Gunnar Week Day Four: Disneyland

My doctor told me that I need to be walking just to help get things going. When Gunnar requested Disneyland as part of his week, the old adage came to mind, "kill two birds with one stone." Disneyland=walking. Tonight was such a cool night though with mild temperatures, the summer crowds have flown home so we jumped on our favorite rides without hardy any wait, and we enjoyed a "magical"evening together.

Someday I have plans to write an essay about Disneyland. Their catch phrase, "The Happiest Place on Earth," is filled with irony. So much so that the place should be renamed, Ironyland! Ever noticed how the majority of the adults and the people there are NOT happy? I will save my thoughts on that until later, because tonight we were truly happy. Together. Just the three of us.

We got there early evening, beautiful light. I brought my camera, of course. Pulled it out to start recording day four, turned it on, tried to set the settings...nothing. I brought my rebel to D-land; I didn't want to take my super-ultra good camera to a place where it could be bumped, scratched, or even dropped. Before leaving I checked to see if I had a card and a battery. Both were in the camera. But I haven't used it in so long it didn't register that the battery might need recharging! It did.

Good thing I took a lot of mental pictures of our evening together. Unfortunately, I can't share them with you. So sorry.

I did find these though. There were taken almost a year ago and are terrible quality, but I am glad I have them. I was able to find them, with the help of some retrieval software, when my hard drive crashed and I lost everything. Remember that? Devastating! I know they aren't the best picture in terms of quality, light, clarity, color, etc., but I know most readers prefer to read when there is also a picture. ;) I was so happy to have found at least two of the pictures I lost. And have learned now to always double check my battery too. :) I do before a shoot, don't know why I didn't tonight.





There are some moments in life when I wish I had the power to make time slow down, so I could memorize the smiles, the laughs, the complete connection of spirit and love. Tonight was one of those nights. I got a little emotional, on Pirates of the Caribbean actually, thinking that the chapter of my life titled, "Just the Three of Us," only has a few pages left. I am so excited to add on to the family and to meet this new little girl, but I do feel a heart pang thinking that time will soon need to be shared. I know however, the next chapter, "Table for Four," will be filled with volumes of stories, adventures, memories, and moments that are just as dear to me as the last three years have been with Gunnar.

We are home now and the house is quiet. I am still emotional thinking about the two people sleeping upstairs and the one whose birth is pending.

Jaren and Gunnar- I would walk miles with you, stand in line for hours with you, and find the last churro stand just for you. I would rather be with you than anyone else. I love you both so much; you make our home the happiest place on earth.

Larkin- We will get Disneyland passes for you too; You will be conditioned to love all things "Princess"!! ;) (Besides, your brother has an affinity for all Disney Princesses, which is a good thing for you, and something Dad and I will worry about in 6 years...if he still likes them.)I love you too little one. Can't wait to meet you- Mom

Gunnar Week Day Three: Chuck E. Cheeses

Gunnar's choice for today was Chuck E. Cheese. It's his week; I do what he wants. We met up with some other friends (thanks for meeting us Maren and Jo) and we had a great time!

We dined on the world's best, most reasonably priced pizza. Played the most sanitary public games, and earned so many tickets that we won...THIS! We actually had enough for two of them! Can you get over it? Chuck E.'s is the best deal ever! ;)

Everything was roses until Gunnar looked up at the prize table and saw a pirate ship. He brought his dinosaurs back to me and told me he didn't want them any more, that he wanted something else. He pointed to the ship, 6000 tickets. That's a lot of tickets. I tried explaining to him, but the 3 year old neurons were just not firing in his brain and he didn't understand why he couldn't "make a trade." Gunnar Week was looking doubtful once again...he threw a great fit in the parking lot and on the way home. "I WANT AT PIRDATE SHIP! PLEASE MOM!!!!!" At least he said please. He fell asleep in the car due to all his histrionics and has been sleeping ever since. Hopefully he wakes up happy, because he is going to play with another one of his best mates after...we'll see how that goes.

