely. So, I am going to attempt to play catch up with this post. It's going to be rather long and photo-heavy. You've been warned. :) This is just a bit of what we've been up to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All Spring, we've been keeping a watchful eye on the wreath on our front porch. The girls checked it every morning before they left for school. One day recently, this is what they found.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651581248/" title="IMG_3615-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4651581248_894dcd3cab_b.jpg" width="700" height="474" alt="IMG_3615-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is only one who has been watching it more carefully than we have... Mama Bird. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And let me just tell you - she is scary!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651580950/" title="IMG_3634-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4651580950_c707bb0be4_b.jpg" width="700" height="560" alt="IMG_3634-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, she's a good Mama. She's constantly bringing a beak-full of worms back to her little babies. And my, they are growing fast!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651581510/" title="IMG_4855-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4651581510_6cc3d1239d_b.jpg" width="700" height="490" alt="IMG_4855-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you all know, Spring at our house = Soccer, soccer & more soccer. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Leila has had a great season, which is ending this weekend with their final tournament. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She has found her place on the team as the starting goalie. Although she enjoys playing other positions as well, this is where her sweet spot seems to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651035085/" title="Leila-8 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4651035085_2fc2967162_b.jpg" width="700" height="478" alt="Leila-8" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kara's 5th grade choir held their Spring performance last week, featuring "Oliver Twist." Kara was cast as an orphan. Don't get me started on this topic. You may notice she is the only girl not covered in dirt and ragged clothing. I happen to think that spending 11 years of her life as an orphan is quite enough, thankyouverymuch. Ironically, this is a dress that she brought with her from China. Regardless of how she was cast, I was proud of my girl. She spoke not a word of English 11 months ago, and now she is performing with her 5th grade choir. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651035189/" title="IMG_4902 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4651035189_c83f2aecae_b.jpg" width="640" height="431" alt="IMG_4902" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651653626/" title="IMG_4975 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4651653626_28c53b8075_b.jpg" width="640" height="408" alt="IMG_4975" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her teacher gave Kara a flower at the end of the performance. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651035351/" title="IMG_4985 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4651035351_f0d12d293b_b.jpg" width="415" height="640" alt="IMG_4985" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week, I shot the cover photo for the 2011 COFCC Calendar, featuring these little cuties below. (This is not the cover photo. This is the post-session popsicle treat.) If you are an adoptive parent of a child from China, stay tuned for more details on how you can participate in this calendar!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651656478/" title="FBEdit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4651656478_32300ace07_b.jpg" width="700" height="491" alt="FBEdit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning, I took Kara & Mia to the Asian Festival. I really do not like crowds. <i> At all</i>. The thought of parking my car miles away and catching a shuttle bus is just not appealing to me. Instead, I try to beat the crowd and arrive early to secure a decent parking spot. Yep, I'm one of <i>those</i> people. LOL. So, we arrived an hour early and walked around the beautiful grounds, of course snapping pictures along the way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650964511/" title="IMG_5037-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4650964511_9ca099da4e_b.jpg" width="700" height="467" alt="IMG_5037-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650964185/" title="IMG_5061-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4650964185_2158b9842e_b.jpg" width="700" height="467" alt="IMG_5061-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651583702/" title="IMG_5065-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4651583702_235fb4fa43_b.jpg" width="700" height="474" alt="IMG_5065-Edit" /></a>Trying out a new purchase from the festival vendors.