Florida

Thursday morning Maddie and I went to preschool and Brian headed off to work as usual. The unusual thing that day, was that at 12:00, Brian came home early, and when Maddie and I came home at 2:30, I took a shower, got our bags and Brian and I said our very sad good-buys, and drove to the air port.

About a month ago, I was requested to photograph a wedding in Destin, Florida. I was excited about the opportunity of expanding my portfolio to destination weddings and also for the mini-vacation Brian and I would be able to have. My feelings about this trip varied. At first I was excited, then nervous about leaving Maddie, then excited again, then about a day before we were supposed to leave, I was just plain sad. I had left Maddie over-night before, but Brian had always been with her, and it was never for longer then 2 days. And we have never been gone as far as Florida before. This was the first time both of us would be away from her, not that my parents aren't capable, Its just different.

We miss Maddie, but we know she's having a great time. We have had a great time too. We hung out on the beach, rode a tandum bike for the first time, and let me tell you, it was as rediculous as it looks. We couldn't stop laughing at ourselves. Then more hanging out on the beach. Not to mention the whole reason we were out there of course. The rehearsal, wedding and reception went great, it was all very beautiful!

Pumpkin Patch

These are the times when I like being a photographer the most. When I get to take Maddie out for a photo shoot myself. Even though out of 100 photos, I probably only get about 5 that are printable, and about 2 that she's actually looking at the camera, it still makes for an enjoyable experience.

For this lovelly October afternoon, the Pumpkin Patch we went to is just down the street from where we live at a little church. They do a pumpkin patch and Fall Festival every year, and that's where two years ago, I took Maddie to her first pumpkin patch and took some photos. And let me tell you, it was much easer to get her to cooperate when she was 7 months old as opposed to 2 1/2. But, this year, she did get to pick out her own pumpkin which was fun for her.

Here is Maddie at 7 months old:




Here is Maddie at 2 years and 7 months:

She does this nose squint thing. It kinda reminds me of some of my old baby pictures.

She wanted to give the pumpkins a kiss. Even though, kinda gross, it was cute at the same time.

Fair Day!

Saturday we went to the fair. We had a blast! The first time we took Maddie to the fair it was two years ago and Maddie was only about 6 months old, so she slept most of the time. This year, she wanted to walk everywhere, which was fine, because, we had the monkey leash. I was freaked about by the enormous crowds, but it turned out fine. I couldn't expect her to want to be in her stroller the whole time.

We had a real blast! This year we went a little later in the afternoon and stayed to see all the fair lights. Maddie was absolutely exhausted, since she refused to take a nap before we left the house, and we didn't leave the fair till after 10. It took her all about 10 seconds to fall asleep when we got in the car.

Maddie rode her first roller coaster! It was so cute! she gripped the handles tightly the whole time. I asked her if she wanted to throw her hands in the air, but she ignored me and kept her fingers tightly on the handle bar. She immediately wanted to go again when it was over. Unfortunately, the it took several tickets to be able to ride the rides, and come-on, we are not made of money. I didn't eat anything at the fair this year, Brian had a couple of corny dogs (EW!), but I just couldn't make myself eat any of that fried fair food.

We had a great time, and will definitely be making plans to go again next year!

At first she was scared to feed the animals, but once she started, she didn't want to stop!

She got really crazy with the ice cream. It went everywhere, but what she was concerned about was were it had gotten on her hands.

We rested for a little bit. It was hot.

Maddie with Brian on one of the rides.

Maddie with 1/2 of me on the roller coaster.