26. Yummy

This is one you'll need to click to enlarge to fully appreciate. Look carefully at the 3rd Giraffe that is facing the camera. I know that is one skill I am not envious of and I'm highly appreciative that my kids won't be able to do it either; it's hard enough keeping their fingers out of their noses! I didn't notice it the first couple times I looked at this picture, because I was focused on the different spot patterns and how the 3rd giraffe also has star bursts within his spots. Then, I noticed the subtle tongue, laughed out loud and thought "yummy" and the light bulb went off! I was excited to have a slightly different take for the category that wasn't directly related to food!

5. Did You See THAT?

Otters from our recent trip to the Atlanta Zoo. These guys were really intent on watching the garbage man come empty the trash cans! They were so squeaky and moved as a pack when they heard him coming! It was like the highlight of their day - you'd think he was coming to feed them or something. I just love how the one in the back is propping up on the others to get a better view. It was quite amusing to watch and an unexpected find for the game! yea!

6. Effort

This picture is deceiving in that it appears steady and precise with surprisingly good technique and form, but trust me, it's quite the effort on her part to cut anything, much less slippery fruit pieces! But, of course, like most 2 year olds, she insists on doing it herself.

21. Spiral

My daughter, Dellaina's golden curls. I knew instantly when I saw the list that I would use her hair for Spiral, but it's been a lot more work to decide on what picture to go with - wet or dry? Side/Profile or back? I just love that this game has gotten me to really focus on and capture some of these things that are so precious to me.

24. Tiny

Sometimes it's hard to really get the scale of something so small by the time you zoom in and fill up the lens of the camera to really capture it. Thanks to Granny for her willingness to hold the tiny frog (once we managed to avoid squishing it and not accidentally step on it) to allow for proper perspective. Hopefully, he wasn't too traumatized by the whole ordeal either.

1. Aahh!

Say "aahh!"

I had been debating the meaning of this "word" - was it the sound of a startled cry or scared gasp? a relaxed, enjoyable sigh? A moment of epiphany? Then, this picture took me in a different direction entirely. . .

17. On The Road

I have been wrestling with several different ideas for this one, but this one won out. I love that "roads" like this still exist (even just as Granny & Granpa's long driveway) and just the overall feel. Dellaina once again did NOT want me taking her picture, but I managed to get her looking back at me anyway. She was marching ahead and kept tossing her head to get her hair out of her eyes, because there was a good breeze (not enough to provide relief, mind you, just to stir the warm, sticky air). She was probably singing to herself, too.

19. Relief

If you only knew how many glasses of wine were consumed to get this shot. . . ;)

15. Moody

And if no one plays with him, he totally pouts. If you could hear his sighs! Boxers are so expressive.

25. Way to Go

I absolutely love this shot. Not because I think I am so skilled, but because I love the feeling and the meaning this little hand holds for us, personally. I am so thrilled that this game has gotten me to play around with my camera and figure out how to do this fairly basic effect, so thank you!

We use stickers for encouragement and rewarding our daughter, Dellaina. She has responded really well to them and loves to put stickers just about anywhere on her entire body. Nearly everyday, she comes home from day care with stickers on her hands. When we ask what she did to get them, she responds, "clean up!" We use them as rewards for going potty at home, which is finally looking up as she is wearing her Big Girl Panties this week and has been doing fabulous (so far!) So I just thought it was a great choice for her to pick out the Thumbs Up sticker (I had been patiently waiting and biding my time) and wanted to document a little Attagirl! for her efforts. Also, if you only knew what convincing it took to talk her into doing her thumbs up in the first place, then in the right location, for the right amount of time and allowing me to take pictures! whew! I am just exhausted, but so pleased that it looks so serene - like a real motivational poster! hee. My husband even got a little choked up by it (the little wisp of hair in the corner!), so I knew I had to use it.

18. Priorities

I heart TiVo. A Lot. Not because I watch a ton of TV (I'm neither admitting nor denying), but because I don't have time to waste when I do get a chance to watch. So fast forwarding through commercials is key and I'm guaranteed at least twelve distractions which makes the pause button such a gift. Rewinding can be useful as well if you don't get to the pause button quickly enough and miss something.

This picture is of the page in the system where you rank the shows you have programed to record in order of importance. It's crucial to have your priorities straight so that if programs overlap, you are getting the ones you really want the most.

2. Accessory

Mrs. Potato Head is QUEEN of accessories, no? Including changing out her lips, nose or eyes! That's a lady extremely devoted to fashion.

12. Historic

When I saw "historic" on the list, I thought, "ugh, that sounds hard." Then, I thought about our trip planned to Stone Mountain this past weekend and I got excited! I started immediately composing shots in my head even though I hadn't been there in years. I had intended to play around with some settings and try to capture a shot during the laser show when they outline the figures with lasers, because I thought that would definitely be more creative and unique shot rather than just your basic shot of the rock carving. Also, it was the 25th anniversary of the Laser Show Spectacular, so that was an extra layer of "historic." But, I neglected to fully think through the fact that as soon as the first firework went off with a LOUD bang, I'd have 2 screaming kids digging fingernails into me, terrified and wailing and one whining the refrain "I want to go home!" So not only would I not see the show, I wouldn't get to play around to try to take my picture - which I'm going to go with probably wouldn't have turned out anyway. I still find this picture rich with texture and actually like it a lot anyway.

10. Game On

I felt it was appropriate to start with "Game On!" since I'm just joining the photo game. If you know Boss at all (or any boxer?) you'll recognize this action shot. When he gets riled up and wants to play, he starts bouncing up and down on his front feet (think: bear), growling and shaking his head "Come get me! Don't you want this bone? Play with me, Play with me!" It almost worked for "Movement" for me, too, I was so excited to capture him in action, but really feel it captures his playful spirit.