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651587294/" title="IMG_5099-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4651587294_2c18e4bde9_b.jpg" width="700" height="498" alt="IMG_5099-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh. My. Word!!! This is the coolest sport I have ever seen!! It is called Sepak Takraw and looks much like volleyball, but hands are not allowed. Instead, they use their heads, as in soccer, and their feet, as in hacky sack. They even serve with their feet! Using moves similar to martial arts, they are able to rotate in the air and get their feet up over the net. Seriously, this was just the coolest thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650965239/" title="IMG_5085 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4650965239_43eb5aef28_b.jpg" width="700" height="478" alt="IMG_5085" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651584624/" title="IMG_5081 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4651584624_a6a6ca32c0_b.jpg" width="700" height="436" alt="IMG_5081" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651584862/" title="IMG_5087 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4651584862_e58d610191_b.jpg" width="700" height="457" alt="IMG_5087" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651585428/" title="IMG_5088 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4651585428_1cdce7f215_b.jpg" width="700" height="480" alt="IMG_5088" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651586348/" title="IMG_5110 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4651586348_db9c8f7b10_b.jpg" width="700" height="455" alt="IMG_5110" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650966897/" title="IMG_5095 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4650966897_5a4d23dceb_b.jpg" width="700" height="472" alt="IMG_5095" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650965601/" title="IMG_5077 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4650965601_75ab185637_b.jpg" width="700" height="438" alt="IMG_5077" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651586890/" title="IMG_5100 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4651586890_c53be1cde6_b.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="IMG_5100" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, as we were sitting watching some of the pavillion performances, we were thrilled to see some very near and dear friends.... aka Mia's BFFs. They adore Kara, too. They always come running to her yelling, "Da Xin, Da Xin." Too cute!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650967961/" title="IMG_5134-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4650967961_c280ebe433_b.jpg" width="700" height="451" alt="IMG_5134-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651587696/" title="IMG_5141-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4651587696_c19f4b65f1_b.jpg" width="700" height="467" alt="IMG_5141-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651587508/" title="IMG_5143-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651587508/" title="IMG_5143-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4651587508_cd539ac33e_b.jpg" width="700" height="467" alt="IMG_5143-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And at this point in the day, after we had been at the festival in the seriously hot sun for five hours, it was our cue to leave as Mia began a mini-meltdown as Kara gave the other girls piggy back rides. Mia doesn't like sharing her sister too well. It's rather sweet that she adores "her Kara" so much, but we're working on the sharing her part. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whew, now I feel better to have some of this documented. Now next month when my horrible memory fails me, I have it all here in writing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And in closing, I want to wish all of my friends </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>a very Happy Memorial Day weekend!! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Thanks to all of those brave men & women who have served, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>or are currently serving, this great country!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4650963003/" title="IMG_4992-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4650963003_67821c78ed_b.jpg" width="700" height="446" alt="IMG_4992-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651582078/" title="IMG_4996-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4651582078_16850642eb_b.jpg" width="500" height="754" alt="IMG_4996-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651582368/" title="IMG_5017-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4651582368/" title="IMG_5017-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/4651582368_76ab448fc5_b.jpg" width="700" height="467" alt="IMG_5017-Edit" /></a></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-89467101183235794702010-05-22T04:20:00.006-04:002010-05-23T22:42:49.118-04:00I Heart Faces: Yellow<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>Cousins in {Yellow}<br /></strong></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">When I saw this week's theme, I knew immediately that I wanted to post a picture I took a few weeks ago. For anyone hopping over here from I Heart Faces and is new to my blog, this is a picture of my three daughters, <em>two born in China and one born in Russia</em>, my nephews, <em>both born in Guatemala</em>, and my niece, <em>born in China</em>. Three countries are proudly represented in this photo. We are an international family and so very, very blessed!!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="IMG_9404f560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554913638/"><img alt="IMG_9404f560" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/4554913638_a128a76bf8_o.jpg" width="560" height="440" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Pop over to<a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"> I Heart Faces</a> to see more sunshine in this week's yellow theme..</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-89353439781923059562010-05-16T13:50:00.004-04:002010-05-16T21:50:06.335-04:00I Heart Faces: Flowers<center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Seriously, faces AND flowers - does it get any better than this theme?!?</center><center>Here is a shot I took of my daughter, Mia, last week in our flowerbed. </center><center><br /></center><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4596687653/" title="IMG_1333-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/4596687653_118caff826_o.