Crystal Chick Photography

staying

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:31:00 +0000

I have been on a staycation with my boy the past few days and loving every second of it. I'll be back to blogging before you know it. But sometimes, just being present in the real world is more important. I'll write all about it later though, so don't you worry.

kids' session: one prince, two princesses

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:38:00 +0000

once upon a time, there were two giggling princesses. there was also a very shy prince. they ventured out one windy afternoon.

somewhere along the way, we discovered that one of the princesses was actually an evil princess witch, and she tried cast a spell upon her kind princess sister.

alas, a healthy dose of candy and bubblegum turned the evil princess witch back to a good and kind princess, and they all lived happily ever after.*

*No worries. I'm not giving up photography to start writing children's books.

if cell phones could talk...

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:54:00 +0000

I have been slacking off on blogging the past week or so. I've been under the weather, and just let myself off the hook while I recovered. I didn't workout or wash dishes or do the laundry either, so my slothfulness has been equally distributed across my life.

This morning I went into my cell phone to get a photo off of it, and for the first time I actually looked at the number of photos I have on there. Folks, that number is around 300 right now. I think cell phone photos are great. They aren't about quality. They aren't about perfection. They're about instant gratification. Capturing a moment in the blink of an eye. You could probably tell a lot about someone's daily life by scrolling through their cell phone photos. Not just because of convenience - the ability to whip out the phone and snap a photo quickly. But also because, well, if you're like me, you NEVER seem to transition the photos from your phone to your computer. I toss one up on Facebook every now and then, but most of them stay camped out in that little gallery in my phone.

A day at Shelby Farms.

Harnessing his power for good, not evil.

Straight pimpin.

I don't get a lot of photos of my oldest nephew, so this one is quite precious. He's a little camera shy. (Though he might kick me in the shins for calling him precious.)

J at piano lessons.

Ladies love cool J.

Boys are weird.

Chocolate cupcake faces.

I found numerous photos of this little dude EATING on my cell phone.

My little blue jean & cowboy boot wearing nephew.

A rare cuddle from Rusty. He's always on the move.

Warming up by the fire at Teton Trek, Memphis Zoo.

Her two front teeth are finally growing back in.

At the Memphis Zoo.

A perfect example of the lack of quality a cell phone pic can provide, but a nice memory of our family game night.

My dad showing the kiddos how to shoot a BB gun.

Again with the BB gun.

A little tradition I have with my boy - sugar packet table football while waiting for our meal at a restaurant.

There are a million and one arms length pics of me and my boy.

...And a million and one arms length pics of just me - usually showing off a new hairstyle, taking a silly pic to send to a friend, or just updating my profile picture.

(You know you have a couple self portraits on your cell phone, too!)

Take a quick look at your cell phone pics. How many do you have in your gallery? Can anyone beat my count of 300? Scroll back farther than a week or a month, and I'll bet you'll find a gem that you forgot about.

embrace the camera: feb 17

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:25:00 +0000

I interrupted my boy's morning computer time, dragged him outside, and snapped this. He's such a good sport.

Since my boy is in middle school now, they don't exchange cards & candy with the whole class, so Valentine's day snuck up on me this year. Instead of saying "I forgot to buy candy and a card for my child", I'll say I was bucking commercialism and sticking to my budget by doing it the homemade way. Yeah. That's it. Sunday night I cut out a bunch of construction paper hearts, glued them to yarn and strung them up all over the house.

I also made heart-shaped breakfast items (eggs & toast), and some homemade sugar cookies (which I may or may not have eaten most of).

I have been sick this week, maybe too much fresh air last weekend? So, this week I've been laying low, trying to get better, embracing the couch, as it were. Because there is a lot more fresh air and beautiful weather to enjoy this coming weekend, and I don't want to miss it!

Have you embraced the camera this week?

making memories 2011: The Circus

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

We took our whole circus to the circus. Five kids. Five adults. We should take our show on the road! The kids had a blast of course. I always love the high-wire and death-defying tricks. My nails are chewed to the quick as proof.

