More Family Photographs

Hey everyone!

Tomorrow, the puppies arrive.

I am so excited. Perhaps that's why I've had insomnia for the past few nights, but I like to think that's associated with work, or anything else that makes me unhappy. I don't want to associate the joy machines with late night TV, and crying to Saffron during the wee morning hours.

I wanted to share a few photos I took over the weekend of a friend of mine and her family. I think I enjoy taking pictures of kids more than I ever imagined I would! Insomnia does have a positive our

Here are a few family shots:

The real joy was definitely taking pictures of the kiddos!

Have a great week, everyone!

The Joy Machines

Tony and I have decided to get some puppies.

We wanted two, and we wanted them to be brothers. We wanted them to be companions, not only to us, but to each other as well.

We went to a golden retriever breeder (say that three times fast) outside of Temecula, CA, and fell in love.

Tony's pick was a little guy who's incredibly ornery, full of vigor (translate: an energy demon), and is already attached at Tony's heels.

We named him Ed.

My pick was the runt of the litter. He's noticeably smaller (and more of a red head!) than Ed.

He's incredibly sweet, and was content to just play in my lap.

We're naming him Ralph.

They're only 6 weeks old right now, but in a week from Wednesday, we'll travel back up there and bring them home. I'm SO excited. And scared. But mostly excited...

Ed and Ralph. Together, forever.

Lamey McLamerson Here

I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long.

I've been tired. And busy teaching myself how to knit. I'll post pictures of that soon.

Until then, here's a random assortment of stuff from my life:

Saffron enjoys watching the birds out of our bay windows. She doesn't realize some of the crows around here are bigger than her...

We bought a gigantic compressor that's as old as my dad. I slept in the back of the truck the whole time Tony was purchasing it. I really wasn't interested in buying a vintage submarine that weighs a metric ton. Literally.

The only pretty flowers in our yard are spilling over from the neighbor's fence.

Although, the weeds are even starting to look pretty compared to the dirt.

WE HAVE AVOCADOS PEOPLE. And lots of 'em. I have no idea how they taste.

Our 3rd Anniversary

Well, you know you're out of the "newlywed" phase when you and your husband both suggest foregoing any anniversary presents :). Surprisingly, I find it comforting.

We have a house.

And a cat.

And family.

And friends.

We are blessed beyond belief.

I feel so lucky to have married Tony. He is the best husband a girl could ask for. Sure, we all have our shortcomings, but with the big things--he is absolutely perfect.

I spent a few evenings earlier this week looking through all of out wedding photos--it was such a happy time! I felt the renewed blessings and love coming from friends and family.

Thanks to all of you who support us, day in and day out. Without your love and commitment, we would be in a much different place today.

And just to keep you laughing...

Bet you can't look at that picture without smiling :)!

Family Photo Shoot

I had the opportunity to take photos for a friend and his family recently, and I thought I'd share them with you.

Sometimes, I think my scientific/analytical abilities stunt my artistic/creative abilities. Too bad I can't think of a job that smushes them together--I'd probably be in heaven!

The little boy, who is about 3, was a hoot. He did NOT like staying still and showing me his "big boy" smile :).

Mother and daughter:

The whole family!

Dad and his little girl:

The grandparents with big brother!

Three generations:

Wonderful smiles!

Baby girl! I could have taken pictures of this one ALL DAY! She was such a "natural" in front of the camera :).

And finally, the kids. Big brother is throwing grass on little sister's head, in case you were wondering...

What a fun time! I love taking pictures of kids and families!

Wild Animal Park

Our new home is about 5 minutes from the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park--an open space preserve where animals can roam more freely than they can at the Balboa Park zoo, and where they can be with other animals found in their natural habitats.

I am all about the Wild Animal Park. I hate seeing animals caged up. It makes my heart sick.

Anyway, here are some photos from our trip there with Tony's parents--enjoy!

Lovely trumpet flower:

The birds were beautiful, and some were very strange looking!

For the guy below, I was all "Aww. Poor little guy, you only have one eye!"

Then, I was all "Ooooh. You're a creepy little guy aren't you?"

Obviously, these two were up to no good.

There were a variety of antelopes, deer, and gazelles scattered throughout the park:

This picture makes me laaaaauuuuggh :).

Wild ass.

Giraffes! Amber thinks I resemble a giraffe, because of their long necks and reticulation. Sigh. She may be right.

The rhinos. Totally. Awesome.

Oh, hey! And some Ryno's were there too!

The gorillas were just starting to be active when we got there. They kind of scare me.

The people next to us kept calling these guys "groundhogs". Ohmygosh. Have you not heard of Meerkat Manor!?! AHHRGGHH.

It was a great outing! Since Tones and I live nearby and have Zoo membership, I hope we will visit a few more times and see more of the park!