Last Friday afternoon, we went up to Bowling Green, KY (Alex asked if that was a bowling alley when she heard the name of the city. Hehe!). Michael's cousin, Will had gotten married in December in Poland. Since the KY-relatives weren't able to make it to the wedding, Will's parents held a wedding reception that Friday at a Holiday Inn. It's a very pretty hotel inside with multiple water fountains running down alongside a dimly lit glass elevator. The "salon" where the reception itself was held was beautifully decorated.
Will's mom, Anita (Michael's aunt) had asked me months prior to the event if I would photograph it. I was thrilled to of course! I had rented - for the first time - a couple of fast lenses from lensprotogo.com - fyi - Paul (the owner) is excellent to deal with - friendly and responds quickly to emails even on weekends! I highly recommend them and will be renting again from them for a wedding in April.
So anyway, we got there early, and Michael helped me to set up my AB400s. There wasn't a dance floor, just tables, and this was the first time I was using my studio lights to crosslight a reception. The room wasn't huge, and because the room lights were dimmed during the event, it definitely helped that I had brought my ABs. I took a lot of detail shots - cake, flowers etc. - and then took some of the couple and a few requested shots. Will's stepdad had even built this amazing, gazebo-like structure where the couple remained throughout the reception. Thankfully, Michael kept Lucas busy so that I could photograph.
During the reception, they had a video of the Poland wedding (very pretty) and a slideshow. Then there was dinner - by which time the kids were very hungry. My poor babies. Lucas, naturally, was very loud and crabby until he was fed. Anita had ordered HUGE platefuls of chicken nuggets, macaroni and fries each for the kids. I mean, they easily could have shared one plate. We did have cake, but there was no couple-cutting-the-cake thing. By the end, the kids were sleepy, so my in-laws brought them home (to their house) while Michael and I helped clean up.
Michael has another cousin getting married in April at this very same hotel. I've also been asked to photograph that event. That will be my first actual ceremony to photograph! Should be fun!
Now that the holidays are over, I finally have time to update my blog with a short post.
The kids were extremely anxious for Santa to come. All day Christmas Eve that's all they'd talk about. I heard Andrew run downstairs on Christmas morning saying, "Santa, Santa, Santa!" Then Alex woke up and came into my room smiling and said, "Mommy, wake up! Santa was here!" Santa was VERY good to them, and even though they each have their moments during the year, overall, they are extremely loving and wonderful children.
We spent Christmas Day with Michael's side of the family. There were a lot of CUTE babies who I hadn't seen yet. And it was just nice to get out and see everyone, although, of course, I really missed being able to visit my family! But with the winnings from the photo contest that Lucas won, I used that towards airfare to visit them in the summer. So far away.
Because Michael and I had to work the rest of the week, we left Alex and Andrew - who were on Christmas break - to spend the next few days with my in-laws. I hate doing that because I miss them so much when I have to leave them, but I know my in-laws are wonderful so I know they're in good hands. Lucas stayed with Michael and I, though, since the daycare was open; plus, my in-laws wouldn't have any room in their vehicle for him when they came back. Furthermore, they might have gone crazy had they kept him!! He's just that wild. ;)
For New Year's Day, we went to The Aquarium (seafood restaurant) that we'd never been to; the kids and I liked it, but Michael's not a seafood fan (but he loves me so he'll go wherever I go! Haha!). I had read reviews of the place before we went, and it's either you really like the place or you don't. I had read where one reviewer said they hardly saw their waitress, and that was the same for us. Before she took our order, she gave us a brief synopsis about the restaurant. There's a huge aquarium in the middle of the restaurant which she spoke of in a doldrums manner. She was nice, but it felt very rehearsed. Kinduv like, "The aquarium is so many gallons big and holds so many fish. Now, what would you like to eat?" The aquarium itself is a good distraction for kids who can't sit still in a booth for very long (ie Lucas).
Back at work, we got an unfortunate-for-most surprise. I give them credit for at least waiting until after the holidays to tell us. But, the company will be closing in March. Fortunately, my department will remain on with the company that had bought us over a year ago. So, in a way, I feel relief but also guilt. :/
I just bought a Canon 40D which I absolutely love! It's an amazing upgrade from my Rebel. My Rebel will now be used as my backup. It's funny when you tell people who aren't much into photography that you have a backup, they question, "What do you need a backup for?" :) I also got the 50mm f1.4 from my brother-in-law, so I've been having fun taking pictures with that. I started a flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22722594@N02) to hold the pics I've started taking this year. This blog just doesn't seem to be the place for that. The pics below were taken with my Rebel. They are from Alex and Andrew's Christmas Concert and also a few of Christmas morning. (I'm not really sure what the deal is, but Lucas LOVES cleaning supplies - brooms, mops, vaccums, so Santa got him a vacuum for Christmas. See below.)
