Washington Park Michigan City, IN

Today we decided to head up to the beach to check out the frozen lake,

something we have never done before.

It is amazing that the beach looks totally different in the winter time and looks nothing

like it does when we are laying on the beach and swimming in the water.

The kids came home with a collection of rocks and were pooped from

carrying them by the time we got back to the car. They left one behind

because it was just to heavy and they both got tired of taking turns carrying

it and decided it wasn't worth it (:

You can see where some of the ice had been pushed up and formed
spikes/spears of ice.

The ice had formed past the level of the walkway and we

weren't able to make it all the way to the lighthouse.

All the way home the kids just kept saying that was so awesome! And Yes God is awesome!

Our trip to the park

Yesterday we went to Red Mill County Park and walked a few trails.

We weren't really prepared for all the snow on the trails as they were not cleared off.

We ended up with really soaked shoes and socks and drove home barefoot (:

While we were there we saw deer, dog and goose tracks, a bluejay and a woodpecker

fighting off another bird.

Defining 'Successful Parenting'

I ran across this article this morning and I thought it was a really interesting read.

Have you ever said "But I want them to turn out right"
"But I want the best for them, for their sakes"

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/parenting_roles/successful_parenting.aspx

you can keep reading towards the bottom by clicking next article in this series with the different roles that parents are suppose to play in their children's lives.

Snowflakes

Ok so I have been wanting to try this for a while now

and this morning it just worked out perfectly.

The images might not be dead on but I love them nonetheless.

The snow was coming down in large flakes and the back porch

was clear at the moment as I was trying to capture

these amazing little creations (:

Tim and Racquel...the last half

Amber

Today was Amber's 15th birthday

so she braved the 30 degree temperatures and

we headed to downtown Valparaiso for a shoot.

Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

Happy Birthday Amber!

Tim and Racquel's Wedding Album

Tim and Racquel were married at County Line Apple Orchard in 2009. This is their digital wedding album...it is not quite finished but will be soon (: