Cell Phone Summer

My passion is photography. I love the creative freedom. I usually carry a camera with me everywhere....until recently. 

One of my hubby's pet peeves is the fact that I am always stopping to take pictures. Not that he doesn't appreciate the result, more that it takes away from whatever it is we are doing in a given moment. When I say that I am going to stop to snap a picture I usually go overboard and snap a few...okay, maybe more than a few...a LOT more. It is a curse! I just love to experiment and try a new pose...better light...a cool backdrop. I have to admit, not only does hubby sometimes get annoyed...but the kids do too. They just want to carry on with what they are doing and truthfully, the girl child HATES to have her picture taken (despite being very photogenic). 

Admittedly, my desire to turn everything into a photo session isn't my most desirable quality. I certainly can understand their point of view. This summer I vowed to do better. To enjoy the moments right in front of me rather than behind a camera. Being in the action and snapping a quick cell phone shot gave me the satisfaction of having a little memory preserved while allowing me to enjoy every second of our summer. I know I don't need one hundred pictures of every little thing we have done or every little place we go. It's more important to be in the moment than turn the moment into a photo marathon.

So, do I have nothing to show for the summer besides some crappy quality cell phone pictures? NO, of course not! But, I did take the camera out less. I planned more days when we were out specifically to take photos and spent less time complaining about not getting a good shot when we were out for the sake of being out! 

The result of my summer hiatus from being a total camera junkie is one I am proud of. I've got some great memories captured with my crappy little cell phone camera.

Enjoy a little peek into my world!

Taking Lara to see Beauty and the Beast on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Preforming Arts

My little model on her special day in the city with Mom and Dad.

We had a TON of ice cream this summer after our weekly visit to the library.

Lara taught Owen all about being in Kindergarten (despite the fact he doesn't go for another year).

We swam....a LOT (like all of July).

We went to the Toronto Indy with Owen...he loves race cars!

We took a VERY long drive. 17 hours (one way), non-stop to Thunder Bay.

We went to camp (a.k.a the cottage if you live in Southern Ontario)

We took the kids to see Kakabeka Falls in Northern Ontario

Lara opened an art gallery in our back yard (she even sold some of her work).

SO much corn was eaten. Delicious McKenzie Sweet Corn, that is.

Owen went to see his first Jays game.

We went to Great Wolf Lodge and loved it!

We had a glorious time at the beach!

Owen's natural ability on the tennis court resulted in us decided to get him a coach. (He is CRAZY good for a 3 year old).

We went on this Ferris Wheel.

We spent the entire day at the CNE.

We (hubby and I) went to the rally for education at Queen's Park to protest the government's plans to dictate our new contract rather than collectively bargain with teachers.

So there you have it. My cell phone summer. It was amazing!