Hogues And Kisses

The Bridge

Christine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:08:13 +0000

“But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Take by Kay on the October trail ride. Post-processing by me.

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Trail Ride Through Aspen

Christine — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 03:00:53 +0000

Back in October, Bryon and Kay went on a trail ride in northern Michigan. Kay and Bryon took all of the pictures (700+ photos!) and though long overdue, I thought I’d share a few from their trail ride over the next few days.

This one was taken by Kay while on horseback. The aspen stood regal and bare. I love the contrast of the grey bark to the colorful autumn foliage. What a view my 2 trail riders had that day! Wow!

Photo taken by Kay. Post-processing by me.

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Taste the Rainbow

Christine — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:21:03 +0000

It may be a month late but as they say, “better late than never”. We finally celebrated Matt’s 2nd birthday yesterday. I made these rainbow cupcakes. Inspiration for these came when Kay forwarded me images from here. They were a complete hit! I feel very “Martha Stewart”-ish for having accomplished these! lol

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Mule

Christine — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:34:20 +0000

As I mentioned yesterday, I have a few photos to share from Kayla’s trip with Ann-Marie to deliver a horse to its owner. All of these photos were taken by Kayla. Whenever I give Kayla the camera, I am always surprised at the images that she captures. She has a knack for photography, huh? And isn’t this mule such a cutie! Makes me want to sneak him home.

Photo by Kayla. Post-Processing by me.

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Barn Cat

Christine — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:30:15 +0000

Been really busy this week packing and preparing to move so no current new photos to share. But I have a few from last month that Kayla took while hanging out at Ann-Marie’s barn. Back in May, Ann-Marie had to deliver a horse to its owner, and Kayla tagged along. At the owner’s barn, Kayla found this barn cat lazily sleeping on the hay. Looks like kitty wasn’t thrilled about being photographed! Rooooaaarrr!

Photo by Kayla.
Post-Processing by me.
Text by Kayla.

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A Different Dance

Christine — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:03:41 +0000

Rachel had her dance recital, and now Kayla has a dance of a different kind to show.

Ann-Marie has recently started playing music while Kayla rides. Make sure you have your volume up when watching this video. Watch how Rhythm seem to be prancing to the beat of the song. It is like Kayla and Rhythm really are dancing. Pretty cool. Sure jazzes up the regular riding lessons, huh?

(Video taken by Ann-Marie Lavallee.)

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Dance Rehearsal

Christine — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 02:39:25 +0000

Rachel took ballet/tap combination class this past year at Oxford Academy of Dance and Performing Arts, and she loved every minute of it. Her recital is tomorrow but tonight Rachel had her dance rehearsal. Daddy had an opportunity to record it using our digital camera.

We really need to buy a camcorder one of these days as the camera doesn’t zoom or anything while using the video function, but hopefully you can see her dance well enough to recognize the little red head in the group… she comes through the arch second (at time 1:27, she’s the little girl on the left) and from that time on until they go into the circle, she is at the end of the line on the far left. At the very end of the video, her instructor and owner of the dance studio, Kati Clark, comes on stage and gives last minute instructions to the girls.

Isn’t Rachel just the most adorable little ballerina ever?? I told her I thought she looked like a magical fairy. In characteristic Rachel fashion, she just grinned at me and said, “awww mom.” She is pretty shy about compliments which makes her even more adorable.

I ordered regular DVDs that will be made of the performance tomorrow night and of course we are ordering photos.

Lots of photos.

Because we all know that those little portrait packages just aren’t going to be enough for a proud momma like myself.

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Kay, Rhythm, and Lilacs

Christine — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:39:50 +0000

Last Saturday, Kay was at the barn all day helping Ann-Marie out. In Ann-Marie’s yard is this gorgeous lilac tree which is the perfect location for some great portraits like this one of Kayla on Rhythm. We have one in our back yard as well. When in bloom, the flowers radiate such a refreshing scent. I love to throw open the windows to allow the scent to waft into our home. Too bad the blooms don’t last long, though. I could breathe in lilac all year round.

Photo taken on my camera by Ann-Marie Lavalee.
Post-Processing by me.

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Mud Bath

Christine — Sun, 29 May 2011 23:49:23 +0000

We’ve gotten so much rain last week that our backyard has literally turned into a small pond. Of course, where there is mud there is my oldest and the dog. Looks like they had a mud wrestling contest! Guess who got to wash those muddy clothes, too? That’s right… me. Took 2 washings to get them clean, too!

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Just Like Me

Christine — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:59:21 +0000

Moving and a camera on the blitz means not as much photography these days. This one is from April. Rachel received an Just Like Me doll from American Girl from Grandma and Grandpa. Isn’t she cute with her first AG doll?

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