Joshua's First Day at Preschool

So, Joshua really doesn't like his backpack, but he looked really cute in his new school clothes. He did great. He kissed Missy good bye and went to play with toys. He was happily coloring when Missy picked him up. Great job buddy!

"Daddy"

So, you kind of have to want to hear it, but Joshua is saying "daddy". OK, maybe it is "da-eee" or "ah-dee" or "ah-eee", but he is definitely trying and he is using two different syllables, which is new. So precious.

Baking

Here are some pictures of Joshua helping mama bake some cookies:




These are the first pictures I am really happy with using my off-camera flash and wireless trigger. The middle of our dining room is a tricky lighting situation in our house.

Christmas at the Cabin

We try to make a tradition of getting away by ourselves after the extended family Christmas celebrations are over.  This year the 3 of us rented a cabin in southern Illinois near Carbondale and had a cozy little Christmas.

This might be the first picture I took with the new flash I got for Christmas (a Nikon SB 600 - thanks parents).

Joshua started opening his own presents while we were there.  Very fun to watch!

Family portrait.

It snowed while we were there.  We didn't really pack for that, but we tried to go sledding anyways.  It didn't go very well.

Nice gloves papa.

 

Elmo Party

We celebrated Joshua's second birthday with an Elmo party.

Missy made Elmo cupcakes.

A center piece in honor of Dorothy.

Alice

Adam and Isaac

Anthony

Megan and Ruth

Ben and Bailey

Lucas

Blowing out my candle (with a little help from mom)

Opening presents

I got a cool remote control car.

Daddy and me

Photo Contest

Here are the three pictures I entered in the black and white category of the annual photo contest at the Edwardsville Library.

Oh my goodness he is sweet!

I love how Joshua always makes his grandparents smile.

This one actually won. I think it is the directional lighting and the shadow on one side of his face that put it over the top. Thanks for your help little buddy!

Here is a link to the official results:
http://www.edwardsvillelibrary.org/misc/photo.html

Forrest Park and Zoo

We took advantage of a beautiful day today to get some fall pictures of our family and go to the zoo. It turns out that it was "Boo at the Zoo" day and it was really crowded. But we still had a great time.

A family portrait in Forrest Park.


and another one


on the way to our photo shoot...


hanging out with papa.


having a snack before we went to see the elephants.


A cooperative elephant getting his (or her) picture taken.


Lounging in my wagon at the end of the day.