Great American Pie Festival 2012.

This must be the fifth or sixth consecutive year I have been to the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration. I will probably never top the event two years ago with what is likely to be my only ever national television appearance. But every year, it's something to look forward to attending. I tell all our friends and family about it and cajole people into joining us at the pie buffet. Gluttony is more fun with friends.

With a kid who still takes two naps a day and is quite vocal about taking them in a crib, we were in a bit of a time crunch at the festival today. We skipped the vendor booths and activities to go straight to the buffet. For ten bucks, the Pie Police will let you through to a land full of pie for the grabbing (and eating).



It is a very popular event, so be prepared for a crowd.



The organizers moved the location this year from a big fenced field to the nearest street. There was much less space to sit and a lot more danger for adventurous toddlers, but it was still manageable. Especially if you that toddler's Mammaw joins you.



Then Mammaw can hold the kiddo while other people stuff their faces with pie.



Otherwise, your baby may accidentally roll down or intentionally toddle to the creek. And then there's no choice but to body-block him.





While contained, you may as well take some family photos.











Then remember you haven't taken any photos of the pie or with friends yet.





Then ditch your camera and eat more pie.

The end.

Water table + water-loving toddler = water, water everywhere.

Last week, we went to a playdate at my friend Lauren's house to play with her son Will.




George really likes Will. Enough to pet him. George only pets cats and babies who he really likes. But then he gets so excited that he's petting them, his arms start flailing. That's when I start saying in my Momma Voice, "GEORGE, BE GENTLE. WE BE GENTLE." So far he just looks at me with confusion, but it is usually enough of a distraction to rescue the cat/baby from being accidentally whacked in the head.




Will just had his birthday a couple months ago, and one of his new toys is a water table.




This was one of George's first times using a water table, so he was a bit skeptical.




However, Will is an old pro at this now and was overjoyed when he was given free reign to splash to his heart's content.



George had to check out for a bit because he couldn't keep up with Will's water enthusiasm.




Will did not seem to care, especially since it just left more room at the water table for him.




Have I conveyed to you yet how much Will loves his water table?




This is how much Will loves it.




Enough to climb in it.




And ham it up for the camera. Good job, Will!

Evie's first birthday.

Over the course of the past few months, I have photographed many first birthday parties. Right now the temptation is strong to go all cliche on the beauty of the gift of friendship with the women I have met over the past year. And photographing their babies on the day of such a significant milestone has been both literally and figuratively the icing on the cake at these events for me.

I love taking photos. I love it. I wish I was better, much better. I will keep working on it. In the meantime, I am grateful for people like Bilynda, who value my skills and trust me with documenting such a love-filled day.

Meet Evie, the birthday girl.








Meet her lovely parents.






Her parents who did a spectacular job of decorating their house at the last minute when rain threatened their original outdoor party plans.












And lots of lovely people who love Evie came to celebrate in her home.






























There was cake.














And finally, Evie napped.




Happy birthday, Evie!