There was cotton candy.

There were souvenir swords.

And souvenir sword fights.

And souvenir sword tricks.

Let's just say we got our money's worth out of the swords.

Sometimes the swords stole the show.

Speaking of the show...

The Flying Wallendas! (Including a 12-year old, the girl in the middle, who was also doing the pole balancing trick above.)

What's your favorite part of the circus? It's ok to admit you bite your nails to the quick during the high wire acts, too. You'll be in good company, I promise!

infant session: baby e

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I met up with this handsome family on yet another cold winter day. What's up with that winter? Why are you so cold when we want to go outside and play?

We snapped a couple quick shots outside, and then ran indoors before we were frozen solid. (Despite what you might think, it's difficult to snap photos if you have frozen fish stick fingers.)

Once we got inside, the family had no choice but to snuggle to warm back up. It's torture, I know! Snuggling with the ones you love, especially when they are tiny and squishy and cute!

Don't they look miserable from all the cuddling? It's a hard life, I tell ya!

so not gourmet: grilled cheese sandwich

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:56:00 +0000

During our snow day last week, I decided to experiment a little with the grilled cheese sandwich. I knew grilled cheese would be a great lunch for the boys ... it's warm and filling after playing in the snow all morning. But I wanted to put a twist on it. I found a recipe online and went for it.

If I'm honest, the boys were not fans of it. I think I should have given them warning that this wasn't the typical grilled cheese. (My announcement that I was serving them the "Ultimate Grilled Cheese" was not sufficient enough.) But I. Loved. It.

"Gourmet" Grilled Cheese

Mix 3 ounces of cream cheese, 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 8 ounces shredded cheese (I used cheddar - that's what I had on hand), and 3/4 teaspoon of garlic salt.

Butter 8 slices of French bread (or as many sandwiches as you're serving, this stuff keeps well in the fridge!).

Smear the cheese mixture between 2 slices. (Throw a slice of bacon in there if you're feeling really crazy! I highly recommend it!)

Place sandwich in the skillet. Cook until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side til golden brown.

Eat.

Recipe Source: AllRecipes.com (Click here if you want the recipe in a nicely laid out, non-paraphrased format.)

And since I'm on this whole honesty-kick, I'll show you how I really served it to myself...

making memories 2011: Chocolate Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:04:00 +0000

I know you really want to look at other people eating chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Right? Sorry, I know it's unfair, and if I had any left to share, and the ability to pass it through this monitor, I'd give you a piece.

Every year, the Oak Court Mall hosts the Chocolate Fantasy to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee. You buy a ticket. You visit 30+ booths and sample ... you guessed it ... chocolate. Chocolate drinks, cookies, donuts, brownies and more!

I took J and my nephew, Caleb, to this year's event. I think Caleb ate from each booth as we hit them, and J petered out around booth 10. I acted as a mature adult and sampled only now and then. Of course, this meant I could smuggle all mine into bed with me later and hide under the covers while scarfing it all down. I mean... that meant I could save it for later and pace myself. Yes, that's what I meant.

Let's just get to the pictures...

An empty tray is a sad tray. We got to the task of filling them up pronto!

Chocolate banana smoothies.

Chocolate banana smoothie mustaches.

Which booth is next? It's obviously very exciting!

These were recurring expressions.

Lower level of the mall finished.

After we took a break outside, I stopped taking pictures and just enjoyed our time together (oh, ok, and I enjoyed the chocolate, too!)

embrace: the snow (again?)

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:47:00 +0000

I definitely would not have thought I'd be embracing the snow this many times this year!

When we were kids, and we'd play outside in the snow, mom would make us hot chocolate. Real hot chocolate. You know, the kind made with cocoa powder, not the kind that you mix with water. :D We'd come inside when we were told (Which was always too soon. We weren't cold, mom! We promised!) and she'd be standing over the stove, stirring the hot cocoa in a pot.

