My new camera lens arrived on Wednesday. After saving up for the past year from occasional side jobs of graphic design work and web develop, I had enough to buy a new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L lens. If I had been more patient, I would have saved longer and purchased the 2.8. I have no regrets though. This lens is wonderful. I think I’m in LOVE!
Pictures from the backyard…
The first few days of fall have been sunny and dry. I went for a long walk with Daphne and the kids on Saturday. The kids actually chose to ride their bikes instead of walk. I took my camera with so I could catch the dramatic changing of leaves that we are now enjoying. The leaves aren’t quite at their peak, but many have turned golden yellow, bright orange and deep red.
I told Sophia before we left that we may go to the pond and see the ducks and geese. She decided to bring bread with so that she could offer them a nice mid-afternoon snack.
The kids thought this huge mushroom growing on an elm tree was a bee hive. Luckily no bees, but one big fungus.
We had a number of small birds fly into our south-facing picture window on Saturday. Unfortunately, two birds didn’t make it. Sophia managed to “rescue” this bird. I think it is a downy woodpecker, but do not confess to be an ornithologist, so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.
It was just seconds after I took this picture that she flew off. Her crash into the window must have made her see stars, but it only took a few minutes to shake it off and take flight again. We were glad to have a happy ending to her story.
Saving the best photos for last…
Sebastian started middle school this past Monday. It’s hard to believe he is in 6th grade already. It doesn’t seem that long ago that he stepped on the school bus for the first time and began kindergarten. He was quiet and shy and struggled with his new routine for the first month. He didn’t know anyone in his class but made friends quickly. Now as a 6th grader, he was a little apprehensive after the open house, but is confident and enjoys his new-found independence after the first week of middle school.
I predicted that he wouldn’t be overly photogenic on the first day of school. I was correct. I did snap a couple of pictures before he headed off to the bus.
Sebastian finished the third week of a four-week UMD baseball camp today. The first week was spent practicing and evaluating players. After evaluations, the kids were divided into four teams and now are spending Sundays through September 23 practicing and playing games. The games are six innings and each inning is pitched by a different player. Sebastian’s inning was completed in just 11 pitches – he struck out the side. He also did a nice job at bat. He was 2 for 3 and had one walk.
One final item about Sebastian. We have been using the back of a bedroom door to measure the height of both kids since they were able to stand. At just shy of 12 years old, Sebastian has hit the mark of five feet. He grew two inches in the past year. I don’t have much time left before he will surpass me in height. My days are numbered.
M. Sullivan Photography 