Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Only love matters

I spent Sunday afternoon at my brother’s place in New Jersey where my son and I were met by my sister Char, who’s been in town a lot lately due to our other brother being in the hospital. The best thing was getting to see my niece Alexa and my nephew Joshua.

The kids wiped down the swings from the earlier rain and while my brother barbecued on the grill, I braved the chilly weather to get a few photos. Ok, it really wasn’t THAT cold.

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My niece, Alexa. She’s sugar and spice and everything nice.

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The irrepressible Josh. He’s six.I can't remember the last time my arrival was so greatly anticipated. When my son and I got there, the kids were at the door jumping up and down.

Before I forget, I want to mention how much I love the bokeh from my 50mm lens.

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My sister and I each had a hand in doing Alexa’s hair. I did the top portion and Char did the fish scale braid.

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Josh was excited to show us how well he does on the monkey bars. And he’s full of snips and snails and puppy dog tails.

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Just like his dad was when he was that age.

This is Pete, Steve’s twin brother. He’s the one who’s way too cool to giggle.

Thanks for coming by today. Until tomorrow, then . . .

29 comments:

myletterstoemily said...

what cuties!

Gail said...

It just makes the world brighter when some one is happy to see you.

Great shots, love that braid.

Deb said...

Great photos - very cute kiddos :) Isn't it great when people are so happy to see you? :) So nice that you were all able to get together -
I hope your brother Steve is getting stronger every day.

Unknown said...

What nice photos and lovely children. I LOVE that fish braid. My daughter is 11 and was jumping up and down when she saw it. Now I guess I'll have to try to learn it - pointers? You tube I guess might have something.

Low Tide High Style said...

So glad you had a chance to spend time with your family even if your brother's ill health is the reason you were all together! Your niece and nephew are both darling and I love your niece's hair!

Kat :)

Cheryl said...

Love family gatherings and cute kids. Sounds like you had a nice visit. Good job on braid!

Char said...

what fantastic portraits! excellent job - plus, getting to visit - that is the very best.

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

:0) But he is not too cool to smirk! Love that. Love the braid too. xoxo

Mary Lou said...

Once again I learned something from you. I had to look up bokeh..Nice..
Love the braid and the smiles.

abb said...

How beautiful...

Julie Harward said...

I love these...you can't take a bad picture of a child...all that they are shows through loud and clear! They are both so cute! Brother too with his shy smile! Come say hi :D

Pony Girl said...

Okay, I don't think I've ever seen you take many "people" pics! :) These are great (digging the bokeh in the upper left corner of that second shot, LOL!)
Glad you had a fun time with your niece and nephew!

Michelle said...

Pete may be too cool to giggle, but he sure has a compelling, impish grin!

Shana Putnam said...

Love the photos.

Caroline said...

OK...was just thinking about that delicious bokeh when you mentioned it. My gosh...gorgeous photos!

Annie said...

Lovely photos Kate. And I love that hairstyle. What a lovely head of hair. They look like delightful children!

Mental P Mama said...

Awwww. I think I saw a giggle in there...

GailO said...

Love these portraits....and I'm drooling over that 50mm lens...Beautiful Kate...

I had two girls to raise and I never could get the hang of braiding the way they wanted...now that is talent you pictured!

Daryl said...

You have the same eyes ... lovely photos and bokehs and braids

Mary said...

Oooo, lovin' the bokeh and the braid! Your niece and nephew are adorable. Hope your brother is feeling better soon. :)

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

Alexa's hair is amazing - as are those photos!

Nurse Nancy said...

Thanks for sharing you family with us. Family is a wonderful thing...

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

what a fun day!
<><

The JR said...

I need for ya'll to braid my hair before the horse shows. Hubby stinks at it!

mrs mediocrity said...

Great shots, love the bokeh too! And I hope that Steve is doing better!

Merisi said...

Fantastic shots!


Nikon's 50mm sure is one of the better bargains in town and it is a wonderful tool for somebody with your talent!

Unknown said...

Kate, the children are adorable! wht precious smiles! I am sure you had a wonderful day with them....I hope your brother is doing better. It is so hard to see someone you love suffer.

hugs and smiles across the miles..

cottage farm villa said...

Kate, only having boys, how do you know how to do a fish scale braid? I have never seen one ~

It was nice to see pics of the family.

I hope your brother is getting better. :)

Jill of All Trades said...

Great pictures and what a nice day to be with family.