I've got the same tradition with my son now. Whether he'll embrace the memory of it the same way I do from my own childhood, who knows. But as a mom, it *feels* good to stand over that pot, stirring the hot cocoa, counting the minutes til you call them in to defrost (again!). Even when the protest that they aren't cold. They promise!

Rusty enjoyed a sunbath while taking a break from playing in the snow.

Embrace the camera yourself for a change!

infant session: baby A

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:55:00 +0000

This little dude has changed so much from the time he was born 5 months ago to now. I just love watching them evolve from these tiny wrinkled up newborns to chubby-cheeked, drooling infants.

Drool. As promised.

He's such a gentleman.

I think he likes me.

so not gourmet: Chicken Crescents

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:43:00 +0000

You know you're eating out a lot when you're child says "This is my favorite meal ever!" to every home-cooked meal you make.

Another one of my goals for this year was eating out less, and cooking at home more. I like cooking, it just takes a little planning. Eating out was costing too much, plus it's just not as healthy as eating at home.

I'll share recipes here from time to time. Some may take more time to prepare than others. Some may be perfect for the freezer. (This is especially handy for me and my boy. We can split some recipes in half and freeze some for later.) I do not promise step-by-step photos. I'll leave that to the food-blogging-pros. I'm just a girl trying to share something I (we) found tasty.

I should forewarn you, many times when I go to cook a meal, I've forgotten an ingredient at the store, or have to improvise in some other way. But I'll always make a note. You want to know when I flub, right? So you know what to avoid (or copy?!) yourself.

I obtained the following recipe at a Susie-Homemaker-type class I took at church years ago. It takes 30 minutes max to prepare (depending on how you cook up the chicken), and about 30 minutes in the oven.

Chicken Crescents

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken -- you can boil or quick fry it up. Dice it afterwards.
1 cup shredded cheese
1 can crescent rolls
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375. Combine cooked chicken & 1/3 cup of cheese.

In a sauce pan, combine soup, milk, and 1/3 cup cheese. Heat until cheese melts. Pour half of the soup into an ungreased baking dish.

Separate dough into 8 triangles. Place about 2 Tbsp chicken mixture on the wide end of the triangle. Roll up and place in the baking dish over the hot soup mixture.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and return to oven until melted. Serve covered in the remaining sauce.

Nutrition: I used Fat Free cheese, skim milk, and low sodium soup, so my nutrition facts will reflect this. Nutrition is per crescent. If you eat two, double the nutrition count. (Yes, you have to count it if you go back for more!)

Calories: 165
Fat: 4.5
Protein: 17
Carbs: 18
Fiber: 0
WW Points Plus: 5

Sides: I served with sauteed green beans & peaches. Also good with broccoli topped with the same sauce.

I decided to write this post after we ate, so I don't have any pictures. Next time I'll snap a shot of our meal before we devour it! This one is really simple, but tasty. Should please most picky children (but no promises!).

making memories 2011: Three Angels

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:45:00 +0000

On my mission to make more memories here in 2011, I scheduled a lunch date with some girlfriends. We're all parents, and are always looking for an excuse to hang out. We need our girl time. To laugh and gossip and encourage each other. Sitting face to face with your girls is a million times better than sharing one-liners over Facebook. (Don't get me wrong, I do love the one-liners!)

We went to this new diner over on Broad called Three Angels, on the recommendation of my hairstylist. You see, he's not from Memphis, and when I get tips from people who aren't from here, I take them seriously. Apparently, this restaurant was featured in the Memphis Flyer the week we decided to go, so they had a nice crowd when we arrived. (Good for them!)

