Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Boy Talk : Soccer 2015 Season


So, I don't know if you know this but...I have this kid. He's the greatest. Bar none.  He is smart and funny and so stinkin' cute I can't stand it sometimes. He's also a pretty good little soccer player. And what's more? He L-O-V-E-S it. And man, it is so fun to watch him out on the pitch. 

I, of course, have my camera on hand to document his spectacular abilities for the sole purpose of highlight reels later in life. Obviously, he will have a ton of shots to show off, but right now I have to be careful not to add other children to this blog. I haven't asked their moms' permission yet and we all know about getting the mom's permission to do anything. If you don't have it, you're dead meat. So to save my own hide, it was actually kind of difficult to find pictures for this blog. 

Never fear, dear dad reader. I found a few. Check out some highlights from 2015.



See the foot-on-ball placement? Professional in the making. Mark my words.


After every practice and game, he has to practice more. He never wants to leave the fields.



Yeah, he thinks he's hot stuff. We're STILL trying to learn humility here.



My parents happened to be in town for Canon's very first tournament {total coincidence, I'm sure}. Apparently, his bag was so weighed down with supplies for the day that he needed help carrying it, but instead of taking the whole bag, my dad just lifted it off of his back. For the entire half-mile trek to the field.


And it was COLD in the shade. I actually still remember just how badly I was shivering. It was pretty difficult to take pictures.


His team did so - well - horribly in this tournament {lost two games and tied one} that I'm not sure why they got medals. I guess the whole "everyone gets a medal for participating" thing - total crap, but whatever. He was excited so there's that.



Even though his team didn't do well, Canon did get 2 goals in the second game and 1 in the third. He was so proud!


2015 actually proved to be a fantastic start to some great seasons of soccer for Canon. He ended up with a great coach that really helped him learn and grow as a player. He was on this coach's team through the first half of 2016 also {which means you'll see him later, I'm sure} and we wish he was still our coach now! In the two seasons of 2015 {17 games, which included 3 tournament games}, he scored a total of 55 goals and 12 assists. Yes, I am that mom that took score. Come at me, bro! Also, yes, I know that's a lot, but here's the thing. They were 5 years old. And most of them didn't even care to be out there. Canon loved it so he was hustling and running circles around the other kids. Trust me, it evens out in the years to come.

I know this is a Pulitzer-prize winning post *eye roll of the century totally expected*, but I am happy that I get to document my boy's climb to greatness. And since you're along for the ride, you're welcome.



Monday, June 19, 2017

Fireworks are my favorite


So I know it's hard to believe this, but I am going to have to ask you to trust me on this one. 


I L-O-V-E take photos of fireworks. 


Shocking, I know, but true. I literally look forward to July 4th fireworks displays every year so that I can see what I capture with my camera. The Day of Independence is obviously WAY more important for other reasons, but this is a tradition that I get excited about. You know have no idea. 
Case in point : this year, I am pretty bummed that I will be at a soccer game {you'll find out more about that later} and I'm not sure I will be able to take my tripod - if they even have a fireworks show at all. Ok, more so ticked than bummed if I'm being quite honest.

Anyway, back to the post at hand. July 4, 2015 we were in Fairhope, AL as is tradition. We parked our behinds on the pier and watched the light bursts over Mobile Bay, which really just can't be beat.

I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that Nikola Tesla was trying to communicate with us here.



I love the different shapes that the pyros shoot. They are, after all. Pyros, I mean. They are brilliant. And brave. And so stinking creative.



One flower stands alone.



I love happy accidents. Exhibit A : this photo. There is absolutely no way that I could have planned this capture. Kind of reminds me of a dancer. Love it.




This looks like some kind of sea creature to me. Or maybe I just need some coffee. Scratch that. Of course I need coffee. Hold please.                           Nope, still looks like a creature of the deep.






I'll admit that it's kind of hard to get excited about these when I already have 2016 fireworks photos too, but I'm trying. For your sake. You're welcome.





