Candid Photos

A few weeks ago we had planned on taking pictures for Eva's first birthday.  Due to weather our plans fell through. But, the other day Eva and I visited our good friends, an amazing photographer Jessica and her wonderful daughter Everdeen.  Jessica is so talented she was able to snap a few candid photos while at the park.  They capture Eva's spirit perfectly! I'm secretly glad our first photo session didn't work out, these are perfect!

Photo shoot with Daddy

More great photos

Jessica,
Thank you once again for capturing our family so wonderfully.  We truly appreciate your talent.  We love and cherish each photo session we get to share with you.

Love,
The Smith Family

ick...no more kisses

Daddy and Daughter playdate

While I was at work the other day Chris and Eva spent some time at the park.  It was a beautiful day for Eva to enjoy some swing time and Chris to practice his photo skills!  I missed being with them, but I LOVE the pictures of my sweet baby girl.

Family Time

 Although I usually spend my days with Eva, Chris often only gets to see her on his days off from work. Often, she is sleeping when he leaves and sleeping when he gets home.  Therefore, he really takes advantage of our time together as a family.  Most days we like to at least get out of the house, even if it is just for a walk or a bite to eat.

This week we decided to load up and head to the mountains.  In Colorado we have lots to choose from, but instead of heading West on I-70, we headed South on 285.  The drive was beautiful.  Eva soaked it all in rarely making any noise.  She is definitely an observer.  We made a few extra stops here and there. You know, change Eva's diaper, feed Eva, give her a break from her carseat!  At last we made it to Kite Lake (just outside of Alma, the highest incorporated town in North America)!  The scenery was beautiful, the weather not as much.  It wasn't horrible, just a little windy and a bit chilly.  Eva didn't really like the wind, but handle it well.  We had planned on hiking more around the area, but it was just too chilly for the little one! Chris did manage to get some good pictures though!

Afterwards, instead of heading back home we decided to go to Breckenridge.  It was just a quick drive North.  Breckenridge has lots to offer in the summer, hiking, biking, rafting.  But, we decided to just walk around and check out all the shops.  They have a little of everything.  We even took a little break and got some good pictures of Eva.

"Gosh Mom, enough pictures already!"

At last, we decided it was time to eat dinner and head back home.  Chris and I have always enjoyed meals out, but we usually have a hard time deciding where to eat.  This time it was a quick decision.  We headed towards Dillon to eat at the Dillon Dam Brewery.  Remember how I said Eva was pretty quiet the entire trip, soaking it all in?  Well, once we arrived and settled in for dinner she had LOTS to say!  It was fun sitting down as a family and listening to her ooo's and aww's about our day.  Some of the other patrons may not have been as thrilled at a few of her high pitched noises, but overall she was very polite!

It was a wonderful day trip and I look forward to many more!

Chris's Mad Photography Skills

This past birthday/Christmas my family was very generous and bought me a new camera (something I have wanted for a long time).  I have always enjoyed photography and was super excited to use my new toy to get back into taking pictures.  I am slowly starting to learn the ins and outs of my camera (with a little help from my amazing photographer friend, Jessica).  Well, during my pregnancy I wanted to document my growing belly.  Considering it is difficult to take my own picture Chris stepped in as photographer.  At first he would just point and click.  The pictures weren't bad, but he could use a couple pointers.  So, I began with what I remembered from photography class in high school (which wasn't much).  Slowly his pictures began getting better and better.  And now, I think I have created a photographing monster!

Here are a couple of my favorite of Eva...

Then, there are these...just some experimenting with flowers and bees!