i heart faces - week 38: blue

The theme at i heart faces this week is BLUE! I started participating in this contest a few weeks after the green theme, so I was excited to think about color in my photography. I have been trying to get the perfect blue capture for weeks. I finally decided on this photo of my blue-eyed boy when we were on a hike in the woods. He was resting with his walking stick and looking up into the trees.

Click here if you want to see the BLUE photos that I decided NOT to submit this time! :)

Head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to check out all of the other BLUE photo entries this week.

Blue Photos

I have been trying to get some blue pictures for an i heart faces contest. Here are the results!

Johan at the park

Anja on a park bench

Johan in front of a neighborhood garage!

Gus is 5!

It's hard to believe that my firstborn is 5 years old! Gus has grown to be a sweet and silly 5-year old. He is a guy that enjoys life - his family, friends, baseball, trains, legos and stuffed animals (yes, his "guys"). We are so blessed to have Gus in our family. We love you GUS! Happy 5th Birthday!

Gus turns Five: the PARTIES!

Gus celebrated his birthday all weekend long.

Thursday: Treats and a crown at pre-school
Friday: Fun with friends at the park and dinner out with the family
Saturday: Party in Forest Lake with Gramma, Grampa, aunts, uncles and cousins
Sunday: Celebrate with MorMor, Papa, the Swanson crew, Heather, Gary and my dad's cousin Linda!!

Here are some photos from the festivities:

i heart faces - week 37: candid

My son Gus (in blue) celebrated his birthday at the park with some of his friends last week. I love the pure candid joy of being on a tire swing with friends. His friend, Charlie, is the most visible in this photo. He has a wonderful smile and they are always having a great time together.

Head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to check out all of the other candid photo entries this week.

Nobody puts baby in the corner

In honor of Patrick Swayze, Anja wore her "Nobody puts baby in the corner" t-shirt (a gift from Bowrons -- thanks, Steph!!). Here is a picture of Anja in the t-shirt and a clip from Dirty Dancing with the quote.

i heart faces - week 36: contemplative

My uncle Gary has Alzheimer's Disease. He was diagnosed about 6 years ago with the disease at age 63, which is considered "younger onset Alzheimer's." My aunt Heather has lovingly cared for Gary in their home. Through this process, my aunt has had a lot of challenges and many decisions to contemplate along this journey. My uncle Gary is now in the late stages of Alzheimer's and he requires very full time care. I believe this photo depicts Gary as the focus. As a caregiver, Heather has made sacrifices and she has been selfless in the process. I want to use this photo to honor my aunt -- for her commitment to Gary and for the care she continues to provide for him.

MN State Fair and Storyhill

I went to the State Fair a second time to hear one of my favorite bands, Storyhill. My friend Amy, who is a major Storyhill fan, came into town for the weekend from Pennsylvania. My sister Sarah and my friend Tami were also along for the show (and food). We had a great time. Tami had never seen Princess Kay of the Milky Way, so we had to make a quick stop in the dairy barn. We also enjoyed some corn on the cob and a few other treats. I think it is safe to say that I don't know anyone who loves the great Minnesota Get Together more than Amy. She really knows all of the ins and outs of the fair. Amy took all of these wonderful photos! Thanks, Amy!

i heart faces - week 35: back to school

I love the fall and the excitement that it brings. This year my boys are both starting preschool. I took this picture of them on the first morning before they headed out with their dad. It was Johan's first preschool experience and you can tell by the smile that he was a little nervous. I like the way big brother Gus is smiling and looking at Johan.

Head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to check out all of the other back to school photo entries this week.

First day of Pre-school

Gus and Johan had their first day at Bethlehem preschool yesterday. I was pretty nervous that they would be upset when they were dropped off, but they did really well and enjoyed the day. Ms. Sue is Johan's teacher. She wrote a little note about Johan from the day, which was so sweet. We are really pleased with the care at Bethlehem so far!

Whiffle Ball with the LaLuzerne Family

We spent the morning with Mrs. Anna Maria and her kids (Elizabeth, Issac and Olivia) and their friend Zeta. We walked to the creek and played some whiffle ball. It was a beautiful day and it was so nice to be outside enjoying the creek and playing ball! There is a chance that Anja will have Anna Maria for a Bible class teacher this year. She taught Gus for two years and Johan last year, so we've been very blessed by her teaching. We'll see what happens in a few weeks when BSF starts!