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_1333-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com/">I Heart Faces</a> for more from this week's theme.</div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-28450090215870257712010-05-11T14:58:00.006-04:002010-05-12T02:48:09.267-04:00Black & White Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh dear, how I love this girl. My little ray of sunshine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4598796547/" title="IMG_1420-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4598796547_5a9a9de57c_o.jpg" width="560" height="390" alt="IMG_1420-Edit" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4599415738/" title="IMG_1421-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4599415738_b64010218a_o.jpg" width="560" height="379" alt="IMG_1421-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4599415906/" title="IMG_1423-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4599415906/" title="IMG_1423-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1189/4599415906_b65ce3b381_o.jpg" width="560" height="361" alt="IMG_1423-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">If you haven't stopped by in a few days, </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">please be sure to check out my last post and <a href="http://borninourheart.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-having-giveaway.html">enter my giveaway</a>!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Deadline to enter is 5:00 pm EST on Thursday.</span></div></span></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-22812140428354492932010-05-04T20:45:00.006-04:002010-05-04T23:24:28.258-04:00Black & White Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, we had Kara's 12-month post-placement visit with her social worker. In fact, she is just shy of being home for 10-months, but I like getting these done early to make sure it arrives in China on time. I realized I had to have a family photo and it has been several months since I have taken one. So... after school on Thursday, we all went to my favorite park for a little photo shoot. The primary goal was a new family photo to send to China, but I absolutely LOVE this park at this time of year and wanted to capture some images of the girls, too. And here they are... with a little mixture of b/w and color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577365980/" title="IMG_9965-Edit560bw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/4577365980_787fcbb8c5_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_9965-Edit560bw" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577366488/" title="IMG_0013-Edit-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/4577366488_65b195e9f9_o.jpg" width="500" height="761" alt="IMG_0013-Edit-2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577369020/" title="IMG_9981-Editvw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4577369020_4ca507b129_o.jpg" width="450" height="675" alt="IMG_9981-Editvw" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577368808/" title="IMG_9988-Editbw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/4577368808_1a8c756df1_o.jpg" width="450" height="706" alt="IMG_9988-Editbw" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577369604/" title="IMG_9992-Editbw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4577369604_c8b8e6b099_o.jpg" width="450" height="675" alt="IMG_9992-Editbw" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4576737793/" title="IMG_0039-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/4576737793_97cd845e7c_o.jpg" width="560" height="366" alt="IMG_0039-Edit" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4576738603/" title="IMG_0049-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/4576738603_d045600a62_o.jpg" width="500" height="774" alt="IMG_0049-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4576734869/" title="IMG_0062-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4576734869_7026e0b039_o.jpg" width="560" height="393" alt="IMG_0062-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577367488/" title="IMG_0075-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/4577367488_dddea81ceb_o.jpg" width="450" height="722" alt="IMG_0075-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577367750/" title="IMG_0076-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4577367750_b044410081_o.jpg" width="560" height="407" alt="IMG_0076-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4576733207/" title="IMG_9965-Edit560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4576733207_fc729a7b92_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_9965-Edit560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4576738003/" title="IMG_0039-Editbw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4576738003_78d5c3c5d5_o.jpg" width="560" height="366" alt="IMG_0039-Editbw" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577370968/" title="IMG_0131-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4577370968/" title="IMG_0131-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4577370968_445f9313f4_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_0131-Edit" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4579521003/" title="FamilyPhotosSM-10 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4579521003_d20eca654e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="FamilyPhotosSM-10" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-25137663742100563192010-04-26T11:12:00.003-04:002010-04-26T11:34:14.114-04:00I Heart Faces: Smiles<center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></center><div><br /></div>This week's <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com/">I Heart Faces</a> theme is "smiles." I took this shot over the weekend and have added it to my smile favorites list. My daughter Mia (right) and my niece, Lucy, have such a special relationship and this shot captured one of the many giggles they share. What a pair!