Polarized Filter

Not that anyone really really cares about this, but I thought it was amazingly interesting. On our recent beach trip, which I will blog about soon, I realized that I had a polarized filter for my camera and had never used it. You can tell I am no expert at using my camera and is still a constant learning process. I was just astounded at the difference on how it made the color so vivid.

Before:
This was using my 50mm lens and no filter

After:
This was with my standard 18-55mm lens and the polarized filter.
Amazing difference isn't it!? Below is really what the beach looked like with the seaweed and greenish blue water. Nasty seaweed, but beautiful weather as a side note :)

Just thought I would share what little bit of exciting knowledge I came across for those of you who are around water a lot like me.

*new post below (sorry I am trying to catch up!)

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Yes, you can see it for yourself...I have my very own monogram machine!!!! I mean are you kidding me! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get one of these. Let me just say that I have absolute most wonderful, sweet, and just down right best parents and in laws in the world. All I had to say was that I loved monogrammed stuff, and what did I get for my birthday...a monogram machine. Anything with cloth and able to monogram you will find an initial, name, or cute picture... it is endless.

This is what we did all night was sit and stare at it stitching away. Simply amazing.

Let me tell you, Jamie is just loving this new gadget in our house. He just said his camo was off limits, but everything else was fair game! No telling what is going to happen. You can tell he is just so very very excited!

I have already monogrammed everything I could think of in my house. It is a site to see! Best birthday present by far.

Boy Has Dream

One day I heard of this boy who dreamed and longed to have a cute furry puppy to be his best friend, companion, and life long protector...so... boy bought dog.

He also dreamed of having a country boy family complete with an incredibly wonderful, energetic and lovable wife and now puppy to be complete...

Puppy grew up...FAST! Still lovable and very energetic though.

He also thought, how great would it be to take him hunting to be his companion...so he did!

And fishing....so he did...

If you have a hunting and fishing dog, it is a must to have a dog that can play and fetch tennis balls...
so he taught him.

And at the end of the day, when the his wife would make a spread of a feast making his tummy full, he then would be able to cuddle up with his new furry companion and fall asleep and dream of many other wonderful things in life....

Then the boy actually woke up and figured out that the dream was actually reality.

AIN'T LIFE GRAND!

Mine is...

Weldon Fish Fry

Special women deserve special things.

It is all about Gurney (In a good way). This is the most incredible woman who just loves life and her family and it is so evident. Everyone should have to meet her at least once in their life!

My wonderful 2nd parents/in laws/ best friends :)

The two fisherman/brothers/twins separated at birth! Wow! Even their dogs are from the same litter. Shocking I know.. this post has no pictures of Sam or Brodie. Truly amazing! I am withholding and sitting on my hands trying not to click the download button. I thought I would give you guys a break. Gotta love em'

Ol' Zac and Lacey Kay

Next year we have to get a pictures of allll the cousins on the pier. So meant to do that this year. We have so many new additions and need some updating!

I did not partake in the football/mudslide festivities after the monsoon came, but I did have a blast watching them almost face plant several times in the mud. Almost wish someone would have done down right in front of me. It would have made a great picture!! haha. Isn't that sad that I think in those terms of what would make fun photos. Maybe we will have to just make that happen next time.

Never a dull moment in this family. A little rain never hurt anyone-just makes it easier when you grab a bar of soap and go outside to wash off. Sad, but true! River Rats at heart!
To see all the fun festivities click here

Boys Will Be Boys...

OK...I was going to do a whole post on the the "Weldon Fish Fry" but after looking over all the pictures I had to do a post on my incredibly cute little cousins! These boys do nothing but smile, laugh, play, and be BOYS! I just loved their rambunctious and fearless spirit.

"Zeke"

"Ike"

Jamie's boat was definitely a hit with the boys. Sooo many knobs to twist and turn and pull and mash..I mean it was just a huge playground of endless possibilities! Dont tell Jamie... the boat might go in reverse when he cranks it up again. haha.

Being boys, rain was just more of an incentive to play and play and get wet and roll in the mud. It definitely worked. Glad Alicia brought a change of clothes.

Splash it up baby! Life is an endless playground!

The cute, rambunctious, long legged, hyper, swim lover, towel fetish having, one and only...
Brodie Higdon

Now this just down right cracked me up!! I think I had a bone in my hand or maybe a dish towel to get that look! "What!?, ME!?, NO!"

The BIG 28

The man of the Higdon household had a special day on Tuesday
It was the "BIG 28"!
My handsome fisherman spent the weekend fishing, relaxing, and eating Reeses Blizzard Ice Cream Cake! It was incredibly fabulous.

It would not have been the same without Brodie and Sam together to help celebrate Jamie's big day.

I LOVE birthday's!! Especially for hubby! Happy Birthday Baby!

Moderately Funny??

I was looking over some old pictures I had taken over a year ago and ran across these. I have no idea why I find this so amusing, but I do. I can't help it, but I just snicker to myself. Maybe it is because I think of the Chick-Fil-A commercial when I see this. Only this is a goat and not a cow, but none the less it makes me laugh. And...I think that we all could use a good laugh every once in a while.

This little fellow crack me up too. Only a face a mother could love!

I just want to hug and squeeze this little baby. He just frolicked and played while I was taking his photo. Is there something horribly wrong with me that I think these crazy thoughts?? Probably so!

This bad mama jamma ruled the roost, dominated the field, took charge, with his old billy goat gruff looking self. Makes you think he lives under a bridge like the nursery rhyme says. I would be scared of that long white thing hanging off my chin too!

Always up for a good laugh!

Baby Katelyn Is On The Way

My best friend that lives down the street had her baby shower this past weekend and what a joy it was to see her just elated about being a new mother and getting a bunch of WAY cute girly stuff!
The Newly expected mother- How cute is her dress!?

This is the fun part that of having a sister that is close to you because her older sister is just 5 weeks ahead of Kathryn's prego experience. She already has an absolutely adorable little girl named Barrett and is now expecting a boy! What are the chances that they would deliver on the same day... few and far between, but how cool would that be! Mother, 2 daughters and granddaughter. Gotta love it!

Didn't I tell you Barrett was adorable!!!

All the goods! We loaded up that crib to the brim. She had a blast opening everything.

Can you tell that I just loved taking pictures of her.

Stick + Lake=

Doggie Acrobatics!

These pictures explain it all...
Brodie's Favorite past time.

Brodie is just a talented little puppy. Who knew!

This is Brodie waiting on his daddy to come home. awww...
He looks like a child pouting.