Busy, Fun, Great Weekend

We had a busy, fun, but great weekend!  This was the 3rd weekend in a row that we were up in the South Bend area. This coming weekend, we finally get to spend a whole weekend with nothing planned (other than house organization) at the new house! I can't wait, maybe we'll actually get all moved in!

Friday was Mom's graduation from the LPN Ivy Tech program. I am so proud of her for sticking with the program and making it through with flying colors. Along the way, I think we all got annoyed at one point of another with the mounds and mounds of homework she had to do which prevented her from fully participating in some events in the past 2 years. However, it was all worth it and now she just has to pass her test to be licensed. Way to go, Mom!

Proud Graduate

Relieved Husband :)

Proud Sister

Best Friends

Proud and Relieved Daughter :)

Again Mom, Congratulations! You are such a wonderful example to so many of those out there that may not believe they can accomplish something, but you just proved that all you have to do is try. Even if it does me trying means sacrificing some things along the way!

Saturday, Bobby and I attended a photography class/workshop in Chicago at Navy Pier. I had come across a Groupon for this class a few weeks back and emailed it to Bobby. Usually when I do this, he just passes right over it and disregards the email, but this time (while I was in South Bend and he was in Terre Haute) he texted me to check my email and lo and behold, he had bought 2 of these Groupons. One for me and one for him. We weren't quite sure what to expect from this class, just hoping it was worth our while just a little bit, but this class far exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend ANY photography workshops/classes with a company out of Orange County, CA called Capturing True Emotions.

The class lasted from 8:30a-12:30p with a 2 hour slot for lunch, then rejoined for a photo safari from 2:30p-4:30p where we put the classroom learning into practice. We both have a TON to still learn and practice, but I can now shoot in Manual mode and know what I'm doing. No more automatic mode! I can't wait to continue to build my skills and hopefully start photography as a hobby (more than I already do) and maybe even some day into a business! I can't wait to learn more!

Navy Pier was packed! I had never been after all the times I've been to Chicago in my life and now I know why...it's one big tourist trap. Growing up, my parents tried to steer clear of tourist traps, making our vacations much more fun and interesting (with the exception of Disney World and Wisconsin Dells...both of which I didn't really enjoy for the most part). It will be interesting to see what types of trips Natalie enjoys. I only hope I can give her as many experiences that my parents gave Amanda and me!

Here are a few pictures from the Chicago trip:

on lunch break, playing with aperture

waiting at the steps by the ferris wheel to start the safari tour

Practicing in "P" mode with ISO

Playing with aperture and form

Again with aperture

No idea who these people are, but kind of like the picture

We were practicing shutter speed here for action, but this is a great picture to show just over half of the photographers in our group (close to 300 I believe total). People stopped dead in their tracks trying to figure out what we were all taking pictures of, it was pretty funny!

Val Westover (instructor and photographer)

Sunday we headed to New Buffalo beach with Bobby's family. I brought the camera but didn't take any pictures mainly because I didn't want sand all over it. The beach was really busy, but it was great weather! Bobby got a little toasty in the sun. Natalie had a blast in the water like always, that is until she was sleeping in her float and a big wave came and got water in her face, but she calmed down quickly. Going to the beach has a totally different meaning now versus when I went to the beach mainly just to lay out and work on my tan :) Now, it's not as relaxing with a baby, but as she gets older I think it will be much more fun, but definitely not what it ever used to be like!  Natalie is such an easy going baby, which we are so blessed with!

We took Rusty and Annabelle home today after about 2 months up in South Bend. We were really hoping Bobby's parents would keep Annabelle, but no such luck!  However, I did find someone to "adopt" her and will be giving her away tomorrow. In a way I am sad, but then again, I have never been a cat person and she really needs to go to a home that really wants her!

Be prepared for many pictures in the future because I plan on "practicing" like crazy!  In about 2 weeks, I am photographing my cousin's 1 year old birthday party. I just pray that I continue to develop my skills so they have some awesome photos for them to reflect on such a special day!