Red, Blue, and Decay

 

A little bit of texture today. Going for the abstract street-shooter vibe. Pretty much trying to justify getting a range finder style camera for street shooting. Man, I really want to be a hipster.

-jon

The Final, but not last, Evening

We had one last delightful cookout to share with each other, all capped off with super fun chalk time.

Chalk was enjoyed in all its forms, both as color for the driveway and as eye shadow.

All of which required the entirety of concentration available. Balloon drawings are critical.

jon

The Faces of Ashley

What a delightfully emotive lass. All these faces in such a short period of time. She was playing with some flowers and a butterfly for just a short period of time. Who knows what was going through her head.

jon

The Wonder

And then their is the best part, interaction. Watching the little kids running around chasing butterflies was almost magical. Wait, let's just be sappy, it was totally magical. I think my favorite parts were Brooke catching this one, having a huge one land on Matt, Ashley finally warming up, oh and the complete disregard for rules. When you walk in, the nice volunteer old man explained no climbing on the rocks, especially to the kids. He even leaned down and talked at their level (Brooke goes "I know" *sigh*). Then wouldn't you know it, this pregnant lady climbs up, over the rocks, into the exhibit, on some plants, and grabs a butterfly. So many problems. I mean, we weren't supposed to grab, and how can you set an example for the kids with such people around. Brooke and Ashley played by the rules the whole time. They were awesome. 

Also, a butterfly landed on my shoe. Like 5 times. It was really weird.

jon

Some Funny

 Ok, turtle resting on an alligator, how funny is that? Or, maybe its a wrestling match. Maybe even a secret rendezvous of love.

I like this one, because it looks like an angry scream. However, it was a yawn. A boring yawn. Boooriiing.  (are you yawning yet? I totally just did)

Disturbingly human, this guy creeped me out. He (she?) sat there, chewing on whatever, sitting like a board man staring at us. Chewing and staring. Staring and chewing. So freeking bizarre.
jon

A Highlight

 I am very happy that peacocks are so pretty. Maybe I should say handsome, I mean, this is the mail peacock after all.

jon

Getting Ready to Jump

I took a day off of work to go to the zoo with the nieces. It was the best idea ever.

My niece Brooke really enjoyed taking pictures as well. She probably took more pictures than myself in the end. I did a little slide show before my brother picked up to leave, and she kept saying "I took that". At first, we thought she meant she took one like that. Eventually her braggadocio got so bad we had to correct her, which made her super embarrassed. Maybe we should have let her think they were her photos.

Many of the animals were just laying about, as it was quite warm. I get the general impression they are not terribly happy there. But, then I remember I'm not a big hippy, and just think its cool to have such a great resource to teach kids about animals. And a place to learn about them beyond TV.


Overall, the zoo is an awesome place for kids. You would not loose out by taking them.

Eventually the kids wear out, and then its time to go home. If I were to give a piece of advice, don't worry about seeing everything. Really enjoy the moments where the kids are staring into the exhibit. That, "it's time to go" business has no place in the park.

jon

Nieces From a Far-away Land

I was very fortunate to have my nieces from Colorado in town. My brother came along with them, perhaps not as fortunate, by ok I guess. Oh, and Erica, bonus.

Then Matt got us a ride on a sailboat. It was a blast. Brooke went all the way to front of the boat! It reminded me so much of how much I used to love standing at the bow pulpit going up and down with the waves. 



The super awesome cockpit view. Hooray for happy family time.

Getting a little scary up there! Better come back, dry off and head in.

jon

Carry it Everywhere

As you can see, not everyone is impressed with my need to always carry my camera with me. But, without it, how can I immortalize such a face.

This was supposed to be a picture of boobs. Damn it Matt, get out of the way next time.



I don't believe that was really the year of inception for this beer. A little too serendipitous if you ask me.

The best "seriously" face I have ever gotten. You can just feel the "Seriously?"

jon

A Day At The Beach

Well, not so much for me. Mostly just a day at the park. An equally good proposition in my mind.

I always feel like such a creeper when I take these. Half because I believe people just want to be left alone, and half because I fear looking like a pedophile.

Mount-o-matic. If other products had that name, it would be really inappropriate.
jon

The Moooooooooon!

A-wooooo! It is the moon! And I am absolutely amazed that there is anything redeemable about this picture. For once, shooting from the hip rewarded me with a wonderful surprise.

jon

And Now for the Best Part

The women! Only sort of kidding. All of which would also absolutely kick my ass. Man, so much future ass kicking coming up. How exciting.

jon

And They're Off

 And for they guys that would really crush me! All I know, is next year I'm totally going for it.

jon

The Old Men

6 more years, and I'll be allowed to race with these bad boys!

jon