BSM: Joy of a Remote

This is why I love having a remote for my camera. That and having at least one boy around to hug in a photo.

Three Times a Charm

It has been done: Owen is officially a "graduate." This time, he actually wore the lei and cap:



He sat in the front row (OK, it was assigned seating, but let's not mention it):



And...he participated:




This was the "Nifty Fifty United States" song; Owen was California.




He is one cute preschooler...excuse me, I mean kindergartner. Congrats, Owen -- we're so proud of you!

Theme Thursday: Memories

How perfect is today's theme? Today is Owen's third graduation from preschool...in case you've been counting. If you don't know him IRL, you won't know that his birthday is in September, and so is the Oregon school-age cut off. He misses it by three days. He's had an "extra" year of preschool, and yes, he is very ready to blow on outta there into kindergarten.

However, his preschool graduation record is less than stellar. Let's stroll down memory lane...

Preschool grad # 1:

Doesn't he already look like "that kid" at the back of the classroom?



Had to bribe him to wear the lei even for a minute:




Preschool grad #2:

Yep, no cap or lei this year either.



Bribed with large cookie (in mouth) to wear cap for one minute:



What will this year bring?

Check back tomorrow to find out...

BSM: Oregon Visitor's Bureau

You haven't been to Oregon? Think it's rainy and full of granola-eaters? Take another look my friends....then come visit:


(The view of the Columbia and beyond from the Astoria Column)

We've been here almost four years now, so if you finally come to visit us, maybe we'll take you to do this:


(Jumping off sand dunes at Fort Stevens State Park)

or if you prefer, this:


(Relaxing after jumping off sand dunes)

or if you're feeling particularly adventurous, this:


(Possible tool/torture device at Fort Clatsop)

We're not sure what this last one is either, but it's something historical at Fort Clatsop, so we'll include it in your visit.

Or maybe you'd like both salty and fresh water in one place -- yeah, we've got that, too:



Any way you like it, Oregon's got it. And I'm not even getting paid to say it.

This public service announcement brought to you by another fabulous Kyser family trip to the Oregon coast.

Guest Photographer: Owen

Yesterday evening, during a wicked round of wallball, Owen took over my duties as family photog and snapped quite a series. For your viewing pleasure, I've showcased his finest work:



He cut off a lot of heads and doesn't quite get the "point of focus" concept, but I'm cutting him some slack. After all, it was his first time with Mom's "fancy camera." And he's five.

I love them all!

Theme Thursday: Relaxation

This is what happens when you relax too much:



Let that be a lesson to you all.

BSM: Beaching It

What better for a Monday morning than a reminder that yes, beach season has arrived:



Aaaahhhh....

Fashion Trend?

For the past few days, Harrison has been going to school wearing this around his head:



It's the belt from his Obi Wan Kenobi Halloween costume, and he's wrapped it around his head like a headband/bandana. It trails down his back and puffs up his hair in the front. I'm not saying anything, figuring "this too will pass." Plus, I now have another great picture for his wedding slideshow...

Theme Thursday: Gifts

I always consider it a gift when I get a cute picture of the boys together:

BSM: Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day: we went to brunch at Camp 18 (yum) and then on to the coast for the day. No wind, a bit of sun, and a whole lot of sand :).

Of course, I wanted to get a quick family shot at one of the viewpoints because a) it was clear and b) we were all together. Notice I didn't say, "and we were all looking our best." I don't bother to include that as criteria for a family shot anymore. You've heard the old saying about beggars and choosers....Since it was Mother's Day, I knew I had some leverage for getting the boys to allow me a shot...so I took it:



BUT...since this was a self-timer shot, I had to take a test shot beforehand...and this is what I got:



The sad thing is, I kind of like the goofball picture better.

Theme Thursday: Love

I love a photo that draws the viewer into the scene.



I know, not a very traditional interpretation of "love," but sometimes, it's tiring taking pictures of the kids :)...

BSM: Girls' Weekend 2009

Just got back from our annual Girls' Weekend -- a blast, as usual! This year we were in Huntington Beach, and although the weather wasn't super cooperative, we managed to make it to the beach quite a bit. We had a walk all three mornings; there's nothing better to start the day than feeling the sand under your toes.



Surprisingly, most of the photos this year are on Kathy's camera, including ones involving two of us riding a mechanical bull...go figure. Sorry to disappoint, but I honestly don't have them :)!

Happy Monday