Friday, November 29, 2013

Fabulous Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk 2013

The Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum never disappoints.  Today, the day after Thanksgiving, is the first of two weekends for the walk and the weather was perfect.  It was a little crisp outside but not too cold.  

We always get there early in order to set up to take photos before twilight occurs.  As we were walking toward the pond, I saw what I thought was a painter.  It turned out to be one of the sculptures the Arboretum has displayed.  It truly looks like a realistic person.  I couldn't resist talking a photo at sunset.


I've mentioned twilight before.  It is a magical time of the day to photograph the sky and lights.  It occurs for about 30 minutes after the sun sets.  Twilight also occurs thirty minutes prior to sunrise.  During twilight, the sky will photograph colbalt blue, turning darker and darker as the twilight period progresses.  Below, are some photos from this year's luminary walk.  Depending on the photographer's angle toward the sun, the sky may photograph a different shade of blue, but always blue during this period, regardless of whether it is clear, cloudy, party cloudy or even raining.






If you have a chance to get out to the Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk in 2013, it is well worth the trip.  It is a family event with a campfire and horse drawn wagon rides.  Fun!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Land of the Midnight Sun

Here's a quick peak at some photos from our Alaska vacation.  We cruised for a week and then took a land tour to Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley, ending in Anchorage.  We had fabulous weather the entire time.  In fact, we were lucky enough to see Mt. McKinley in its full glory on two consecutive days.  It's usually shrouded in clouds.  It was spectacular!

The glaciers were awe-inspiring.

We also took a day trip into the Yukon territory past Skagway, Alaska.  It was also beautiful.

Mt. McKinley

Yukon Territory

Yukon Territory

Bob in the fireweed, which was in full bloom through all of Alaska and the Yukon.  

Glacier Bay

Glaciers are actually blue.  

Sunset on College Fjord at about 11:00 pm

Saturday, July 6, 2013

A 6th Birthday Party!

Today was my grandson's 6th birthday party.  Friends opened their home and pool to a gaggle of little tots, their parents and and relatives of the birthday boy.  It was a beautiful day, weather-wise and everyone had a great time.  Here are a few pics from the day.




One of my daughter's friends was given this water slide as a gift for her 26th birthday.
It got a good workout today!
We adults were thinking there might be bruised bottoms tomorrow - but the kids didn't seem to care.
 I guess that's adult thinking. 
The birthday boy when he first had the pool to himself
Cool dude!
Brave mom, towing the chili pepper fighters.
Gotta' keep up the energy level!
Dad and grandpa manning the grill 
The Mexico theme meant sombreros and dancing
Both on land and in the pool - you can make music anywhere
I couldn't resist taking a photo of this little beauty! 
The birthday boy was #1 at the piƱata 
And, after lots of kids took three shots at freeing the candy, the birthday boy was successful!
The amigos!

Happy Birthday Ashton!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

My Nephews Wedding

My nephew married the love of his life yesterday.  The day was hot and muggy, alternating sun and clouds with a dose of torrential rain thrown in.  However, the weather was nice when it counted for the outdoor photos and ceremony.  Luckily, there was an indoor venue for the reception.

My nephew and new niece were relaxed, cool and calm through the entire day.  The bride was beautiful and the groom handsome.  What a cute couple.

Here are a few photos from the day.





The bride and her mom made the lovely bouquet
Beautifully decorated shoes
Going with the color-theme- the best man sported the color theme
Priceless- the face of a groom when he sees the bride walking down the aisle
The minister joined in
Just goofing around - this couple was relaxed!
Best man and maid of honor



What a lovely day!  Welcome to the family to my newest niece!