Fancy Fathers

And while I'm getting all photographically fancy here, I decided to try another trick while photographing my Father Christmases. My Grandma (with Grandpa's help) made them for me and they are very special to me.
First image is a long exposure and the lighted garland has starburst but the Father Christmases are too dark to see any detail.

Now for the fancy stuff. Not perfect but good enough. Can you guess what I did on this 25 second exposure? Want me to tell you? Oh, ok, you don't have to beg! I shined a flashlight up and down the row of Father Christmases during the exposure to give them some front light. Probably could have done better muting the light a little or even focusing the beam more, but it's still a LOT more detail than in the original image.

Christmas Startburst

Ok, my photography friends have unknowingly issued a challenge. Make the Christmas lights in the tree show a starburst pattern. I'm pleased with the results. And if you're reading this on the day I posted it, please know I'm eventually going to go back and add the last four months worth of photos so don't give up on me. Just couldn't resist the Christmas challenge!
First attempt. Like the starburst but the ornaments aren't totally in focus. BTW, used manual focus and my new macro lens on these three shots.

Probably my favorite image.
But how do you resist Elmo? :-)

40th!

David and D'Ann threw me a suprise party for my 40th birthday. And boy was I surprised. Thought we were heading over for a casual Sunday evening swim, they even had me make ice cream so I wouldn't be suspicious, and instead had a wonderful night celebrating my 40th with family and friends. Isn't my cake beautiful?

Little Fisherman

With his favorite Dora fishing pole.

Dock Jumpers

Happy Paddler

The boys were dying to ride the paddleboat. Thomas peddled for about 5 seconds and then asked me to switch places with him. Love Jon's silly smiles.

Early Morning Swimmer

Thomas was alone swimming in the early morning, but had a ball.