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554285679/" title="IMG_9607-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4554285679_b6648dac6f_o.jpg" width="560" height="388" alt="IMG_9607-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>See next post for more cousin photos from the weekend.</i></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-42103836858075360932010-04-26T11:02:00.005-04:002010-04-26T12:01:41.371-04:00We Are Family<div style="text-align: left;">Guess who came to visit this weekend?!? My adorable niece and nephews. And that means a house full of kiddos and lots of good ol' cousin fun! It was supposed to rain the entire weekend, so I was so happy that it held off long enough for me to snap some shots of all six kids. I have not had any decent shots of them all together since the fall and I wanted to get a couple to frame for my entryway. Mission accomplished!! And it was so great to have them here for a visit. I can't wait for the next "Stupendous Six" reunion. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554913054/" title="IMG_9280F560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/4554913054_20fca6a66a_o.jpg" width="560" height="440" alt="IMG_9280F560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554913638/" title="IMG_9404f560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/4554913638_a128a76bf8_o.jpg" width="560" height="440" alt="IMG_9404f560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554282933/" title="IMG_9424F560 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4554282933_6f413b3481_o.jpg" width="560" height="440" alt="IMG_9424F560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course, Mia and Lucy. When they are together, the rest of the world around them does not exist. They are glued at the hip. I love it!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554284567/" title="IMG_9569-Edit-2-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4554284567_11511b900f_o.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_9569-Edit-2-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4554915070/" title="IMG_9594-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/4554915070_8c5c804881_o.jpg" width="500" height="760" alt="IMG_9594-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Note: I used textures created by my friend, Colleen, for the bottom two images. She offers some great, affordable textures and overlays at </i><a href="http://www.chasingdreams.me/"><i>Chasing Dreams</i></a><i>.</i></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-209156130688219672010-04-20T15:15:00.004-04:002010-04-20T15:32:04.324-04:00Kara's Spring ConcertThe last two weeks have been so busy, it seems I have not been able to get caught up with anything. I am really far behind in my photos and I have not had much computer time to blog or visit blogs. I have really missed that! But I didn't want to miss out on posting Kara's spring band concert. Life at our house in the Spring revolves around soccer, soccer and more soccer for Leila. We spent the past weekend a few hours away at a soccer tournament and we have more of them to come. So, when Kara gets her chance to shine in the spotlight, I am so happy for her. She has come such a long way in the 9 1/2 months since she has been home. She expressed an interest in music from the beginning, so we thought band might be a good fit for her. However, she was just learning English and we weren't sure if she would be able to keep up with the others in her class - especially since most of the kids already had one year of band experience in fourth grade. I talked with her band teacher at the beginning of the year and she said she was willing to give it a try. Like everything else Kara has attempted, she has done amazingly well. Not a day goes by where I don't think about how her life has changed in every way and how well she has adapted. I am so very proud of her.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Our little maestro takes advantage of the empty podium.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4538826752/" title="IMG_7991-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4538826752_68709c9292_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_7991-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kara plays the bells with two other fifth graders.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4538827042/" title="IMG_8013-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4538827042_f44ece693b_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_8013-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She performs with the fifth and sixth grade bands combined. (She's the only one in pink.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4538827526/" title="IMG_8047-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4538827526_705a41eb3d_o.jpg" width="560" height="220" alt="IMG_8047-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And if I dare say, I think she is mighty proud of herself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4538827274/" title="IMG_8026-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4538827274/" title="IMG_8026-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4538827274_bafd57ee0b_o.jpg" width="400" height="558" alt="IMG_8026-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And she <i>should</i> be!</div></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-29032189571716433882010-04-13T22:18:00.007-04:002010-04-13T23:27:06.623-04:00Black & White Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OK, so I'm going to do something a little different this week because, well... <i>I'm a slacker</i>. I have quite a few photos to go through from the weekend, but haven't had a chance because I have been busy editing photos from my Sunday afternoon session with this beautiful little girl. So today, I'm going to post this one here and you can go to my photography site if you would like to see more black & whites (and thanks to Spring - a whole bunch of color, too!