Gun,

Even when you throw a fit and I can't think of a thing to say to make you feel better, you are still stinkin' cute!!! I love you. Hope day three of your week wasn't a total upset. xoxo Mom

We Now Interupt Our Regular Scheduled Programing...

of Gunnar Week to bring you a very fun family.

Wayne, Erin, Brynn, Cassie and Ethan were my final shoot before the baby. (I'll be back in the saddle for photographs in Oct. Just in time for Christmas pictures!! ;))

Something I have really enjoyed since I started my photography business is the time I am able to spend with other families. I love my little family so much and work hard to have a balance of time with them, so they know they are first in my life, but I also enjoy the moments I am able to spend with other families who genuinely like being together.

This is one of those families.

I love being with fathers, like Wayne, that hold their daughters close, but still allow them to fly to reach their potential and chase their dreams.

I love seeing mothers like Erin that keep a tight hold on their sons, but still allow them to be themselves and follow their hearts.

I love daughters, like Brynn, that are super excited about life and it's new adventures.

Brynn started high school this year. I have an affinity for high school and miss the days I was in it and the days I taught. It was fun talking to her about this new chapter in her life. In fact she was headed to the first football game of the year after our shoot. It was cool to see her get so excited and dressed-up for the festivities.

I am afraid the upper-classman will be hitting on this gal for sure...keep her close Wayne.

Brynn, You are lovely. I wish we still lived close by. You would be my number one babysitter for sure.

I love daughters, like Cassie, who are observers, not always saying much, but internalizing everything they witness.

Like her sister she is a stunning beauty.

I really enjoyed being with Cassie because she is so peaceful. She is one of those people that is just calm and mellow; two traits I try to embody as much as I can. Her beauty is classic, her spirit magnetizing.

She also has an enchanting voice. I have had the opportunity to hear her sing on occasion; it is always a pleasure.

All the high school boys Brynn brings home, might have an interest in little sis too. ;)

My dad used to tell me when I was headed out with friends or to a dance or something that he, "wished I was a little bit ugly." :) That was his way of telling me he thought I looked pretty and was a bit worried that I would catch the eye too many admirers. Thanks Dad; that was always so sweet of you. Wayne, do you ever wish your girls were "a little bit ugly"? You have got to keep an eye on both of these beauties. Sheesshhh!

And this guy...one thing's for sure: you will never be at a loss for laughs with him around.

I love sons, like Ethan, that keep the family in stitches.

He is also a really great conversationalist. I love it when kids aren't afraid to talk to adults they don't really know; it is cool me they are so confident to offer answers to questions and ask them in return. Ethan and I had a nice visit about 3rd grade, his friends, and school while shooting together.

He put a smile on my face.

Erin said this hat is his favorite right now. I thought that was cool she brought it to be in the pictures.

I love siblings that are good to each other, who speak kinds words, and show interest in each other's lives.

This one's for you Erin. ;)

And I love witnessing parents who are giddyly in love, but still demonstrate a deep respect and trust in each other.

Both Wayne and Erin are such good people. They are jovial, enthusiastic, and outgoing.

Want to know what happened right before I snapped this?

Wayne gave Erin a nice wet lick on her check. It was classic. (I didn't blog that one; that was for you too Erin. ;)) We all had a good laugh. That's fun. Just being. Playful.

I also loved seeing them close,

and enjoying their family.

Such a pretty mom...

I love families that laugh together,

play together (I loved this one, because until now Ethan and I had a secret.),

and love together.

Wayne, Erin, Brynn, Cass, and Ethan- Sorry I kept getting your names wrong! That will never happen again. And I also apologize for backing into your neighbor's garbage can. I promise I am not always that clutzy. Thank you for the time we had together. Your family is a pleasure to be with.

I have been contemplating a quote lately by Sophocles, "One word frees the world of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love."

I know your home is a place of solace from the world's troubles. You are a family filled with love, respect, and joy in each other's lives. Thanks for sharing a few hours with me and touching me with your geniune spirits. Can't wait for our next visit! Kamee

p.s. Brynn, I am sorry this took so long. I was trying to enhance as many pictures as I could...for you! ;) Enjoy!!