During March Break, my son and I spent a lot of time scouting locations for his upcoming birthday party.  We tried mini golf, some kids play houses, art classes but Jacques kept insisting that we have the party at our house.  Having done that a couple of years ago (and still having PTSD nightmares from it), I was wary.  But, after much negotiation (my son is a great salesman; he gets that from his father) we came to an agreement… a LEGO party! I promptly hopped on Pinterest and started researching.  I found some great inspiration – cupcakes with fondant Legos and marshmallow Lego man heads for treats – which seemed easy enough.  I decided on a simple menu of fruit, cheese and crackers and off I went!

Here are a few pictures of the details and the festivities.

It’s been a really busy year. I’ve obviously been really, really awful at updating the blog.  We’ve had lots of fun, but my goodness has it flown by!  I can’t believe it’s already November.  We say this every year, don’t we?

One of the highlights of the year came last night, when my husband brought home the newest addition to our clan, a 4-month old Weimaraner who we’ve named Marshall.  He’s all ears, legs and goofiness… and he’s positively perfect.

Weims became really popular through the work of William Wegman.  Some of my favourite dog photos are his.  And I look forward to years of Marshall serving as my subject.

Marshall arrives to great fanfare, but it’s late. It’s been a long car ride. And he wonders… WHO THE HECK ARE YOU?

During our first morning walk. We pause. Sit. And he wonders… YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE ME, RIGHT?

In my ongoing 365:2011 project, may I offer my February images.
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While I can hardly believe it’s already March, I am so ready for Springtime. I am tired of snow.

If you use instagram for iPhone, follow me! I love talking about pictures! My user name is katlev. If you’d like to check in on my progress or want more information about the images, visit the 365:2011 set on Flickr.

This happy, handsome little bundle arrived in mid-February.  I cannot begin to tell you how hard it is to photograph little newbies; I want to spend the whole time cuddling them and staring at their precious little hands & feet.

So sweet.

Oh how I love expecting mom’s. Couple that with an adorable (almost) big sister and an excited dad… OH MY!

Here’s Dina and Karah talking about all they fun things they’re going to do with their little bundle when he comes.

Is anybody in there?  Hello?!

Giggly family photos make me so happy.

Her eyes… oh my gracious, her eyes.

I cannot wait for their little bundle to arrive.  CAN.NOT.WAIT!

I’m a person who likes projects. I usually start the year with a list of projects I hope to complete throughout the year but I don’t complete most of them. This frustrates me.

When I was pregnant, I took a weekly picture of my belly and posted it for friends and family to see. I had just moved from Chicago and everyone enjoyed the weekly photo as a way to keep track of what was going on in the pregnancy. When my son was born, I continued the tradition for well over a year with a weekly photo of him. I love those images.

In 2008, I participated in my first “Photo 365″ project. I took at least 1 image every single day. Some of the results were better than others, but overall I really loved the project. It really forced me to be more aware of my surroundings. It was fun and I learned a lot.

In 2009, I embarked on 1 photo per week. I made it to early October. I missed a week. And another. Then I gave up. Disappointment.

Last year, I wanted to put a new spin on the project and decided to limit myself to my iPhone. 85 days, then… failure again.

So, a new year, another project. Again I’m looking to complete 365 days of iPhone pictures. I am posting 1 per day on Flickr using instagram for iPhone. So far, I’m enjoying it. And I’m hoping that if I force myself to post results here periodically, I’ll guilt myself into completing this project. After 2 years of photo project failure, I must succeed!

I present to you the January contributions to my 2011:365 project.
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If you use instagram for iPhone, follow me! I love talking about pictures! My user name is katlev. If you’d like to check in on my progress or want more information about the images, visit the 365:2011 set on Flickr.

A beautiful stop motion video comprised of still photographs.  It will make you fall in love with Paris, for sure.  A project by Luke Shepard, a student at The American University of Paris.

Le Flâneur (feat. The XX) from Luke Shepard on Vimeo.

Go here for the full sized video.

Is there anything better than two adorable kids and a crisp Autumn morning?  Since the moment their mom contacted me I’ve been positively giddy at the prospect of these two.

I’m not sure what it is about this first image, but I think it is so sweet.

Wheeee!

Look at that face!

Eyeballing that leaf pile.

Happy pumpkin times.

Thank you Lily & Oscar for being such absolute rock stars.

Fall is in full bloom here and the colours are so beautiful. Such a great time for some family portraits!

Spent Saturday morning at the Arboretum with a lovely family, Vicky, Aaron & their cute as a button daughter, Katrina.

LEAVES!

While not technically a baby (he turned one in August), this little guy has the most amazing face.  Those cheeks! The mouth! The EYES!

I think every mom should have a picture like this that they go back to for years to come.  I have one of my son and it remains near and dear to my heart.

Happy (belated) birthday, Seth.  You are a handsome devil.