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4519667542/" title="IMG_7287-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4519667542_e5dd66f81c_o.jpg" width="550" height="825" alt="IMG_7287-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.michellerphotography.com/">www.michellerphotography.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, here is a partial black & white I took of myself this morning and edited for my Facebook profile pic. I'm not totally sold on it yet, so I may change it again by next week. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4519770552/" title="selfportraitbw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4519770552/" title="selfportraitbw by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4519770552_7af5e84a87_o.jpg" width="700" height="560" alt="selfportraitbw" /></a></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-24454908901236127432010-04-12T09:01:00.002-04:002010-04-12T09:09:15.297-04:00Hockey, Anyone?<div style="text-align: left;">I guess we needed to round out our week with yet another first - the girls' first hockey game. Nolan got us all great seats at the final game of the season. Mia did a lot of pacing between my seat and Nolan's, but Leila and Kara really enjoyed the game. It made a great family night. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514657484/" title="IMG_7128-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/4514657484_d2706b891d_o.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="IMG_7128-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514018797/" title="IMG_7131-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4514018797_1066426af8_o.jpg" width="400" height="550" alt="IMG_7131-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leila was sitting right beside me - too close for a picture. And I guess lazy mama didn't want to get out of her seat. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here are a few shots for any hockey fans out there...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514658268/" title="IMG_7115-1 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/4514658268_a6b1f20696_o.jpg" width="500" height="625" alt="IMG_7115-1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514658900/" title="IMG_7116-1 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/4514658900_823b2ef579_o.jpg" width="560" height="448" alt="IMG_7116-1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514019047/" title="IMG_7117-1 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/4514019047_7298a8fff9_o.jpg" width="560" height="376" alt="IMG_7117-1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514658566/" title="IMG_7122 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4514658566/" title="IMG_7122 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/4514658566_58b3d758d4_o.jpg" width="560" height="448" alt="IMG_7122" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!</div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-17612048012909677502010-04-08T20:54:00.002-04:002010-04-08T21:04:54.935-04:00And the Wheels are Off...This has been a rather big week for us. First, Leila was baptized on Easter Sunday (nothing compares to this one!), Mia went from dreaded fear to newfound love for the Easter Bunny, she went back to preschool, and... she rode without training wheels for the first time! <div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Nolan's School of Biking always starts in the back yard </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4504271178/" title="IMG_6825-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4504271178_e03bceda76_o.jpg" width="560" height="370" alt="IMG_6825-Edit" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After a few good runs, he takes his little student to the street. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Nolan is running right beside her. I just didn't capture him in the frame.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4504271182/" title="IMG_6843-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4504271182_c3f66f2dbb_o.jpg" width="560" height="450" alt="IMG_6843-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had to document this one to remember that she was just shy of 4 1/2. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She'll probably need a little help a few more times before she goes completely solo, but she rode all the way down the street a couple of times on her own. She was so proud of herself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our little girls have had a big week! :)</div></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-88940801879784003592010-04-06T20:42:00.011-04:002010-04-07T00:02:24.613-04:00Black & White Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I purchased an old schoolhouse desk at an antique store last year and refinished it with a darker stain. I had just announced my new photography business and was going through a prop hunting phase and thought I just had to have it. (Of course it's been collecting dust in our garage ever since.) Since Mia started school yesterday, I thought it was time to dust it off for a few "Mia starts preschool" pictures. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought I'd share with you a bit of our conversation after taking these photos:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: <i>"Mia, do you ever get tired of me taking your picture?"</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mia: <i> "No, I like taking pretty pictures to show Daddy and I also like to get those pretty bow boxes in the mail." