My Nieces's High School Graduation

Yesterday my niece reached a milestone - she graduated from high school and is heading off the college this fall.  At her school, the girls choose a style of gown for the entire class wears.  As always, my niece was beautiful - the gown was stunning.  Plus, the style looked great on all the girls.  Here are a few photos from the day.  Being able to share in my niece's happy day was fantastic!!

Beautiful detail at the neckline

Long and flowing

Proud dad and grandma

Proud aunt!

Could not resist taking a photo - new "man pants" trend?  Saw these pink pants at the graduation. The photo does not do the color justice!

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

New post on my other blog showing the stunning Monet Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Here's the link to the blog:

http://heartlandbasil.wordpress.com/

First Communion

I have had to privilege of taking the First Communion photos for my friend's family.  Her brothers came first a few years ago and now it was the youngest's turn.  She was absolutely beautiful in her pretty dress.  You just have to love the red hair, all done in ringlets and crowned with a sprig of white flowers.  She didn't want to smile since she's lost some teeth, but I caught a few with a big grin anyway.  I have photographed this family since the kids were little and just love watching them grow up - it happens all too fast!

Easter 2012

My grandson, his moms and Jen's mom and brother, as well as my sister and her family, joined us for an Easter brunch at our house.  The favorite Easter bunny gift ever was a bubble machine that blew a cascade of bubbles.  Our Norfolk terrier was fascinated.

My grandson was enamored with the machine, as were we.  

The look on his face says it all - GREAT PRESENT!

Posing after a job well done

At the end of the day, he decided to see what blowing bubbles into his eye would be like.  All boy - no harm done!

Heartland Basil

I have a new blog that will focus on gardening, cooking and general healthy living topics.  Of course, there will be photography too, although carolfowlerphotography.blogspot.com will still be my main photo blog.  Check the new blog out.

http://heartlandbasil.wordpress.com

Fenway Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

Fenway crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday very peacefully in our arms at home.  Our wonderful vet came to the house to assist in his transition. Fen valiantly battled kidney failure for the past year, having almost died last June. However, acupuncture and Eastern medicine administered by our vet brought him through and we were blessed having him in our lives for many more months.  He suffered a seizure Tuesday, became very weak and could not stand or walk without our help; and after consultation with our vet and some soul searching, we chose to give him one final gift - a gentle release from the confines of his failing body.  

Fenway was my heart dog.  I fell in love with him the moment I saw him baiting his mom with a bone, while his siblings nursed.  That says it all about it personality.  He filled a large space for such a little guy.  He was my agility companion for years and the bond we developed was strong.  He was the best "big brother" to all his siblings, Border and Norfolk alike.  He had a mellow, easy-going personality (except when cats and squirrels were near)  and never demanded attention but freely gave his love. 

For the first time in 15 years, 16 if you count my sister's Border Millie (Fen's half sister), we are a house without a Border.  I am not sure what the future will bring, since we have two young Norfolk terriers who have shared our home with the Borders these last few years, but the absence of a Border is difficult. 

Run free, happy and with vitality my little man, once again chasing those squirrels, barking all you want.  Play with those who went before you, Camden, Hanny, Millie, Sable and Sandy and all the beloved Borders on the other side of the bridge.  There is a huge hole in our lives and hearts and you will be greatly missed. 

Tenpenny Fenway Brett - 10-28-96  to 3-8-12

Aka Fenny, Fen, the Fenny Penny, Fen Pen, the Fenster, Mr. Fen, Devil Dog, the Fenmeister, Effe-dog, the Fenner, Mr F

Cookie Party Time!

My grandson hosted a cookie party for his little friends.  Everyone had a blast and all the moms and grandparents had smiles on their faces all day.  My daughter and Jen are far braver than I ever was when it comes to putting cookies and icing in the hands of little ones, which is all for the better --  these are the days where memories are made.    It was so fun meeting everyone and I love taking pics of little ones.  A big thanks to Jen and Amy for a memorable time!

Here are some pics to enjoy, starting with my grandson chilling out before the guests arrive.

Kids love cracking eggs.

Stirring the batter is fun too.

A few basic instructions

And, we're off to the races!

Working to get the dough thin.

So many choices!

Help from grandma is always welcome!   

Time to take a break from the action with grandpa. 

Switching colors requires an in between cleaning of the hands!

So intent!

The pup never left the table, intently watching the hands for a tidbit to drop! 

See this guy's marshmallow creations at the end of the post.  What fun - he really got into the decorating.

Christmas red was a favorite color. 

Gotta add some green, though.

Lots of help from moms!

This little guy was too cute, too young to decorate cookies but had a blast anyway. 

What a cutie!  Also, too young to join in the fun but was bubbly and happy all day!

Fruits of the hard labor.

                                                        
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Annual Photos

I had the privilege of taking photos again this year of two little ones I have been photographing since their births (quite literally for the little guy since I actually photographed his delivery!)  They are the sweetest kids.  Both were so delightful and engaging during the session, as we walked around Antioch park to find locations that were not taken by other photographers.  They were little troopers!

    

My Niece's Senior Photos - Round 2

I had the pleasure of doing my niece's second session of senior photos on a beautiful autumn day in Kansas City.   She got her hair cut in a cute, short style between our first session in July and this one.

We visited the always beautiful and serene Kauffman Gardens and a very old urban area in Kansas City.  Perfect day!

This is only a fraction of the photos, so she and her parents are going to have a hard time choosing her favorites, I'm sure.

 My niece is not only beautiful but very comfortable both in front of and behind the camera lens.

Playing with shadows and air.  My niece is very creative and this was her idea!  Love it!!

Always love how sprays of water look in photos.

I'm a reflection nut.

Showing a little attitude.  Love, love, love the colors and textures found in an old urban area.

Used an old couch that had been cast aside for a prop.

Thanks to my niece for a great day!