Monday, May 11, 2009

Last week my dad decided that our front yard needed a fire pit. With the help of a good friend, and some of the kids, the dirt was dug, stones were laid, rocks were poured and where once was just grass now stand a lovely fire pit, ready to be used! We've enjoyed sitting around it roasting marshmallows and just talking twice now, and we hope to use it more in the near future. If you happen to be at our house this summer, you know what to expect! :) The following images are part of the assignment to use the long lens. :) Enjoy the pictures...

Stones are placed and now it's time to dig!

Em is always ready to offer a warm and loving smile.

Nathan drives the tractor...gotta love his expression here!

My wonderful brother doing a great job.

With a helmet, a supply bag and his binoculars, he's found himself a hole to hide in, which also helps him keep an eye on what goes on around the fort. He's rather dramatic. :)

Laughing.

William really wanted to help shovel. Unfortunately, we didn't have a shovel his size...

...so he took care of the sheep instead. :)

Layering the stones.

There's nothing like a good old fashioned rope swing!

A hat, a fire pit, and a machine that is yellow and green...all he's missing now are some boots!

Matches.

Wood. Can you guess what is next?

Dad building the fire.

My wonderful, adorable parents.

Some people like their marshmallows burnt...I think Grace just enjoyed catching them on fire!

Melting marshmallows.

Good night and we'll see you next time!

Monday, May 04, 2009

After a long time in coming, the young men at church were thrilled when May 2nd finally arrived. May 2nd was the long awaited paint ball game at the Ryken's house. In our home, and I'm sure others were the same way, the camouflage, guns and gear were set out days in advance in eager anticipation of what was coming.

As I promised Mr. H., a good friend of mine who has been kind enough to loan me his lens, I've started an assignment to use the lens and post pictures. Yes, I would've posted about this event anyway, but having this lens around at this time, was absolutely wonderful! I was able to get pictures I've never been able to get before and was quite happy with the way they turned out. So, without further ado, here are the pictures, which start out with the cute little people from church and then move onto the game...

The lens.

My little man thought he was going to get to play...

...he found flowers to blow instead.

He was rather serious about the whole thing. :)

Ready to blow!

Isn't she cute?

I couldn't decide which one I liked better, so I posted both. :)

Skipping stones.

Throwing sticks.

Finding bigger sticks.

A penny for your thoughts?

Friends and comrades...should we call them Jedidiah and Octavius? :)

Wearing his father's camouflage.

Checking the guns.

Silently moving through the forest, keenly aware of his surroundings and eyes sharp, waiting for sight of the enemy.

Somebody "died".

Hmmm, easy target, or is that the dead men's platform?

Looking behind.

Taking cover and surveying the field.

Ever so quietly he waits, patiently and calmly as the sound of gun shots are heard in the distance.

His time came, and he served well...went out with his boots on, too.

Soldiers in training.

The army.