Maebelle and Orion

There is a Hamlin tradition that started probably long ago where the kids make Sour Cream cookies for Christmas. These cookies have to be mixed one day, then you let them sit in the cold (this year outside) for at least a day, then they can be baked. After baking and cooling, the kids get to decorate them, which takes place on yet another day. This year, Maebelle and Orion got to help decorate the cookies.






And the table (if you look closely, you can see green sprinkles all over the table, and his hands.)






And their faces.









And Great Grandma Hamlin told us on Christmas day that she found frosting all over the chair. It was a great time and Maebelle actually let me take some photos of her. She must have been so busy decorating and having so much fun, that she didn't even mind the camera. It was nice.



I was also able to get a few good shots on another recent evening. I have been really fascinated with this effect lately. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.









I hope you have a peaceful new year!

Old Silo

I was recently reminded of this old silo. I took photos of it several years ago. While we were living in Alaska, it fell over. I don't know what knocked it over, but am assuming it fell of natural causes. I can't imagine, knowing the location and condition it was in, that anyone cared about it at all. It reminds me of the depression years - especially in this photo - the way the dust is blowing up and there's not a cloud in the sky. I always liked this old silo and was glad to see this photo again.

Mandi & Jordan

I had the opportunity to take photos for some very good friends of mine, Mandi and Jordan.









They were good sports, because it was pretty cool, and the wind was cold.









I would have liked to get there earlier in the morning, but didn't. Living almost an hour away and having young kids, and we can't forget the fact that I am just always late, no matter how hard I try made it impossible to be there for the wonderful post sunrise light. But I think it turned out okay. :)

Lately I have felt very creative and like I want to shoot and I just couldn't put my finger on what it was I wanted to shoot.






I absolutely love Christmas time. I love the magical look of a Christmas tree with lights and sparkling ornaments. The way the colors make a whole room glow.






Then we were blessed with snow. I love snow.






It's so delicate, so graceful as it dances its way to the ground.






Adding so much contrast to the greens, yellows, reds and browns of fall.






It just sparkles in the soft morning sun.






The places it chooses to land are curious and the way the cold Kansas wind blows it around is interesting.

My 3 Year Old Princess

Well, hello. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We were busy as it was also my birthday, on Thanksgiving this year and Maebelle's birthday the day after. It was a fun weekend, though. I just wanted to share this photo of Maebelle. She received many wonderful gifts including a dress up Princess outfit - dress, hand bag, tiara, earrings, ring, necklace, shoes, and more! She absolutely loves it! So much that she couldn't even wait to finish her cake and ice cream before putting the tiara on.