September

Already the first month of fall is here. I’ve said it before – and I’ll probably say it again – how time flies! Well, if for nothing else, it’s a good excuse for taking some more pictures

A mushroom shimmering almost like gold

Mr C insisted on bringing the umbrella outside – on a sunny day. I told him there was only blue sky to be seen, but he wanted to be sure in case of a sudden rainshower

Here he has found himself a nice collection of autumn leaves. He studies their beautiful colors carefully, and then..

Oh, are these really for me?

Another mushroom in the grass

You may wonder what this rose is doing among autumn photos. Well, it was just growing there, right next to the mushrooms, blooming in all it’s beauty. As if to remind me that even if fall is here, there are still some warm, sunny days ahead for us to enjoy. Besides, I love roses. And that’s really all the reason I need

Some more wonderful colors

And a few more.. ah, now I see why he wanted to bring the umbrella. He noticed that the colors were matching!!! Have a nice weekend

Moments to Remember

There’s a lot of good things to be said about photography. I can make you a list if you like.. But I’m sure most people would agree that the best thing is that it gives us a unique opportunity to capture that special moment in time – and keep it forever. Perhaps we don’t fully understand what a miracle this is. Personally, I often wonder how people even survived before the age of photography

Some moments are so special to us that we would never forget to eternalize them. Simply because we know their importance and how we will wish to keep and treasure them in the years to come.

But as we know; our journey through life is also made up by all those small moments along the way. Like today, when I was headed home from the grocery store and suddenly spotted a hedgehog crossing the road just in front of my car.

In less than a second, and without really thinking – I pulled over, opened the door to the back seat and quickly dragged my 4 year old out of the car. He looked somewhat puzzled, but there was no time to explain to him what was going on. I just put my finger over my lips and pointed at the hedgehog that was now approaching the bushes nearby (amazing how fast those little feet can move). And holding each others hands, we silently tip-toed towards him, afraid we were going to miss our opportunity.

Luck was on our side though: we made it. With a smile on our faces, my son and I sat by the roadside, staring into the bushes for more than a minute. Two pearly black eyes stared back at us. We were hardly breathing. It was a magical moment – until mr hedgehog decided the meeting was over; unceremoniously turned his back on us and simply wandered off.

Mr C was thrilled however, having had his first encounter with a real hedgehog. And honestly, although I have seen one or two before – I felt how the experience really brightened my day as well.

My only regret was that my camera… was at home.

Without a doubt, life brings to us lots of memorable moments. Sometimes we get to capture those moments on camera, a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly thankful. And sometimes we get to keep them only within our hearts – which is also good.

But the best thing is, when every now and then.. we are fortunate enough to get both.

Some hedgehogs have all the time in the world and don’t mind posing for a photo.. those that are made from polyresin, that is

A Special Day

If you think today is just like any other day, then you will have to think again. Just ask my youngest son, and he will tell you it’s the most special day of the whole year.Here he is seen patiently waiting for his guests to arrive. (Who knows; maybe they’ll even bring presents..)

That they did. And here is a photo of the best gift, the one he had really been wishing for.

This blue-eyed fellow was quickly taken to heart as well.

Better not forget that magic wish..

And what’s a birthday without fishing?

It turns out this fish is actually made of candy.. isn’t he the lucky one!

He even caught another treasure. One that (I believe) is made of pure gold.

So you see; there’s nothing ordinary about this day. Quite the opposite; it’s a very special, very happy day.

At last, he’s a real 4 year old

Mr Funny Face

Hey mom (yes, you with the camera) – why don’t you forget about those boring trees over there.. and take a look at me instead!

Ok sure, Mr Funny Face, never mind the trees. I can take those pictures another day. What is this anyway; a little touch of spring fever? Hmm.. probably

Furry Funny Fellows

My youngest is a bit concerned about monsters.. I mean, how can he really be sure there isn’t one inside his closet? So I showed him this video .. to take away his worries. After all, everyone deserves to be happy – even monsters!

Enjoy the weekend

Linda

Oh No!

My 6 year old has been struggling with his first loose tooth lately. Finally, it came out – and soon another one followed.

From the moment he discovered there was something called the Tooth Fairy, there has been a constant focus on finding more loose teeth..

The other day he hit his foot against a chair, and quickly removed his sock to have a look at the injury.

Then, while giving his foot a close examination, he suddenly exclaims:

Oh no! Now I’ve got a loose toe!

Ha ha.. well, dear mr S – I sure hope not! (the Tooth Fairy isn’t really interested in toes anyway, is she?)

Snowy Village

Inspired by the falling wordpress snow, I found these pictures from one of our traditional Christmas activities; designing and building the Snowy Village. The design and size of the village tend to vary some from one year to another, but the kids always have a lot of fun building it. Not to forget – when Christmas is over – getting to play with it until it’s literally unrecognizable!

Guarding the village gate – with a smile!

Mr Snowman keeping the overview

My personal favorite. Can you blame me for having a soft spot for that piglet?

Best Mom in the Universe

Putting my 6 year old to bed the other night, I was able to spend a little more time with him than usual, as his younger brother fell asleep early that evening. As I finished the bedtime story (which was also longer than usual) he leant up to give me a hug. And then, putting his arms around my neck, I heard him exclaim: You are the BEST mom in the entire universe!!!

Now what’s more beautiful than a spontanious, heartfelt compliment from a child?

I opened my mouth to thank him for the very nice compliment and say something nice in return, when I noticed he had a funny expression upon his face. As if he was somehow amazed by his own thoughts.. And then he added, as if to himself; – And that particular mom was given to me..!

What can I say?

Here’s a picture of – from my point of view – the best 6 year old in the entire universe!

And – can you imagine; that particular child was given to me..

Letting Go

Holding on tightly seems like the best thing to do..

..but as he finally builds up the courage to let himself go -

..it turns out it’s quite a thrill ride!

And the landing isn’t too bad either

Yep, I’m definitely going back up there again!

I’m a Spaceship!

Today I was given an unexpected assignment. My three year old was playing on the floor when all of a sudden, he put down his toys, turned towards me and said; Mom, do you know what you are? You’re a spaceship!

Not quite sure whether or not to take that as a complement, I quickly decided to take on the challenge. So for the next half hour, I totally dedicated myself to playing the role of spaceship to the best of my knowledge and talent (if there is such a thing as talent for being a spaceship!)

Luckily, whoever constructed this particular spaceship, was foreseeing enough to also install a camera in it.. As can be seen from the photos my son had a great time playing among his imaginary stars, and I must admit that so did the spaceship…!

You know; kids do have the most wonderful imagination. We can buy all kinds of great toys for them, and we do of course, but being surrounded by too many toys can also get in the way of their natural ability to make believe. Perhaps it’s more important than ever to encourage our kids to play with other things than those classified as “toys”; a collection of pebbles, a few blankets, a cardboard box – or a parent – can be transformed into almost anything. A spaceship, for example ) And not to forget, the most precious gift we can ever give our kids, is our time and attention.

I think I might want to be a spaceship again sometime soon.

Ready for countdown; three, two, one (…) – and we have a lift-off!