Wednesday, June 14, 2017

A Mountain Weekend Getaway


I know it's going to come as a shock to everyone, but I don't remember a thing about this trip to Blue Ridge other than the fact that we hopped up there for a weekend visit in May of 2015 so that Craig could help his dad with some manly chores. You know, chopping down trees, making fires, drinking beer. Wait, that last thing isn't manly. It's smart. I mean...uh. You know what I mean.

Since it wasn't a "visiting family" or "holiday" jaunt, I spent my time documenting everything around me. I know, I know - I always do that. Just look at the photos and don't mind me.




Fibonacci, what?!



Don't these just send you back to your childhood days and make you hungry for summer outside?



While I was flitting around from plant to plant like a little butterfly {um, what?! I promise I am of sound mind. Usually.}, the boys were hard at work. Canon was breaking sticks...


...while the men took down this huge limb. It has since been used to make some pretty tasty s'mores. #thanksnature







I promise not all of my posts will be this lacking of stories and words, but sometimes it just works out that way. Also, I just legitimately don't remember this weekend. So...

However, standing before you today, I do solemnly swear to draft up a ton of posts each weekend and will dig into the very depths of my soul to bring you joy! tears! laughter! with my entries in the future. My life's purpose is, of course, to make you happy, dear readers. I shall strive to live up to my potential.





Monday, June 12, 2017

Wonderful Weekend : Asheville, NC - Homeward Bound


Forgive me, Internet, for I have sinned. It has been two years since my last confession blog post. I wish I could tell you that it was because of some life-changing event like having a baby or winning the lottery. Alas, it is because I got overwhelmed. Busy. Lazy. Take your pick. Life happened. I still documented and you will still see the results of said documentation. You'll just be a little late to the party. Better late than never, amiright?!

In any case, if you're reading this, you're most likely my dad, so "Hi Dad!". If you somehow stumbled into my corner of the internet and aren't mon pere, welcome! I hope you enjoy our time together and come back for more.

Since a lot posts in the near future are going to be catching up on life, I am probably going to be fuzzy on some details. My bad, Dog. Welcome to my brain {and photo} dump.

So when we last spoke, I was telling you about our trip to Asheville, NC and recounted our adventures in the city {1, 2, 3, 4} and at Biltmore {1, 2, 3, 4}. Go refresh your memory. I'll wait.




Ok, remember now? Well after leaving Asheville, we were headed back to Blue Ridge to pick up Canon {thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!} so we took the scenic route - aka the only way to get from Asheville to Blue Ridge. At one point during our drive, we came upon this bridge. There were a couple of places to pull off the side of the two-lane road so we took advantage so I could get some pictures. Naturally.


*Ahem : the following should be read a la Chris Farley. May he rest in peace.*

I'm not really what you would call a "daredevil". I don't "like heights". I'm not a "risky person". Thus, the death grip on the sides of bridge.


Such a pretty view to be so freaking scary to walk on. I'm talking death-defying. I'm so proud of myself for facing my fears and not screaming at the toddler who shook the planks while I was standing two steps from the end. That took all of my self-control.


But that wasn't enough of a photo fix, obviously, so when I spotted these beauties on the side of the road I decided I had to immerse myself for a while. On the side of the interstate. Literally, up to my elbows in flowers wet with rain. I'll let you picture that in your mind for a while.






And yet another example of a need for a macro lens. I would think that you would be tired of hearing this, reader, except that it's been two years so I feel the need to reiterate.


There's just something about the not-quite-perfect in nature that calls to me. The lines, the details, all of those characteristics that help a plant become what it's meant to be. Perhaps, Freud would say I identify. That I see all of my imperfections and am drawn to things that are imperfect to help me feel better about myself. Or some such nonsense. What does he know, anyway?








So once again I obsessed over plants, but I have no idea what they are. I'd love to hear their name, though I can't guarantee I will remember next time. Care to help a sister out?

This officially ends the Asheville trip photos. It only took two years. I can see why you'd be sick of them. I will try to bring something new and exciting next time.

I'm glad to be back. I am well aware that my writing is a little meh right now. Never fear. I will find my groove again.

Come back again now, ya hear?