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It seems I've been ordering lots of bows and flowers from my friend Kimberley at <a href="http://www.sophiajaneboutique.blogspot.com/">Sophia Jane Boutique</a> lately and Mia thinks they'll keep coming if we keep taking pictures of her wearing them. Too funny! I love how kids think. The two are not connected, but I don't mind feeding my bow addiction to keep my girl happy. lol. No matter what, I'm glad she likes hamming it up for me in front of the camera. And while I love her expression in these, I am equally sold on her adorable little feet. Oh, how I love bare little kid feet!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498059971/" title="IMG_6865-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4498059971_dd0e224992_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6865-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498060481/" title="IMG_6858-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4498060481_18f773c31a_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6858-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498695332/" title="IMG_6875 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4498695332_5556b65b50_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6875" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498059387/" title="IMG_6861-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4498059387_1b039187ab_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6861-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498694476/" title="IMG_6908-Edit3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4498694476_0bba0a86d7_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6908-Edit3" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498694024/" title="IMG_6925-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4498694024_04f5bef980_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6925-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And while I loved the shots in color, the black/white does a great job at camouflaging our horribly neglected grass. Last summer was so extremely chaotic around here with the adoption, preparing to travel, traveling to China and then adjusting to our new life, that a certain someone who shall remain nameless (and it's not my husband), neglected to call our lawncare guy and make sure he kept doing the fertilizing treatments and whatever else he does. Ahem. Fortunately, he has forgiven us and is going to try to get our lawn back on track. In the meantime, our neighbor's lawn looks like plush carpet and ours looks, well... this is how it looks. So Black & White Wednesday came at a perfect time. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498059731/" title="IMG_6865-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498059731/" title="IMG_6865-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4498059731_8569654225_o.jpg" width="500" height="706" alt="IMG_6865-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For more black & whites, visit <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/">Lisa's blog.</a></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-45910462226515345182010-04-06T20:32:00.003-04:002010-04-06T20:41:50.598-04:00There She Goes...<div style="text-align: left;">Well, it's official. Mia has finally put her new backpack to good use. She has been wearing that thing around the house for two weeks now - just waiting to start school. Because you know, it's all about the "Dora packpack." She started her new preschool class today. She couldn't sleep last night and she was up super early this morning all in anticipation of her big day. I would have bet some serious bucks that I would have shed lots of tears today, but I couldn't cry when I saw her so excited. She walked into her class like such a big girl, gave me a big hug and a kiss and was ready to go. It turns out, the new class they started today is far from full. It was Mia, two boys, her teacher and a teaching assistant. So, two teachers to three kids - not a bad ratio, eh? She has a couple of friends in the neighboring preschool classes and they get to share recess together. The best part of the day was when I picked her up and she came running down the hall and jumped into my arms. OK, well that was the best part of the day for <i>me </i>at least. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4498697276/" title="Miapreschool500 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4498697276_73a3d3deae_o.jpg" width="500" height="743" alt="Miapreschool500" /></a></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-9041419856097799472010-04-04T18:18:00.027-04:002010-04-04T19:46:25.935-04:00Our EXTRA Special Easter!!<div style="text-align: left;">Easter is an extremely special day all on its own, but today was extra special. We do all of the traditional Easter weekend festivities, but we also make sure the girls know the<i> real</i> reason we celebrate Easter: <b>that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again!!</b> <i>Please b</i><i>e sure and scroll down to the bottom of this post to see what made this day extra special for our family. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday morning started with an Easter Egg Hunt at the club - another first for Kara. We were so happy my mom was able to join us for the entire weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4491259180/" title="IMG_6570-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4491259180_b9b4ff0919_o.jpg" width="500" height="620" alt="IMG_6570-Edit" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Mia also had a first - she decided she was no longer afraid of the Easter bunny, and instead, wanted to get her picture taken with him multiple times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4491416794/" title="IMG_6598-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4491416794_ceaed289b9_o.jpg" width="500" height="743" alt="IMG_6598-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4491413176/" title="IMG_6605-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4491413176/" title="IMG_6605-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4491413176_16586073c3_o.jpg" width="560" height="452" alt="IMG_6605-Edit2" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">And no, that's not our house in the background. