New Blog

For those of you who don't already know I have moved my blog.  You can now find both my blog and website in one location  www.kodiwrightphotography.com.  Come on over for a visit. 

Cake

"This year I want a Minnie Mouse cake."

"Mom will you make me a Minnie Mouse cake this time?"

"Last year I had Mickey Mouse, so this year I want Minnie Mouse."


I was very prepared to make a Minnie Mouse cake this year... I had it all mapped out in my head and I was ready to make it happen.  Then about a week before his birthday he started in with this.

"Well maybe I want Donald Duck."

"Could you make a Goofy cake?"

"Maybe I want a soccer ball."


I began to panic a bit... what if he wants a cake I can't pull off.  I was running out of time to have a bakery make it.  So I sat him down and we had a heart to heart.


"I just don't think I want Minnie Mouse anymore."   

"What sort of things would you like your cake to be, buddy?"

"Well I like cars, balls, games...."

"Okay but this isn't 'Cake Boss' bud. We have to pick something Mom can make."

(light bulb comes on)

"Baseball!  I want a baseball!"

"A baseball cake, you want a baseball cake?  Are you sure?"

"Yep!"

Dining with Roses

A few weeks ago I meet some friends for lunch.  We decided on a quaint little place I had never been before.  I was the first to arrive and sat at the table taking in the atmosphere. 

My thoughts went to the lovely ladies I was meeting with.  They are charming, caring, inquisitive, honorable, funny, courageous and strong.  I am blessed to have them in my life. 

Morning Beauty

As I sat on the sofa with my little guy I noticed the light playing on the wall.  So I pulled out my iPhone to snap a pic because I thought it looked interesting...


And this is what happened... 

It ended up looking much cooler than I expected it to.  It's amazing the things you can see through the lens of a camera.

A Very Special Valentine

It started at 5:30 in the morning when we left to catch the train...

It took us 2.5 hours before we were seated in these lovely seats to enjoy a peaceful ride to New York...

It has been many years since I have taken a train to anywhere. It is quite a fun and peaceful way to travel. I enjoyed watching the different aspects of America pass by the window.

 Finally after 2.75 hours we arrived at Penn Station in New York City.  We were quickly welcomed by a gust of wind carrying the filth of the city streets. 

I might like to visit but I sure don't want to live there.

It is a remarkable city nevertheless...

After attending our business meeting we took a cab to Little Italy and had dinner.  It is a delightful little part of New York that reeks of family and fine dining.  I loved it!

After dinner we decided to take the subway back to Times Square... we were afraid a taxi ride would not sit well with a stomach full of Italian food.

Times Square of course was filled with people of all ages taking in the sights and sounds... it really is a bit of sensory overload.

We stepped into the Disney store on Times Square to pick up some souvenirs for the kidlets...

 Who doesn't love a little Mickey in their life?



The next morning we decided to spend the day with a bit of American history and headed off to Battery Park.

From here we jumped on the ferry and watched the skyline of New York slip away...

As the ferry approached Liberty Island my thoughts were with those who came to America hoping for a better life.

What a beautiful symbol of freedom.

 We left Lady Liberty, boarded the ferry and made our way to Ellis Island. I can only say that this island is full of life from the past. So much hope and despair for those who came... some who moved on to New York, some who had dreams of land further west and some who were detained and could only look out across the water...

 hoping to be allowed to reach the land that was within view.

It is almost a holy place, quiet, peaceful and at times serene.

These pillars were rather amazing... I can't imagine what they must have thought when they discovered them during the remodel... so many messages preserved for so many years.

 What a beautiful room the Registry Room was.  This is the place they were all sent to be inspected, questioned and approved or detained depending on their health, finances and legal issues.

 As we left Ellis Island, I couldn't help but wonder if the boats taking them to New York were filled with joy, trepidation, excitement and fear for what their new life would be. But above all I am sure they were happy to be leaving behind a place, that while beautiful, had the ability to keep them from their dreams.

Goodbye Ellis Island and thank you for helping so many start a new life in America.  Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!

Once we were back the flavor of New York was everywhere. We spent some time checking out Wall Street and areas of New York we had not seen before. We ate a late lunch at a place called John's Pizza... you must check it out if you are ever in New York... it was very good.

We ended our last night in New York with a Broadway show. All I can say is if you have an opportunity to go see Spiderman you should take it.  It was quite amazing to see them flying all over the theatre. 

It was a wonderful trip with lots of unforgettable memories.  I am very grateful to live in such a fantastic country. I am very proud of those who help maintain our freedoms and for all those who left everything behind to come start a new life in an unfamiliar place.  God Bless America!!!

Quiet

Sometimes those quiet moments that send you into a panic where you quickly start looking for your child to see what kind of trouble they have gotten into... are just quiet moments. 

A few days ago I was busy working on something when I realized I couldn't hear my little buddy anymore.  So I tore myself away from what I was doing and began a sweep of the house. This is how I found my little guy... quietly cuddled up in the big comfy chair taking over the world of Mario.  He was so engrossed in the game he didn't even notice I was snapping his picture. 

A few minutes later there was a quiet "Yes" from the next room... I think he might have won his quest.

Sit Still Please

So I had this fabulous session planned out in my mind... but my model didn't want to co-operate... the little nut job.  I finally gave up, but I did manage to snap a couple in mid-motion.  I think he was just so excited about his Valentines.

Wake Up!!!

The next morning the storm had passed and all the lay before us was wonderfully, pure whiteness.

 The kids were very excited to suit up and head out into the snow.

This little devil was all about sneaking up on his sister with a snow ball.

 His aim wasn't very good (the snow ball is colored blue) but he had a great time.

Snow!!!

After many false alarms this year we finally got some snow.  They canceled school even though it hadn't started to snow yet. By noon it was coming down pretty good and began piling up.  Those working in the city left work early and tried to beat the crazy traffic.  Sadly not all made it. Many people didn't get home until the next day.  It made us grateful that we were snug as little bugs in our home with no place to go.


Pilgrim made sure he was the first to test it out!

 

Snow days are great around this joint.  The kids claimed the old lap top and played games to their hearts content.

By evening it was looking like a winter wonderland.  Everything was so beautiful, peaceful and calm.

 Late evening the snow plow came through. This didn't help the many people that were stuck on the roads trying to get home from the city, but we were glad to see it come down our street.

We hope to maybe see one more storm this year but if not we will take the rain.  Just please give us some warmer temps.

Personal Gallery

I loved the pics I took of the kids this fall so much that I decided to invest in some canvas wraps.  All I can say is I love, love, love them.  I am so happy with them.