Me and my gal pals all got something different, and then took turns eating off each others plates. I could rave about how this little diner is vegan-friendly (and carnivore-friendly, too!), or how they buy their meat & produce from local farmers, or how they make their own potato chips and their own "ade" of the day, or how they recycle, or how their to-go boxes are compostable. But you can read about it on their website. Or better yet, make a date yourself and go down there asap! (I've since been back with my boy, and he LOVED his diner burger.)

I got the open-faced chicken sandwich, and brussel sprouts. I forgot to take a picture of it until after I was half-way through eating it. Like I do. It was delicious!

Mel had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes and squash. I'm not a fan of steamed squash, but this wasn't soggy, so it gets my approval!

Jenny had the Adult Grilled Cheese (with gouda, goat and cheddar cheeses), and that came with the fresh made chips. Two thumbs up!

Hey look, it's three angels at Three Angels! What? I had to say it!

We also ordered one of each dessert. The banana pudding was definitely my favorite! (Sorry, no pics of that! We were too busy eating and gabbing. Like we do.)

PS. I really really want to go back and try their Sunday brunch soon. Who's with me?

PPS. Three Angels Diner is located at 2617 Broad Avenue. You can find them on the world-wide-web, on Facebook and on Twitter.

PPPS. I asked the waitress to take that last picture so I could "embrace the camera".

a very cold family session

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:35:00 +0000

Our dear Memphis has been having some cold days this winter, much to my dismay. These guys were real troopers. We did a mini-session downtown on one of those verrrry cold days. They took turns shedding their coats, and hamming it up for the cameras. Despite the frigid temperature, they were all in very good spirits and we had fun!

I love it when the kids chime in and suggest poses. This pose idea came from the guy in the middle.

embrace: the snow

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:22:00 +0000

In the spirit of "making memories" this year, I'm going to try my best to follow along with the anderson crew's blog and embrace the camera once a week.

Being the photographer, I'm so rarely in the photos myself. Embracing the camera isn't necessarily about getting all dolled up for a perfect picture. I think it's more about just capturing yourself (with or without your loved ones) as you are in that moment.

January has been an unusually snowy month for Memphis. I will post more photos from our snow days soon! But for now, the camera is pointed in my direction. (In this case, it was the camera on my cell phone pointed in my direction.)

This next pic is from the snow we got last week.

I'm so over the snow. It was fun the first time it snowed, but I could really care less if it snows again this winter. I need warmth and sunshine, people!

I challenge each of you to try to embrace the camera a little more this year. Get in front of the camera. Even if you aren't crazy about the idea yourself, your kids will cherish having *real* pictures of you when they are grown.

Infant Session

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:30:00 +0000

This weekend I was looking through my old photo albums. It's amazing how fast our children can grow and change. I don't want to turn back the clock, but my heart does swell when I look back at the photos and embrace the memories. Here are some photos from an infant session I shot recently. Cling to every moment, they pass so quickly.

Making Memories 2011: Geocaching

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:37:00 +0000

I'm determined to make the most of this year. I'm determined to do something at least once a week worth capturing in photos. Sure, there are plenty of peaceful, every day moments that are worth capturing, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about getting up off my butt and DOING SOMETHING.

Last week, my son and I went geocaching. We haven't done this in about 2 years. It's a lot of fun, and can take a little or a long time, depending on the difficulty level of the cache you try to find. (The containers can be as small as a pill box or larger like ammo boxes, with a logbook to sign, and sometimes a treasure to trade.) It's also great because it gets us out of the house, away from our computers, video games and cell phones (unless I can get the app to work right on my cell! ha!), and exploring different areas you'd never see normally.

I even set the self-timer and jumped in a photo myself!

What kind of memories did you make last weekend? Did you play outdoors in the cold with your kids? Did you snuggle on the couch and watch movies with your spouse? Did you have dinner and laughs with friends? Tell me about it!

Memphis Zoo on Ice - Family Session

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Mixing an activity in with a family portrait session makes the time together so much fun and memorable.
This was their first time ice skating as a family, and it was a blast!
I'm so glad the Memphis Zoo opened an ice skating rink this winter.
Memphis has been without this activity for way too long!

Giving it another go.

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:56:00 +0000

A new year, a new chance for this old blog.

I took a little break from blogging, sharing exclusively on Facebook. I love Facebook -- I love how easy it is to share information & photos with friends & family. But on the other hand, it's not as easy to share stories. It's not easy to display my photos in an organized and LARGE fashion. I don't feel like I can get quite as personal on Facebook fan page as I can on the blog. (Don't worry, the fan page isn't going ANYWHERE!)

So, I'm back on the blog, giving it another go. I'll kick off 2011 by sharing a slideshow of my family's photos from 2010. We had a fun year, and looking at these photos now makes me miss the beach, the summer, the sun.

(For those who might be new around these parts, the tall blond child is mine, the rest of the kiddos are my niece & nephews!)

I've also made a goal for myself this year to do something "photo-worthy" each week. In other words, do something worth remembering. It's easy to let time pass by. "I'll get to it next week..." A week turns into a month, a month turns into a year, and before you know it, your life has passed you by. So I'll share my little weekly adventures here on the blog, too.

How will you make each moment count in 2011?

Thirty Thanks [Day 4]

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:01:00 +0000

Today I'm thankful for gorgeous sunsets. Occasionally when the sun is setting, it likes to be sassy about it. It's screams for attention. In the "I'm pretty and I know it" kinda way.

"You know you love me."

"How about now?"

"Did I make your heart skip a beat? Did you nearly drive off the road staring at my sheer AWESOMENESS?"

"You may continue marveling at my awesomeness, thank you."

"Even after a storm, I can be pretty. Can night do that for you? I didn't think so."

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Thirty Thanks [Day 3]

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:35:00 +0000

On Day 3 of this fine month of November, I'd like to give thanks to the woman who birthed me and raised me. She's been a tremendous support, and just when you think she couldn't possibly have anything left to give, she gives tenfold more. She has more strength in her little finger than I'll ever have in a lifetime.

I know it must get uncomfortable wearing around a super hero costume under her every day clothes all the time, but she doesn't let it show.

*Note: This is not her super hero costume. This is her classic silly side. Wearing my 4 year old nephew's cowboy hat.

She always has a kind word for anyone who needs it, and is willing to help out whenever she can. She is amazing.

Her grandkids are her world, of course. I hope they fully understand someday how much she loves & cares for them. When she breaks out into song & dance to break up a sibling fight, when she recites Bible verses to help everyone keep focused, when she makes her "famous"* spaghetti, or surprises them with a cherry in their Sprite. It's all in the name of love.

*The kids call their favorite dishes of hers "famous". "Grandma, are you gonna make your famous mashed potatoes?" This is usually followed by squeals of joy.

Thank you, mom, for all you do. I know you probably won't read this blog post unless I forward you the link, but that's ok. I hope my appreciation for you shows in day to day life.

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Thirty Thanks [Day 2]

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Day 2.

My clients.

What can I say? How do I begin? How do I love thee...

My clients are great. They're real people who laugh and have fun. They're lives overflow with love. They have the most awesome, amazing, adorable, (alliteration!) kids on the planet. And they are generous. So very generous.

This weekend I had the 2nd Annual Crystal Chick Halloween Photos. (I'll work on a name for it for next year!) The deal is you get a free mini session with a donation of canned goods. My clients rocked. I'm hauling the goods you see below over to the MidSouth Food Bank this week!

I don't know if the picture effectively conveys how much I have. I'll tell you have a box, a paper grocery bag and a plastic -- all overflowing with goods. This is much more than last year, and I'm thrilled for your giving hearts. Let's do it again next year!

Oh, and remember those awesome, amazing, adorable kids I mentioned earlier? Here are the ones I got to hang out with Halloween weekend.

Dear clients: I love you for who you are. Thank you for hanging with me and my camera. I love your kids, too! Their toothless grins, their tiny giggles, their wonder and awe.

