The Summer of H20

Jumping!, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

Clearly there's been a theme to our summer so far - water. We just got back from the beach with my best friend, Allison and we had a blast. The klids played in the sand, jumped in the waves, splashed in the pool, laughed, giggled and smiled. Of course, they also got overtired, so they cried, grumped, grouched and threw fits. But it was the sort of trip that I'll remember for a long long time. Filled with pancakes, hotdogs, ice cream, cold beer (adults only!) and lots of good times and funny stories. And did I mention the photo opportunities? There were nearly endless for a shutterbug.

A wonderful day

jumpingwaves, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

Every now and then, I have days like today. Days where the world stands still and all that there is in creation is me and my three wonderful children. Today was a day like that. For hours, they jumped waves, dug in the sand, swam in the salty water and collected shells. The joy that the felt was contagious. I sat in a beach chair, under an umbrella and watched them play with a full, full heart.

Scrunchie Face Swimming

Scrunchie Face, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

Today, Mr. B, Baby C, the WG, Vitoria and I all headed to the Hope Valley pool to swim. My best friend, Allison, is a member there. The kids had a big time - the big ones diving and the little ones flopping around in the shallow end. I just couldn't resist photographing Baby T. She enjoys the water so much. She flops around with her mouth open, splashes herself, gets out and jumps in from a seated position. It's all so very, very cute. More photos on my Flickr if you click through....

in a pile of noodles

in a pile of noodles, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

The kids fastened a bunch of noodles together to make a "canoe" today at the pool. We decided to name it a Canoodle. They had a big time floating around on it.

Backstroke!

Backstroke, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

We went swimming this afternoon. As usual, my camera was in tow. WG loves to float on her back. She has the best time floating around the pool. Those goggles are such a staple in her summer wardrobe, I expect to see them nearly every time I look at her. :-)

Those Eyes

Those Eyes, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

WG has the most amazing eyes. I snapped this of her when she was swimming today. They were so bright in the mid day sun.

"My Mom is Really Into That Camera"

What?!?!?!?!, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

So, not only am I driving my own kids nuts - photographing them at every turn. But now, I'm driving my friend's kids nuts too. This afternoon, I was at my best friend's house for a playdate. The crazy nut invited eight kids over (my three, her three, and two others) to play. Just as soon as Baby C slept, I grabbed my camera and started following them around. There wasn't a lot of light in the house, but luckily Baby T was up for a romp on the terrace. She's two and she doesn't stop. She moves constantly, and she certainly wasn't stopping to pose for me. So, I just kept moving with her. And when she looked at me, this is what I got. That expression that says, "Alright, Already!" She's just as cute as she can be. She better get used to it. With models like this, a newbie photographer just can't help herself.

Sisters

Sisters, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

My mom and her sisters are the very best of friends. They came in this weekend for Jarrett's graduation BBQ. It was a great time, as it always is. They talk all over one another, make jokes and laugh a whole, whole lot. As you can tell, no one can stop talking, even for a photo. I miss my aunts so much! It's so wonderful to have "the girls" for a visit,

The WG

The WG, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

I bribed WG with a trip to the pool into a quick 10 minutes photo session. Even though she was annoyed with me, we got some good shots! It's so hard not to use my favorite little subjects as guinea pigs, but they are definately getting tired of it. "Mom is really in to that camera, isn't she?"

Haley

haley1, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

We just got back from Disney World with my dad, Pat and two of my siblings - Will and Haley. They are both camera shy teens but I got some great shots of both of them. My dad thinks his children are the most attractive children on the planet. He has a theory about genes. Ask him about the vigorous gene theory sometime.

Sweet Miss L

Sweet Miss L, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

One of my favorite photos ever! Taken this afternoon. Couldn't help blogging it!

Sprinkler Fun

Sprinkler Fun, originally uploaded by Corey Bennett Williams.

Two of WG's buddies came over this afternoon and played in the sprinkler. They were such cuties, I gave my poor, overphotographed kids a rest and had fun capturing these two playing. They even smiled at me some!!!!