I have been amazed at how quickly he has picked up the skill of using technology. First, it was the iPad. Within a few months, he knew exactly what he was doing and where each app that he wanted was located. About a year ago, he started using an online preschool program. This, of course, requires using the mouse. Now he knows how to use it efficiently, double-click on icons, close out of windows. He's three! I probably shouldn't be surprised, but I still think it's amazing at how much he absorbs. I love to watch the the stare and wonderment in his face as he works through the program.
Memorial Day
Learning Their ABCs
Boy, does this bring back memories. I used to make my brother sit for hours in front of the chalkboard we had in the laundry room and teach him everything I had learned from school that day when I arrived home. I think he secretly enjoyed it and he was, overall, a good student. I went on to be a third grade teacher and went on to become a pilot. Hmmmmm. Fast forward 30 some years later and now we have my brother's oldest daughter, standing in front of the chalkboard in our playroom, teaching my two children the ABCs. As my mother says, repeatedly, "Only the face change."
She's 18 Months Old
Don't let the cute smiles and smirks fool you! This little lady has spunk. She's not afraid to let you know what she needs and who has wronged her (eh hem…her brother!) She is strong and independent, daddy's girl, and still, to this day, cuddles with me the exact same way she did as a newborn. And have I mentioned the curls on her head? The longer her hair grows, the curlier it gets.
Street Photography
Street photography intimidates me. This was the first time I took my camera out into the streets and I was nervous. I really wanted to take some photos of people on the streets, but I was too shy to point my camera at people without asking their permission, and I certainly was too shy to actually ask for permission. So I started off easy and took photographs of the architecture and settings. I walked down Old Main Street and Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton, something I haven't done before. I had no idea how many little pubs and restaurants were downtown. Oh, the discoveries that can be made when you get out of your car and walk around your town.
Faceless Self Portrait
The title sounds kind of funny, but this was a fun challenge to tackle, and I new immediately what I would do. This took me almost three hours to get it the way I want, but it was worth the work. This Rosary was my sister's. When my daughter was born, we named her after my sister and my mom passed on the Rosary to her. I look forward to her FIrst Communion when I can give her the Rosary and the beautiful story that goes along with it.
Photography Time
Now that I have my mom living close by (very much appreciating that turn of fate), I have someone to watch the kids during the day. I put her to work the minute she moved down and on a sunny, breezy Monday I drove down to the Ringling Museum of Art. I have lived here for 7 years and still hadn't toured the art museum or the courtyard. I really went because I wanted to see a photography exhibit. The bonus of the day is that the museum is free on Mondays! After taking a docent-lead tour and looking at the exhibition, I walk around the courtier, admiring the architecture and landscaping.