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490773161/" title="IMG_6583-Edit3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4490773161_768af371af_o.jpg" width="560" height="433" alt="IMG_6583-Edit3" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls painted eggs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4491432046/" title="IMG_6699-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4491432046_70935a69ec_o.jpg" width="560" height="383" alt="IMG_6699-Edit2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the best part of the weekend was that Leila chose to be baptized this morning. Nolan and I both grew up in a Methodist church, but when searching for a new church after moving back to town, we found a Baptist church that we LOVE. The pastors are wonderful, as are the people. And I really like the fact that you are not baptized until you have made the <i>personal</i> decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior - something Leila did a couple months ago. This morning, Leila made a public confession of her faith by being baptized in front of the congregation. I am so proud of her. She does a great job with her bible studies and learning her verses. (And my husband makes a great teacher!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another thing I love about our church is that they allow loved ones to immerse you, should you choose. This was such a special day in Leila's life and Nolan was able to be the one to be there with her. What a proud moment for him!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nolan, Leila and our pastor are all smiles after Leila slipped getting in the water. Fortunately, she was not hurt and just laughed about it instead of being embarrassed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490620575/" title="IMG_6722 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4490620575_6ab432c62a_o.jpg" width="560" height="451" alt="IMG_6722" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Leila, have you accepted Jesus into your heart and do you love the Lord?," asks our paster. </i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> "Yes!", replied Leila.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490620953/" title="IMG_6729 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2729/4490620953_d116e356ac_o.jpg" width="560" height="451" alt="IMG_6729" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's celebrate!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490621361/" title="IMG_6735 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490621361/" title="IMG_6735 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4490621361_44a87125c8_o.jpg" width="560" height="451" alt="IMG_6735" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a proud parent moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490621361/" title="IMG_6735 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490621361/" title="IMG_6735 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4490621745/" title="IMG_6741 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4490621745_7a38b6ea59_o.jpg" width="560" height="452" alt="IMG_6741" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY EASTER!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-55036561886983032682010-04-01T20:29:00.005-04:002010-04-02T00:31:07.837-04:00The Topiary GardenIt was such a gorgeous day yesterday (Hallelujah!!), so Mia and I headed downtown to the topiary garden. I heard about it a long time ago... <i>completely</i> <i>forgot about it</i>... and then recently heard it mentioned again. I couldn't wait to go. Although I knew the landscaping wouldn't be in the best shape right now, I wanted to scout it out for a potential location for client photo sessions this summer. Wow! I can't wait to go back when everything is immaculate and in full bloom! What a beautiful place, and the large old homes that surround the park make a great backdrop, too. Mia and I had a fun time exploring the park. She especially liked the dogs.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4482831373/" title="IMG_6419-Edit-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4482831373_6fa6b8b048_o.jpg" width="560" height="408" alt="IMG_6419-Edit-2" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4482830677/" title="IMG_6346-Edit-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4482830677_66411a695d_o.jpg" width="560" height="373" alt="IMG_6346-Edit-2" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4483480656/" title="IMG_6403-Edit2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4483480656_382918c798_o.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="IMG_6403-Edit2" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4482831147/" title="IMG_6312-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4482831147_d0922bbee4_o.jpg" width="560" height="406" alt="IMG_6312-Edit" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4482830517/" title="IMG_6318-Edit-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4482830517_0e7eef6bb7_o.jpg" width="500" height="687" alt="IMG_6318-Edit-2" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4482448513/" title="IMG_6374-Edit-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4482448513_5ed51c2a6d_o.jpg" width="560" height="407" alt="IMG_6374-Edit-Edit" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Good Friday, everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">John 3:16</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, </span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."