just because

I'm avoiding responsibility now and figured I'd waste some time. I'm REALLY good at wasting time. And since I've been pretty into photography (I know it might be time for some new topics) I thought I'd post some pics I took this week -- just because. I like the above picture because it shows two things: Elise's crazy hair always ending up in her face and her gorgeous blue eyes. The other funny part to this picture is that Elise is sitting in my bottom dresser drawer. I noticed her actually lying in it - so cute - so I grabbed my camera - but of course she had moved by then. That brings up a thought - Is it better to just sit and enjoy the moment??? rather than run to try and capture it and then miss it all entirely??? I don't feel regret this time but will have to consider the risks next time. ;)

Here's Daddy and his girls snuggled up after an evening of viewing gingerbread houses and visiting with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Kelly. Then there's our poor tree in the background waiting to be decorated. We put it up Sunday but then decided we wanted to get new lights this year. We told Ava we were going to wait until the next night to put lights on but she was not having that. So, we quickly just tossed a strand of lights on the tree, turned off all of the overhead lights and snuggled by our fading fire.

Speaking of snuggling, Ava's new phrase lately is "I've had none snuggles today." or something like that. (However, she typically gets LOTS of snuggles). Saying that she's had none snuggles will usually pay off in some snuggles for her though. Elise is also starting to say, "Hug, Hug!" or she'll just come up from out of nowhere and will hug my leg or even hug my leg and foot, sitting on my foot, waiting for me to walk with her hanging on. I'm really loving all of the affection around here!

I got a new portrait lens and I have no idea how to use it. Here are some of the first pics I've taken with it. The cool thing is that these are all indoor without any flash and very very little to no natural light. I just have to figure out how to make them more naturally colored.

Elise was so cute in her hooded towel after bath time. The coloring is a bit weird. I should probably get Photoshop soon. Anyway, I love these hooded towels made with just one bath towel and a washcloth. A great baby shower gift if you ask me. They fit Ava or Elise, which is a plus.

This is one of Ava's many silly faces. I sent her in when Elise woke up this morning, telling her to tell Elise that Mommy was on her way. I found Ava had climbed into Elise's crib and they were laughing, playing, hugging, tickling, etc. It so wonderful to see your children loving each other and sharing a special bond that you have nothing to do with.