More snow pictures...

I just couldn't resist.  My mom took some really cute pictures of the kids while Andy and I were in Vegas.  I was only going to post one in the previous post but I'm hoping she won't mind if I post a few more.  What can I say I LOVE snow pictures!

        

WPPI Las Vegas 2010

Andy and I recently attended WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. For anyone that doesn't know, "WPPI is a professional photography organization that puts on the largest professional photography trade show and convention every year". It's huge and although the convention is geared mainly toward photographers it's also super beneficial to videographers seeing as the equipment from the two industries is coming together. Another great benefit of the shows is networking!

We got to rub shoulders with some of the most influential people in the event cinematography industry including dinner out with THIS guy.

This is EventDV top 25 best in the WORLD event cinematographer, Travis Cossel and his beautiful and talented photographer wife, Candice!

The next day we enjoyed a meet-up with more amazing event cinematographers.  Somewhere out there (on the internets) is a picture of the whole group that I really wanted to post but I can't seem to find it.  But it was really nice to meet others with the same interests as Andy and find out about their successes as cinematographers.  Everyone was super nice!

Also included in the week was some serious GAMING, but not the kind of gaming you would think considering where we were :). Our first night there we bought 2 all day Game Works passes and played games until our hearts content. And as you probably guessed, we continued our forever long debacle over foosball.

We did a little site seeing one day and I had my very first experience with Hooters. Interesting... the food was good. Other than that all I can say is there is no way I could ever "qualify" to work there.

Each day we spent a good amount of time checking out the two huge WPPI showrooms. Andy certainly had his favorites so we spent a decent amount of time checking out all the cool new stuff and building up a pretty extensive wish list. And somehow we managed to get out without spending too much money, thank goodness!

Andy's super awesome cousin, Jenny, let us crash at her place. She was a great host and so much fun to hang out with. Thanks Jenny! They succeeded in getting us all excited about traveling and collecting patches (starting with the one in the previous post). I only wished we could have spent more time visiting with her and her family but hopefully we'll get our chance in 2 weeks when we head out there for NAB (National Association of Broadcasters).

The kids had a great time with their Fitzgerald grandparents. It snowed in Tehachapi while we were gone so the kids got to play in the snow and drink hot chocolate!  Something funny about Preston is that he doesn't just call my parents Grandma and Grandpa, he calls them "Grandma Fitzgerald" and "Grandpa Fitzgerald". He actually says their whole last name when he talks to them. That has to be hard for a two year old to say so it sounds cute coming from him. Thanks mom and dad for watching the kids!

Recent things we've done...

Enjoyed some yummy Rite Aid ice cream on one unusually hot day.

Played dress up.  Evelyn is a super hero (cape on backwards) and Preston is a firefighter.

Took a trip to the pet store to buy bunny food and look at all the animals.

Played outside with the chalk.  Evelyn's posing next to her self portrait.

We've been riding bikes a lot.  Preston can now peddle all by himself.  He still occasionally finds himself going backwards but he's just about got it down.

And in SUPER big news my baby boy is officially (daytime) potty trained.  It's a big step for him!  I can't believe we're almost done with diapers.  I'm proud but at the same time I'm realizing how big he's getting and it makes me a little sad.

"Popcorn popping on the apricot tree" 

The apricot tree in the backyard blossomed 02/18/10.

(Big) Uncle Sam and Aunt Michelle came for a visit on Sunday.  As always it was great getting to catch up with them and meet their friend that came with them.  @Uncle Sam- I've reconsidered the wedding shoot.  If you think you can make me look good I'm up for the challenge.  

More stuff to come include our WPPI trip, a bridal show on the coast, and yesterdays trip to the California Science Center!

February Birthdays

Since Andy is mega busy right now prepping for the American Cancer Society's big event "Fight for Life" this weekend I figure I'll do something constructive (that doesn't involve cleaning) and update my blog.  Horary for blog updates!

For starters, last month was a big birthday month for my family.  With 3 out of 6 family members born in February (both my parents and myself) there's definitely no shortage of birthdays.  To start out the month is my dad's birthday on the 12th!

My dad is one of my best friends.  He's probably one of the people I can most easily relate to.  There's only a select few people that call me just to talk but he is at the top of that list.  Up until recently my dad's worked nights as a prison guard.  He's now retired and has spent almost every day off on some sort of adventure (Arizona, Texas and Mexico).  On his blog, the day he retired, he posted a video of fireworks!

Two days after my birthday, on the 28th, is my mom's birthday.  My mom is the most amazing mom that ever existed!  Last year she climbed Mt. Whitney with me.  Need I say more?  That day was one of my proudest accomplishments and I'm so glad I got to share that experience with her.  She later bought for us two matching patches that I'm very happy to show off.

My own birthday, as you know from my excitement in previous posts, was on the 26th!  I had a fantastic birthday!  Andy took me out on a date.  We went to Chilies and enjoyed some delicious ribs (and FREE chocolate cake) and afterwards we played a couple rounds of foosball.  After that we window shopped for a bit and checked out the book store.  Oh yeah, and he got me a go cart!  It's cool but needs a little work before we can get it running.  I'm really excited for it though and can't wait to take it for a spin.

A Letter From Evelyn

Dear Eliza,

  This is Evey.  Eliza is so sweet.  I love her.  I want her to go to my house and I want her to play in my room and then I want to write her name.  I want her to play with blocks.  I'm doing good.  Lately I played outside and go to Grandma's house with Charlie.  Evie was being there and Preston was being there.  Do you like deer?  I like deers and giraffes.  Preston likes sharks and Preston likes fishies.  And I like my brother Preston.  I like bugs.  What do you like?  I love kangaroos.  Preston likes lions.  And I was a baby.  I was being good at my house.  And I love happy faces.  Happy faces are funny.

   

                     Love your cousin,

                             Evelyn

*This is Evelyn's first authentic letter.  I was just going to email it to my sister but it made me laugh so I figured it was blog worthy.  She came up with everything on her own.   

Ode to the best show... ever.