</span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 21px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Now THAT deserves a big Hallelujah!!</span></span></span></span></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-19372641516189038552010-03-31T02:40:00.000-04:002010-03-31T02:41:18.488-04:00Black & White Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom and I took the girls to the circus on Friday. I remember not too long ago when I used to check Ticketmaster every week to check on the latest kids shows coming to town. Well, I just can't seem to keep up with it all anymore and I nearly missed this circus this year. In fact, I didn't purchase tickets until the night before. In my previous life as a mother of two, that was unheard of for me. I am definitely slipping. :) It's a relatively small and low-budget circus, but the girls especially like this one because of the rides and Leila likes the elephant ride. (Mia has NO desire to ride the elephant yet!) As Kara was getting ready to climb on the elephant - her first time ever - I had to chuckle to myself... it was just nine months ago that we were in China asking Kara if she wanted to ride the pony at the Nanning zoo and she told us it was not safe. Ha! Now, she's climbing on an elephant! (And BTW, they actually had an elephant and camel ride at the Nanning zoo that I quickly passed because they totally <i>didn't </i>look safe!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4477182356/" title="IMG_6185-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4477182356_097e1cef5d_o.jpg" width="400" height="614" alt="IMG_6185-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4477182220/" title="IMG_6189-Edit3 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4477182220_500ba0fa9c_o.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="IMG_6189-Edit3" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The big slide was definitely the hit of the day. There were few lines, so the girls would ride down - each time holding hands - and run out the exit and back through the entrance to go down again. I bet they rode the slide at least 30 times. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>BTW, I didn't use a flash and instead used high ISO, but at f/4, I couldn't get </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>my shutter speed fast enough to freeze the action completely. I still like the looks I was able to capture on their faces, though. Each time down, they looked this happy. :)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4477182708/" title="IMG_61642 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4477182708_d271f70d59.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="IMG_61642" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4477182616/" title="IMG_6230 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4477182616_d52f87a26e_o.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="IMG_6230" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4477182516/" title="IMG_6166 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4477182516_38189f2210_o.jpg" width="560" height="448" alt="IMG_6166" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course, a carousel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4476407301/" title="IMG_6236-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4476407301_317e0e4139_o.jpg" width="400" height="557" alt="IMG_6236-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4476407387/" title="IMG_6238-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4476407387_3b193901ab_o.jpg" width="400" height="610" alt="IMG_6238-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this happens to be my favorite of the day, but my mom hates to have her picture posted. I'm hoping that she'll forgive me more easily if I bury this photo last. :) Leila and I are both scared of heights, so I'm glad my mom stepped up to the plate to ride the ferris wheel with Kara. Thanks, Mom!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4476407499/" title="IMG_6178-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4476407499/" title="IMG_6178-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4476407499_ea8fd52c20_o.jpg" width="560" height="371" alt="IMG_6178-Edit" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pop over to <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/">Lisa's blog</a> to see more black & whites.</div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31727903.post-11900896937500176182010-03-29T09:24:00.004-04:002010-03-29T09:37:47.057-04:00A Day at the Museum<div style="text-align: left;">Mia and I visited the art museum about a week and a half ago. We went to see more Chihuly glass pieces, like those on display at the conservatory, only these are illuminated from the inside. They were amazingly beautiful and so full of color. Sorry to my Michelle R Photography FB friends who have already seen these, but I wanted to post them here, too. I didn't get any pictures of Mia inside, since it was so dark, but I took this right outside the museum. The lighting outside was beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you all have a great week!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4472592875/" title="IMG_5760-Edit by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4472592875_494a7d2209_o.jpg" width="450" height="675" alt="IMG_5760-Edit" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25481488@N04/4472592873/" title="Untitled-2 by KaraLeilaMia, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4472592873_ee6aa6c754_o.jpg" width="560" height="364" alt="Untitled-2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michelle R Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024961661573511589noreply@blogger.com10