Our second stop on this cross country journey was Marfa, Texas. If you follow this blog, you may remember my last trip to Marfa. I love photographing Marfa. It's got this amazing patina to everything. We arrived in the late afternoon and the next morning, I grabbed my new Canon G12 point and shoot and took a morning photo walk through town.

White Sands National Monument is stunning, surreal, and a photographer's dream! We had so much fun exploring there. The kids and Steven sledded down the hills while I wandered around shooting. We arrived in the evening (good thing because it was still 100 degrees at 7 pm) and stayed through sunset. Sunset over the white dunes was a sight to behold.

The light slowly changed over the course of our evening there and it was amazing to see how it changed the colors and look of everything.

Even the flats were beautiful

One of my favorite shots of Finnian

On the White Sands website, there's a section that talks about safety and people getting lost in the dunes. It didn't surprise me that two of the main stories they mentioned were of photographers getting lost looking for the perfect shot. I can definitely see that happening without the wandering photographer realizing how far in they had gone or from what direction they came.

The boys had the best time sledding!

It was dark and the boys were still begging for "just one more turn!". They were completely exhausted when we left (at nearly 10 pm). I did manage to pry them away from the dunes for a moment to actually watch the sunset.

and, although there are many others, I think these are my two favorite shots of the day...

Oh I love this image...my guys. These 3 guys are like the sun to my little life galaxy. Everything I do, even the things that seemingly have nothing to do with them, revolves around them.

As we poured our tired little guys into their hotel beds at the (very late) end of the day, I was reminded why we make this trip every year. I hope they remember these days and that their lives are richer for it. I know it is true for Steven and I. Hopefully, these pictures will help bring the memories back for them too.

Next stop, Tucson and Sedona!

(photo taken in Austin, Texas at the Mandola's restaurant playground using my iPhone and Instagram)

Our summer trip has officially begun. In fact, I'm typing this in the car heading down 1-10 towards Marfa, Tx. (don't be scared, Steven is driving). Thanks to a tech loan from my lovely friend, Monica, I am online while on the road!  Pretty cool, huh? It's called a Sprint MiFi and I now see that I need one of my own. I feel like a tech reviewer actually because I've got 2 other new toys that I'm playing with as well. I downloaded Instagram and am loving it! I'll be shooting with iPhone and posting there as we go. I also purchased a new point and shoot from Canon that is supposed to be dreamy. I am still pretty clumsy with it but I'm learning. So far it seems like the best p&s I've worked with but I'll tell you more as I experiment.

Lastnight we stopped in Austin and hung out with my brother and the kids played with their cousins. This morning we stopped in Fredericksburg at Rather Sweet for some treats before making the long haul to Marfa. The kids and dogs are doing fine so far. Of course there are the mini dramas of lost toys, bickering and restless dogs but overall it's good. Of course, Finn has already asked me 4 times when we're going to get to Marfa. I just keep saying 3 hours because I don't have the heart to tell him that it's really about 6.

The kids and I are doing a little photo project as we drive. I'll try and download and post our first couple of pictures tonight or tomorrow.

Wish us luck as we go!

I did not expect to be having a third baby. I was a little heartbroken about it actually but I was coming to terms with it. I was going to be a mom of two, two boys. All of that has changed now. Not only are we having a third baby but, it's a girl! Us, girls? I didn't think it was possible. In fact, when they did the first ultrasound to check gender and told me it was a girl, I didn't 100% believe them. I kept it a secret from most people too just not feeling sure about saying it out loud. I just kind of figured that, after 2 boys, it would probably be another boy.

I am thrilled that it's a girl! I am terrified that it's a girl! When I was pregnant with Finnian, I knew what it was going to be like having a second boy. I had the boy stuff and I knew the boy toys, characters, tv shows, etc. What is this going to be like? You know, as soon as I type that, I know the answer. She will be as different as Finnian was from Sayer. She will simply be a third person to get to know. I'll have to get some new toys too probably and we'll watch some different movies...Of course, I will also get to buy cute ruffled pajamas and ballet socks too.

Part of the "terrified" feeling is that it's been 6 years since I was pregnant and that time passage has made this all seem so new. This pregnancy feels almost as novel as my first and I love that. It feels very special and scary at the same time. Last night I found myself wishing (almost in a panic) that I was at the end already and that she was being born. I have more fear this time around. This is the last baby and I want her so badly. I just want her to be safe and healthy and it's hard waiting for her. At the same time, this is my last pregnancy and I know I need to be cherishing that and be in the moment with her now and enjoy it. I know, once she's here that she'll take time away from my boys and I'm sad about that. I'm trying to be present with them now while they are still just two of them. Basically, I'm tender, confused, scared, excited, joyful, grateful and anxious all at once.

What about you friends? What are you thinking about this Friday? Do you have images to share? Please leave links to your images, blogs, Flickr, etc. I'd love it if you added your images to our Favorite Shot Friday pool on Flickr too.

Happy weekend everyone!

I did not expect to be having a third baby. I was a little heartbroken about it actually but I was coming to terms with it. I was going to be a mom of two, two boys. All of that has changed now. Not only are we having a third baby but, it's a girl! Us, girls? I didn't think it was possible. In fact, when they did the first ultrasound to check gender and told me it was a girl, I didn't 100% believe them. I kept it a secret from most people too just not feeling sure about saying it out loud. I just kind of figured that, after 2 boys, it would probably be another boy.

I am thrilled that it's a girl! I am terrified that it's a girl! When I was pregnant with Finnian, I knew what it was going to be like having a second boy. I had the boy stuff and I knew the boy toys, characters, tv shows, etc. What is this going to be like? You know, as soon as I type that, I know the answer. She will be as different as Finnian was from Sayer. She will simply be a third person to get to know. I'll have to get some new toys too probably and we'll watch some different movies...Of course, I will also get to buy cute ruffled pajamas and ballet socks too.

Part of the "terrified" feeling is that it's been 6 years since I was pregnant and that time passage has made this all seem so new. This pregnancy feels almost as novel as my first and I love that. It feels very special and scary at the same time. Last night I found myself wishing (almost in a panic) that I was at the end already and that she was being born. I have more fear this time around. This is the last baby and I want her so badly. I just want her to be safe and healthy and it's hard waiting for her. At the same time, this is my last pregnancy and I know I need to be cherishing that and be in the moment with her now and enjoy it. I know, once she's here that she'll take time away from my boys and I'm sad about that. I'm trying to be present with them now while they are still just two of them. Basically, I'm tender, confused, scared, excited, joyful, grateful and anxious all at once.

What about you friends? What are you thinking about this Friday? Do you have images to share? Please leave links to your images, blogs, Flickr, etc. I'd love it if you added your images to our Favorite Shot Friday pool on Flickr too.

Happy weekend everyone!