Cupcakes Canadian style

Last weekend we went to Victoria to celebrate Cousin Amy's 6th birthday. I've always known that my aunt was a great mother. She seems to have an endless supply of energy and patience - both I could use a little more of these days. But it wasn't until she told me that the kids would be decorating cupcakes as an activity during Amy's birthday party and then they would eat them for dessert that I knew how truly brilliant she is. 

The kids had so much fun decorating. We had 13 kids in the room and it was actually pretty quiet. We adults enjoyed watching each child's individual approach to cupcake decorating. Some we very intentional with the placement of each piece of candy.

Other children just slapped on some frosting and candy because 

they couldn't wait to eat it!

One little boy seemed to be particularly shocked by the discovery that someone (him) ate the candy and frosting off both his cupcakes (mind you, this is the same child who only a few weeks before cried as he was pulling his own hair - three times!).

Motherhood

What can I add to this moment? Nothing, other than to say

what a privilege it was to be present for

this moment of sweetness between mother & child!

Do You Like To People Watch?

Do you like to people watch? I used to love to watch people at the airport - it seemed so funny to me as a kid to see people walking around L.A. in July wearing jeans, sweaters, and long coats.

Now, as an adult, a mommy, and a photographer I have found my new people-watching happy place - the park! It can be similar to a visit at the zoo. I watched this young Carter as he worked in his natural habitat, observing his carefully planning and problem solving at he traversed the wooden stumps. Below are a few photographs that capture his quiet play.

When did we stop skipping?

When did we stop skipping?

I had so much fun following this little girl through the neighborhood, just capturing Samantha being Samantha in all her wonder. As I watched her skipping around in a flower girl dress and pink cowboys boots I couldn't help but try to remember the last time I skipped. Do you remember the last time you skipped through your neighborhood? I envy the freedom she felt - confidently and basically unaware of her surroundings - just having fun for the sake of fun!