Sunday, April 29, 2012

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).

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.


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

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.


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.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.


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

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

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.


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

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.


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

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.

Great American Pie Festival 2012 in Celebration, Florida.


Then ditch your camera and eat more pie.

The end.

Friday, April 27, 2012

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.


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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.


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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.

Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


This is how much Will loves it.


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


Enough to climb in it.


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.


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


Playdate at Lauren & Will's.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.



Meet her lovely parents.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.



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

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.



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

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.



There was cake.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.

Evie's first birthday party.



And finally, Evie napped.

Evie's first birthday party.



Happy birthday, Evie!