I can count the photos I took over Thanksgiving on one hand . . . and if you know me that’s unheard of!!!! I have NOTHING to post except two new additions to my mom’s house. Meet Luna (Lovegood) and (Ron) Weasley. I have kind of a funny story to go along with them. My mom intended to take my kids with her to pick out the kittens, but without going into great detail- it didn’t quite work out. Of course we have been telling the boys that Grandma had a big surprise for them (picking out the kittens). They were DYING to know what the surprise was all week. Isaac kept hounding my mom as soon as we got there about the surprise. He finally confessed that he was very worried that the surprise was going to Cedar Point. He was stressing out because he doesn’t like roller coasters. Grandma assured him that we would not be going to Cedar Point. Finally, when the boys came back from Grandma Who’s house (Joe’s mom) we presented the surprise (the kittens). Owen BURST into tears when he saw the kittens. Seriously, the kid was hysterical. I asked him why he was crying and he sobbed, “That was NOT a very special surprise!!!” We were all holding back laughter. Note to self: NEVER announce a surprise ahead of time.
Monthly Archives: November 2009
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So sorry . . .
FUN new project in the works . . .
This is another one of my *favorite* projects based on the work of Chuck Close. These are double self-potraits- the image is a self portrait and was created using the artists fingerprints. After students have completed their portraits they will begin working on a colorful background in the style of Chuck Close’s large scale paintings. I’ll be sure to post their final pieces!
Balluminaria
We finally made it to Balluminaria! Each November at Mirror Lake in Eden Park 12-14 tethered hot air balloons assemble around the lake. Once they are all filled they light up simultaneously. It is the most beautiful sight! I’ve been wanting to attend the festival for years, but it’s just never happened. Tonight we loaded everyone up and arrived at Eden park about 5pm. The festival is from 4-6, but there were still quite a few balloons that needed inflating. After all the balloons are inflated you can walk right up to the balloons. Three of the pics above are shot looking directly up into the balloon. We ended up leaving before it was totally dark (we didn’t dress warm enough). Next year we’ll be more prepared with warm clothes and a thermos of hot chocolate. If you’ve never been to Balluminaria I highly recommend it!
Grothaus Tournament CHAMPS!
I’m a little behind on this news, strep struck our family the night of the soccer tournament. I finally got the chance to sort through my photos. The boys played a total of seven soccer games between the weekend of Nov. 7 and 8. Truitt’s team went all the way to the game just before championships and lost. They had an AWESOME season and should be very proud of themselves. Isaac’s team won their championship game!!! It was SO exciting! Isaac even scored a goal in the last game!!! Enjoy the pics!
After two years we finally made it happen . . .
For those of you who don’t recognize this family it is Joe’s brother, Matt, his wife, Kris and their four adorable (and handsome) kids. They live on the east side of Cincinnati, but sometimes it feels like we are worlds away from one another. Joe and I used to hang out with Matt and Kris every single weekend before we were married and when we each had two little boys. However, now that life is INSANE for both of our families we rarely see each other. The kids miss hanging out SO much and we miss Matt and Kris too. I’m so glad we finally got a photo session together (in between a football championship game and soccer championship victory party). Now we just need to get EVERYONE together to just plain hang out. More pics to come!!!
Lola
How insanely cute is she?! Took pics of the Darbyshire family today . . . more to come!
Veteran’s Day through Owen’s eyes . . .
All of these photos were taken by Owen. Each year they fly the flags of all 50 states plus the flags of each branch of the armed services at Blue Ash Memorial Park. As you can imagine, this is a big event for Owen. This year I let him take the photos. He had a blast. Here’s a quick little video too . . . (I’ve been playing around with the video on my p+s as well as downloading trial video editing software.)
Thank a vet today 
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I got a package in the mail on Monday . . .
I know . . . what took me so long to post it. One word: STREP! My house is riddled with it. Joe had a fever that topped out at 104 on Monday. He continues to be feverish, achy and his tonsils are touching each other because they are so swollen. Isaac tested positive for strep yesterday. Needless to say, I’ve been busy. Off to another dr’s appointment. More later . . .
Look what baby Elle can do . . .
Look what Elle can do . . . from Melissa Speelman on Vimeo.
Elle has been taking a step here and a step there, but last night she finally broke free and started walking from one place to another. Today is exactly one month before her first birthday. I have a feeling she’ll be running b then .
Remember Dominic . . .
How could you forget those blue eyes? More to come.