Fuzzy baby heron

I saw this cute little fuzzy baby green heron tonight at sunset.  

Birthday and a Gator

We had a celebration for our son all day today.  First, we had "Mommy and son day": no school, just quality time together.  We went bike riding to see the alligator, played cars in the living room, and then after my older son and Daddy came home, we had Chinese food,  cake, opened presents and had "family movie night" and watched Cars 2.  It was fun!  I honestly can NOT believe my baby is four years old already.... Time really flies.  

Gator

I love that I can go photograph an alligator within 5 minutes of my house whenever I want here in the Florida Keys.  

Beach fun

We went to the beach with my son's best friend and his family today after school.  The boys had so much fun together: swimming, snorkeling, playing on their surfboards, and climbing in the sea grapes.  Good stuff.

First day of school

Well, BOTH of my boys went to their first day of school today.  Unbelievable... I really struggled with leaving my baby boy today when I walked out of his preschool classroom.  How did this happen? I JUST gave birth to him, didn't I?  It is soooooo hard to watch my babies growing up.  It is heartbreaking to be alone in the quiet house during the day....  I have lost myself a bit in this parenting process... BUT, my baby had a great first day - he didn't even cry!!!  That screams adjusted and confident, right?  I, however, was a disastrous mess. I cried/sobbed and paced in my empty house all morning until I got to pick him back up and heard his happy "Hi Mommy!" when he greeted me with his contagious, beautiful smile.  :)  Being a Mommy is a very difficult and emotional job, but it is also a very rewarding and inspiring job.  I love my boys so much.... they are becoming these amazing little people, and I guess my hubby and I have a little something to do with that.  That makes me (us) very proud.  :)

Motor Boat Daddy

My family and I had a fantastic morning out on the boat today.  We drove to the island off the Bahia Honda Bridge, swam around, explored the rocks for awhile, saw a huge manatee (with lots of fresh prop scars...poor thing), and had a blast!  Here is a picture of my husband "motor-boating" the kids back to the boat from the island.  They loved it!  What a fun way to end the summer! 

We also had a great dinner out tonight and got the kids to sleep right at 7pm.  They'll be ready for school tomorrow.... what about Mommy?  I just can't believe my baby will be starting preschool in the morning....where did the time go?

Ahhh..... childhood!

I had a photoshoot tonight with 13 people - 8 children.   Yes, it was a challenge, but so, so, so fun!  I love my job!  This shot makes me laugh out loud every time I look at it.  Notice the third boy from the left biting his cousin's hand and the baby crying her eyes out?  Ahhh....childhood..... it is so innocent and so precious and so hilarious! :)