A bonus thank you goes out to Priddy Farms for allowing us to come out and take our pictures there this year!

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Thirty Thanks [Day 1]

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:27:00 +0000

For the next 30 days, I'm going to share various things I'm thankful for in my life. My main goal is to kind of force myself to take pause and reflect on my life. I know you'll probably be reading about everyone's thankfulness all over the internet until the big holiday itself. But, really, is that so bad? We have so much to be thankful for, and so little time dedicated to actually giving thanks.

Day 1.
You know, who I have to list number one. My boy. I gushed about him around his birthday, so I'll try to spare you the pinchy-cheeks, baby-talkin'. He truly is a treasure, and he's going to be a fine young man doing good things in this world someday. Ok, he does good occasionally now. He always likes to lend a helping hand.

Har. Har. Har.

I'm sorry. I'm a sucker for a corny joke.

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embrace the camera

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:05:00 +0000

I have so many arms-length photos of me and my son. It's our thing. I'm going to make a collage one day.

He's nearly as tall as me now, only a couple inches shy. (We're sitting in this pic, by the way.) Soon he'll soar past me, and I'll have to stand on a stool to get a good arms-length shot. (Hopefully he'll still let me have that indulgence from time to time when he's that "grown".)

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jay + sarah | cocoa beach wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:23:00 +0000

As he was leaving the house one morning, he shouted back to his roommates that he expected there to be a party when he returned that evening. Much to his pleasure, there was a party. And to his pleasant surprise, a girl he'd seen around campus was there. She took his breath away then, just as she did each time he saw her pass around campus. A love began to grow from that day, and even to their wedding day, you can see and feel the love they have for each other.

Back in June, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Cocoa Beach, FL to photograph the beautiful wedding of Sarah & Jay. You might remember their engagement session from earlier this year, which was alot of fun! Here are a few of the images I snapped on their day...

That's the mother of the bride sewing the bunting on the dress. She was a rock star this day and the day before, helping her daughter get everything organized.

The groom even performed a song for his bride.

Because their wedding was at sunset, we decided to do their formal photos the next day. I couldn't be happier with that decision!

Jay & Sarah, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day. You have an amazing life together ahead of you.

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memories

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal Chick) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:14:00 +0000

My boy turned 11 this month.

Sigh.

Time flies.

Isn't he handsome?

He seems to think so...

And how about when he was 10?

He has a long history of funny faces. (here, at 9)

At 8, he and I took a vacation to Myrtle Beach, and he smiled, and my heart melted.

At 7, his cheeks were even chubbier.

If the cheeks weren't bad enough, he wrote this note for me when he was 7.

Wow. I need a minute. I remember getting this note. I am so glad I scanned it. I treasure it.

And what 6 year old doesn't have at least one toothless picture?

At 5... cheeks!

You guys, it's a good thing I don't have any digital images earlier than his 4th year.

I don't know if my heart could take it tonight.

Let me tell you about my now 11 year old...

He loves drawing. Creating. Inventing.

He loves video games and swimming.

He's learning piano now, and loves it.

He loves science & magic.

His favorite shows are Unnatural History, Phineas and Ferb, and Adventure Time.
His favorite music is usually something by the Black Eyed Peas.
His best friend is his cousin Caleb.
He loves the Godzilla roll.
He loves animals.
He loves when we do things just me and him ... traveling, adventuring, exploring, dancing in the living room. (Oops, I don't think I was supposed to tell you that last one. He's getting to the age where that's not "cool" to admit publicly.)

He is my favorite person on this planet. I love his wit and intelligence. He's dramatic and a goofball. He's curious about everything. He still has invisible battles as we walk the aisles of the grocery store. And even now, 11 years later, I love seeing how his mind works, how he takes in the world around him, I'm fascinated when he is fascinated. He helps me see the world with fresh eyes every single day.

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