California McMillans

Here are the results of our photo session with the big didge and the timer/tripod setup.  I'm pleased about my 50 mm lens even though beyond about 6 feet the focusing isn't always on.  The 28-135 lens is much more reliable but the color and contrast aren't as good as the 50.   Tyler has a great on-cue smile.  I'm glad his teeth are doing better and people still comment on the color of his eyes.   Scott was more interested in exploring the creek than doing pictures but he gaves us a few good portraits. Woulda been nice to get Blakey smiling in this one, but this was the best we got.  Again, a bad photo is better than no photo.  He had fallen asleep in the van and it was hot out, so pictures weren't his top priority. It's easy to critique your own work.  But you know what?  All of our eyes are open and our expressions are within normal limits. So that's what we got.  Could a professional have done better?  Who knows

I'm the chief hairstylist.  I've been experimenting over the years and since the kids don't really care about the outcome, it's been a great way to learn cosmetology.   I call this the "Wolverine."  Here I think she looks like me. Blakey loves getting his hair cut.  When I asked him, he jumped and clapped and climbed up into the chair. He was a good boy and looks dapper. Kira's haircut ended up a bit like an a-line, but it's okay.  This is how I want her to do her hair, but she wants it back. This is how she'd do it if it were up to her.  Lately, she's been letting me brush her hair in the morning and evening but it's still such a birds nest. Scott's lizard collection is up to seven.  I'm impressed at how he's caught and maintained them.  

Last night was the demolition derby at the Sacramento county fair.  We look forward to it all year, and even though it is 77 miles away, it's still worth it.  I popped a huge bag of popcorn and added sugar, since last time, I had to buy a little bag for $5 which ended up getting spilled anyway.  Well, the popcorn was a hit and there was even some left over!   We also brought bagels and fruit, so we were set with food. The nursery needs a family photo and this is the one I want to put up:  Us as we really are.  The demolition derby is my kind of crowd:  People there to have a good time and not stress over what the Joneses are doing. Lately these two have been into getting their picture taken.  They can be so cute when they're together. After a while, Kira started pinching Tyler, so Tyler would respond by hitting Kira and we had to separate them. Blakey was kneeling through most of the derby and I thought it would fall asleep like this, but no.  

Action shot of Scott drifting into the fridge

Remember when people used cameras to take pictures?  Yeah.  At least 90% of people now use their phones for all of their photo needs, and the other 10% or less use dSLR's.  Me?  I use all three, and yesterday was the little didge's turn, my 2004 Canon powershot Elph.  Heck, it could be a 2003 or 2002 but I wouldn't know because I bought it on ebay for $12.   These pictures are somewhat posed, but it's still fun to look back through the blog archive to see how the kids have grown and see the clothes they're in.   I'm not in the pictures that much so this was fun.  Got my trusty Honda hat on and my huge glasses.  Heidi recommended against these pair, saying they were too big for my face.  Well, you know what?  I don't care what people think; I was going for over-the-top and I didn't want any light to get in.  I always wear a hat outside the home, and sometimes inside, but it's hard to get into glasses because either Heidi loses t