Mini Photo Session

We were trying to figure out our camera settings tonight and therefore took many pictures of Maya.  I thought I would share.

A Weekend for Me!

This past weekend I got to spend some quality time with my sister Tori and my mother Julie at an artistic retreat 5 hours away from home.  I have never been to something like this and never thought I ever would.  This retreat is for those that love to scrapbook or do any other creative passion.  I don't scrapbook or quilt or make cards, etc.  I do however love to make digital photo books and felt this was a perfect opportunity for me to get some of my projects completed.  Not only did I spend quality time with my family and complete some projects, I also met some very sweet and kind women from all over the state.  I also ate some of the best food ever and even got some relaxation in.  I think I might need to make this an annual thing (smile).  It did feel good to have a weekend for me but I did miss Maya and Dave terribly.

Here is a picture of my sister Tori and myself on day 2 of the retreat.  We took advantage of being away and stayed in our sweats all day.  It was great!

Play-Doh

Maya and I had fun playing with play-doh the other night.  Maya is a huge fan of it and will play with it as often as she can.  It is fun to watch her creativity come to life.

African American Hair Workshop

After 2+ months of partnering and collaborating with the owners of Calypso Hair, the hair workshop finally took place this past Saturday afternoon. Around 15 families joined us, with a few of them even coming from as far away as 3 hours to learn more about African American hair and specifically about their child or children's hair. The expert staff at Calypso Hair talked about relaxers, hair products, simple hair styles, and of course the art of braiding. Families were able to ask questions and even practice their new skills. Most of all, families were able to network with others and meet new families. What a great afternoon/evening and thank you to all the families who came and to the staff at Calypso Hair!

Here Ruthie discusses and demonstrates how to braid

Owners John and Dayo along with the salon manager, Melanie

The salon was full of curious parents and their beautiful children

Here is me trying to braid - Ruthie kept telling me "no" because I was braiding incorrectly and not holding the hair correctly. I was happy to learn the proper way but I have lots of practice to do!

Here is Maya with two of her favorite boys - Owen and Abram.

After the workshop most families headed to the Pizza Ranch for some great food and more socializing. The kids had a blast. It is amazing how quickly they form friendships.

Here is my attempt for a group photo of some of the kids.

Thank you again to all the families who participated and to Calypso Hair for making a dream into a reality!

Fall Photos

Here are some amateur photos I took of Maya yesterday.  Thank goodness for digital cameras as I must have taken a few dozen pictures.  Maya is great at smiling for you but not so great at looking at the camera.  Regardless I think I got some good ones and who really cares if I had to take 30+ pictures for a few good ones, right?

Happy Birthday Dave!

 
..................................We love you!.......................................

Our Conversations

One night this week while out to dinner:
Maya "Where is daddy going?" Me "Daddy is going to pay for our dinner. We must pay for our food as our food is not free". Maya "What are you talking about?"

Last night during dinner:
Maya "Mommy, would you stop talking to daddy?". Me "Maya, daddy and I are having a conversation." Maya "Daddy, would you stop talking to mommy."

Today while spending time together in the family room:
Me "I don't feel too good Maya." Maya "I'll give you a hug and then you will feel better".

Aren't kids the best?