a little trip

We had planned to go to Kentucky last weekend, but the whole idea of the trip was stressing us out because of all the people we wanted to see and how it would work with Isaiah, so we decided not to go. At the last minute, we found a good deal on a hotel in Atlanta, so we went on a little trip. It was a lot of fun. As you can see, we had some adventures. We ran into the Honey Bunches of Oats RV. They were just handing out free bowls of cereal to whoever passed by. It was tasty. We went to the Aquarium, and Isaiah was very interested in the fish swimming by. The Aquarium is so neat, we definitely plan to go back. We also went to a Braves game. It was too loud for Isaiah in our seats, so we stood by the giant Coke bottle in right field. We had a good view and a rail to lean on, so we weren't complaining! The Braves lost, though. D. is convinced that we were a bad luck charm. (Because they lost every game that weekend.)

We didn't stop in Birmingham on the way back, and it was kind of a challenge making it all the way home, but we survived! It was a fun trip.

aunt and grandpa

We had a fun weekend with more visitors... we just missed Nana, who is on the other side of the world! Isaiah is so blessed to have so many people who are crazy about him.

Photography 101

So... I'm not a big fan of studio portraits. D. and I bought each other a nice camera for Christmas (that is seriously all we bought each other) and we've been experimenting with taking baby photos ourselves. Now, my dad has taught me well... In fact, he is known for the phrase "If you can read, you can knit" in our family. (I believe that his knitting experiment was unsuccessful, however.) If I had a question about anything, or I wasn't sure how things worked, he always recommended a book. My dad is not a fan of buying books either-- "Why would you buy a book when you can borrow it from the library for free?"

This week I checked out some books from the library about taking pictures of babies, and here is what I learned... just in case you're interested:

1. Don't use the flash.

I had really already figured this one out through experimentation only, but in order to capture natural color, natural light is best. Full shade or the light from a window or open door is the way to go.

2. Take lots of pictures.

By lots, the authors mean hundreds. I think you can see that I've mastered this one already.

3. Get really close to your subject.

I learned some good stuff about how close you can get and still have clarity (about 2 feet), and I am working on this one.

Anyway, I will continue to practice and memorize the other rules in the book. Let me know what you think of the results.

he's getting bigger...

We put Isaiah in the exersaucer and the jumper for the first time last week. He is definitely into the exersaucer. As soon as I put him in, he goes a little crazy grabbing whichever toy is in front of him. I think he needs a little more time on the jumper. He doesn't quite realize what's going on when he's in there.

merricks family photo

wedding weekend... a little late

Two weekends ago, we all traveled to Virgina for D.'s cousin's wedding. We survived both flights and had a great time visiting with D.'s family. Isaiah got to meet a lot of family members who he's never met before, and they all commented on how amazing and handsome he is, of course!

This post is delayed because we have both been sick! Both of us (Isaiah and I) have been to the doctor twice since we got home from VA. I think we are both officially on the mend now.