New Look + New Photos

Guys, I'm obsessed with the new look of the blog.  I just can't stop starring. Isn't she pretty? The sidebar is my favorite part of the whole new look. I can't thank my bestest enough for this awesome new design.  This girl seriously just gets me. Erin - Picture me right now on my roof screaming THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

I switch back and forth between welcoming change and shooing it away and in this case I welcome the change.  It's a good feeling to get a fresh look and I thought now was the perfect time as summer gets tucked away and the sweaters and boots get brought out from our closets.  

I can't remember if I've told you all that I have been taking a Photography class or not, so for those that don't know, I'm taking a photography class.  I'm really taking an interest in this whole thing and I've got big dreams for taking this to some other level in the future.  I know I've got a long way to go but it's the first thing that I have felt passionate about in a long time.  If I've learned anything in my 25 years of life it's that passion = happiness. So I'm going to keep perusing what makes me happy! It's been fun getting to mess with different settings, try new angles and get different pictures.  My pups usually tend to be my test subjects but I'm totally okay with that.  

Here's some of my favorites that I have taken the past couple of weeks. 

Most of these are shot in apature priority, which is my favorite setting to get that blur effect in my pictures. Anyone else love shooting in apature?

Peace & Love Friends!

M&M Recap: Part One

*Picture overload #sorryimnotsorry
I've got a lot of catching up to do, being as it is July 22nd and I've yet to recap about M&M's trip. Oops.
Rewind back to July 2nd (Wednesday), Mom and Martha were making the 9 1/2 hour drive from Upstate NY to spend the week with Phil and I.  They actually got to my house before I did and the two of them AND Phil were all matching.  Totally unplanned by the way.  We sat on the porch had some beers and cheese before heading to dinner at Casa Brava for Margaritas and Mexican.  Meanwhile, my mom brings a sweater with her to dinner and then we were twins. Everyone was on the same creepy wave length.

Thursday I worked a half day, so that way Mom and Martha could have the morning to themselves and sleep in if they wanted. For lunch they met me up in Fort Wayne at our NEW FAVORITE SPOT, The Oyster Bar.  It's a cute old saloon from the 1800's, there isn't much seating but we went for lunch and during the week so we found outdoor sitting.  I can imagine at dinner time it gets really busy.  We were a little hesitant checking out seafood in Indiana because well Indiana and seafood just doesn't go together.  We were pleasantly surprised and will be coming back next time they are in town! I don't have a bad thing to say about this place, everything we had was TO DIE FOR and the server was one of the best that I have encountered.  I ate my weight in oysters, holy goodness overload.  I'm thinking I need some of that in my life again right now.
Oh and my mom and I matched AGAIN.  

After a few pit stops, we made our way back home.  We ended up hanging out in the back yard for a majority of the afternoon, drinking beers and giving some much needed attention to the yard.  Later that evening friends came over and we sat on the porch laughing our asses off and telling stories.

My brother and his family came up on the 4th.  It was great having everyone over to our house and was one of my favorite moments.  The kids kept us busy playing golf, running around naked in the pool, playing with bubbles, riding bikes and just being cute.  Also the matching game continues! :)  The adults partook in adult beverages, corn hole, eating and naps.  Seriously though, my brother took at least 2 naps. Reason #199 why I'm not ready for kids, holy crap are they exhausting little creatures! Dragon enjoyed having everyone there and discovered that she loves kitty pools!  It was so fun watching her run in there with the kids and just lay down to cool off.  

Later we headed into town to go get ready to watch the fireworks.  We luckily found a great little grassy area to spread out our blankets and take over.  Fireworks aren't as exciting as they once were 15 years ago.  The best part was watching the kids faces light up.  

Doesn't he look so cute with a baby stroller? :)

I've never attempted the whole photographing lights in this kind of way before.  Oh dang, I need A LOT of work.  It was definitely fun messing with all the settings but I have no idea what I am doing other than what I found looking up "how to's" on google.  
This is where I will end Part One so stay tuned for Part Two later this week (maybe)! :)