Droplets

I got a set of close-up filters, after deciding I couldn't justify spending $400 on a macro lens. Probably the right decision, all in all. Here's my test on the vines growing outside the kitchen door on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Observed: range of focus is very narrow. Stillness needs are greater than I'm used to. Next time, maybe I'll be less lazy and find my tripod to minimize the blur.

Topsfield Fair (2009)

Clockwise from the top, we have: 1) Zach and Josh flanked by the ferris wheel that made Zach bawl with fear. Zach also wasn't so sure about many of the animals, especially of anything bird-like. Bunnies went over well, as did the elephant ("epantant"). 2) Ryan taking in the scenery, next to a picture of a hot dog. 3) Jeni in front of a miniature horse. 4) The all-butter udder on the all-butter cow. 5) Vegetable ram, pumpkin strawberry. Very confusing, no? 6) Sarah and Jeni squeezed in a small roller coaster seat.

Smolak II - Wagons and Berries

We had so much fun the first time, we found ourselves there again this weekend. Without too much thought for the safety, we loaded Zach, Ryan and Jace into the tail end of a tractor-pulled wagon train, aka toddler heaven, after Ryan helped Zach to pick through the end-of-season raspberries.

The apple picking post

Yes, it's that time of year. (In fact, we ended up at the same orchard on the same day as Jamie, Cate and Luke and didn't realize till we were on our way out.) Well, here Zach is, testing the apples and giving Dad a hug in the orchard, after some fun climbing the tree ladders.

Melon

with enthusiasm.

Hay Ride

Sunday, at Smolak Farms, after picking peaches with loose guinea fowl, in the hay ride, before stating "beeen tractor" over and over again (the hay truck was pulled by a green tractor), a kiss between Zach and Lilia followed by several minutes of hand-holding.

Hopefully they won't hate me for posting this picture in a few years (photo credit, I think is Josh's).

Below, they examine a field of pumpkins, before heading to the raspberries and the goats.

House and self painting

Spent Saturday of the long weekend at a barbecue chez Howells, who had prepared a fantastic toddler activity of painting a pre-constructed cardboard house with finger paints. The kids seemed to prefer brushes to fingers, but nonetheless enjoyed getting a bit of paint on them, some more than others.

"Self Portrait" by Ryan Wade:

Zach's fingers + paint:


Activity overview:

More pics of various children here. (Disclaimer, there's a bug in sugarsync with sideways photos that I've given up on figuring out.)

Experimentation

With spatula, play-doh, and personal style.

Shrimp Finger Puppet

Lilies Again