Butterfly Beauties!

Last week was March/Spring break so it was time to head out for some adventure. Every year, for about 2 months, this butterfly exhibit comes to our Botanical Gardens. The last time I went was when Dahlia was 3 and in a stroller. (She doesn't remember but I've got the pictures to prove it.) I had forgotten how magical it is and I think I have to go back in a few weeks and bring Milana this time. She'll love it!

Below you can see the roof holding structure of the Olympic Stadium through the entrance of the gardens. A pretty awesome sight.

When you enter into the butterfly exhibit, it's almost overwhelming the sheer number and variety of butterflies - just flying free. They're so fast - I was dizzy trying to capture them (on my camera). And there seemed to be as many amazing cameras around too. I kept oogling everyone's equipment (and remembering how much I still want that macro lens.)



Dahlia and her bff, Angel, are always assured of a good time together. And even though they were a bit afraid of all the flying butterflies - being together trumps everything.

These two beauties had the good taste to sit still for such a long time. They may have been asleep. It was rare to catch one, not flitting about.

This globe was at the exit. I gave it a spin and snapped it where it stopped. I can't help but think of the suffering in Japan right now as I look at it on this globe.

And Dahlia monkeying around with my friend Helen's scarf.

I took over 300 images that morning so I may have to do another post next week. Too much beauty not to share more of it.

This was kind of a nice way to ring out the last week of winter.

Bring on Spring!

Black and White Wednesday - "Milana's face time"

It seems like ages since Milana had a turn here. So today's the day.


Milana has made some huge strides in the past 6 months. She continues to be a happy little girl but has really blossomed socially. Where she used to cling to my leg (like a velcro kid), she now is the belle of the ball. Whenever she sees someone she knows or even a new person when we're nearby - her HI and BYE cannot be missed. She lights up like a lightbulb, is loud and in your face and so funny.

At school - she seems to be the center of attention. Everyone is crazy about her. She will not be ignored. In Sunday school she's been known to jump in a few laps without notice and almost always a male lap. (She definately likes the men - oh boy....we're in trouble. Can you say "flirt"?)

And very musical. She comes home from school humming Strauss waltzes (I'm not kidding). In fact - she's always singing or babbling. She has her own language and seems to have very little use for English or French but for a few words. Yet there is constant communication.

At the end of the service at church when I'm turning off my keyboard and packing up, Milana jumps up on the drum seat (and sometimes the drummers lap if he's still there) and starts drumming. And she's got rhythm. I have to bring my video camera and capture it - she's really something else.

This little monkey has charm to spare.

(It's black and white Wednesday - check out some great photography.)

Oh...and...ahem....had to throw in one of Dahlia from her b-day party the other day. She has make-up on but I'm a bit stunned that she looks 8 going on 18. Yikes - what have I done?

Happy Wednesday !

Birthday Girl !

Dahlia is 8 !!!

My buddy Helen gave me ths suggestion for a birthday theme. And I loved it!!! So did Dahlia.

So, I set up a studio space, under the sky light in the loft and hoped for some sun. It rained and was dark all day but I set up some lights and we had ourselves a ball.

The girls were workin' it!!! I thought Dahlia and her bff Angel were the only ones who knew what to do when a camera is in their face.

But all these girls had their best "Diva" attitudes with them and they really knew what to do.






We spent over 2 hours just making up and dressing up and dolling up and poseing. (Is that a word?)

I kept hearing little shrieks of "oh Dahlia....this is the best party ever.....can we come back every Saturday.....I just love your house..........."

I had to giggle....it was so cute. And Dahlia lapped it up.

I got no other shots but this cupcake shot because part of the loot bag was a picture of each diva (....er...I mean - party attendee) was an edited image of each little darlin'.

So while each girl decorated their own picture frame I was busy downloading some 3oo images and finding the perfect one for each girl. I then edited them and printed them up, along with a few group shots for each girl (on my new - oh, I love it - grovey photo printer).

So, while I was busy at the computer, I only heard total glee from Dahlia's little birthday gang.

My big girl is 8!!!!

And how we love her!

Black and White Wednesday - Sing with me....

...."Ole man river winter.......it just keeps rolling a....

....long!"

But, there's a least one person who is still happy about that.

Yesterday, we had a huge "dump" of really wet, heavy, perfect for snow-balls and snowman building snow.

Join Lisa - I know she's posting some awfully cute pictures of her adorable kids this week.

But today......the sun was out in full force and there was a breeze in the air that smelled like the promise of spring.

Ahhh......just breathe!

It won't be long now.