30 Day Picture Challenge

I found a fun project for the next month.  SO why the heck  not start it right smack in the middle of the month?

The first picture has to be a self-portrait.  As most photographers go we like to be BEHIND the camera instead of in Front of it.

The first picture was a "challenge."  I have a great 50 mm fixed Canon lens that puts amazing pictures.  So I set up my tripod and remote shutter control and clicked away.

Here's what I came up with!

Enjoy.

Easter Throwback

I meant to post these on Sunday but I forgot.  Whoops.

These are from 2006.

And Tyler still got excited on Easter morning...

And Clayton was just realizing how magical finding Easter eggs can be.

Photo Schoolin'

Over the last few years I've taken a couple of photo class so I thought I'd share what we shot.

I took a basics class first so I could "get to know" my camera a little bit better.  The digital SLR's have so many menus and options it's hard to know where everything is on every camera.

We didn't do much portraiture in this class; mostly still life.

Simba

We saw this guy on our morning game drive while visiting the Nkomazi Game Reserve over Christmas break.  He is just breathtaking!  And the light was exquisite.

Is there something in my hair?

We went with the family over Christmas to the Bush-babies Monkey Reserve.  This little guy made his rounds.  At lease I didn't end up with him while he was eating a crusty sweet potato.

Something tasty from home.

167 days left to go.

Here is something oh so tasty from home. I haven't made Ro-tel dip in a couple years!

Mmmmm coffee!

I know this looks like an "ordinary" cup of joe but here in South Africa you can get a cappuccino, latte, mocha or various other warm yummies at almost every restaurant.  The best part is their only around 20 rand (about 2 American dollars)!

Let's add it to the list of things I'm gonna miss.

Things I Am Going to Miss

What a crazy few months it's been! Now that I am feeling better and done with my class I can enjoy my last six months here in South Africa before we head home on June 28!

As we tick the days away, there is 171 left, here a few things that  am going to miss...

Yummy blueberry granola from Wolworth's.  It reminds me of the "bunches" in Honey Bunches of Oats.

Angry.

Day 44

Here's Tyler's birthday cake!  YUM!

I know most of you have seen it but for the few that are not my friends on Facebook or those who view from another country.

Hack hack cough choke.

Day 43

This was the view from the intersection just outside the estate gate this morning.

Since the dry season has started and it's gotten soooo cold, the dust and the smoke have just settled in.  Not good for Tyler's allergies!

Fun with the Spider.

Day 41

To continue from yesterday, Doug decided to go all Bear Grylls on us.

He didn't really eat it.

Posin'.

Day 42

Here is Clayton posing with a statue.

Just thought it was funny.

Technical Difficulties

Day 40

I had, what we'll call, "technical difficulties."

Anyhoo, here you go.

We had some friends over on Saturday night for a Meat Feast!  Smoked ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and kudu.  YUM!

Sunday morning Doug was cleaning up and he opened the doors under the counter out back and look at what he found!

Don't worry, he's ONLY about as big around as a coffee mug, and he's DEAD!  Doug about we himself when he opened the cabinet.  He was all reared up and looked like he was going to jump out and get 'em.

Family Photo Op

Day 39

A lot of folks really liked this almost family photo.

Tyler, Stephanie, & Doug

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Day 38

Today my oldest child turns 14! I think that is a little more shocking then 13. Maybe its the fact that he starts high school in August.

Tyler celebrated by hanging out with his buddies and playing xbox. He requested enchiladas for dinner. Yum!

Happy Birthday my BIG boy!

This was the "serious" picture! What a mixed bunch of kiddos!
Buddies from left to right: (Front) Yushi(Japan), Barrett(Washington DC), Hyun Jae(South Korea), and Greg(Kansas).
(Back): Alex(Spain), Seth(Virgina), Flores(Netherlands), Tyler, and Ricardo(Italy).

Monkey Business

Day 37

I am so used to being on the other side of the camera I often forget to have my picture taken!

I am a little camera shy.  Only because I am the one that gets caught with a goofy look on my face or my mouth open while chewing or the one person who is looking extremely bored.  That's just my luck!
So here's a picture with a not so goofy look.  Maybe you can focus on the adorable monkey?

We took the family to the Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary back in December.  We had such a good time!

Baby faces.

Day 36

To go with my post from yesterday, here are some of Clayton's beloved friends from our time in Hastings.  WOW!  How our kids have grown!

Don't you just luv their baby faces?

Remember when?

Day 35

These are the wonderful ladies who grew to be some of my closest friends when we were in Hastings.  Gosh how time flies!  Seems like it was just yesterday.

Shark Bait- OOO haha!

Day 34

Here we are in Durban with a roudy bunch of boys.  I believe the large feet on the left belong to Sam.

Pups.

Day 33

Hey ther PUP!  I guess she can see better from up there?