Boys, Boys, Boys! Wordless Wednesday

boys and their babysitter

KitKat, my oldest, is in love with two very cute brothers….and yesterday, they added another little boy to their family. She couldn’t be more thrilled. This afternoon, we took a little trip to the hospital, just me, KitKat, and a camera. For more inspiring photos, check: High Impact Mom, The Bonafide Life, Shanamama, From Dates [...]

Project 365 (Week 20)

20120520-164246.jpg

This last week was more exciting than usual at home. My mother in law was here for the week (and to celebrate the birthday she shares with AJ). Nana and I had adventures almost every day, including the adventure of another hernia surgery for Candyman, a trip to the Smithsonian, and the development of caterpillars [...]

Being a Kid for a Day #YesMemory – Give Me Your Best Shot #PSF

Dave and Buster's YesVide blogger trip

It seems like ages ago that I got back from my trip to San Jose to visit YesVideo’s headquarters, but it really wasn’t that long ago. “Real life” tends to envelop me and make those glorious days of travel seem to be more distant than they really are. I left my memory card with all [...]

10 Travel Photography Tips

11Feb10_SanFrancisco_68

It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that photography and traveling are two of my favorite things. Since I’ve had a chance to play tourist in my own area, as well as take several trips already this year, I have had plenty of chances to remind myself of my un-written rules about travel photography. [...]

Smithsonian National Zoological Park – #WW

National Zoo

A few weeks ago, when my brother and sister in law were in town, we spent a day at the National Zoo in nearby Washington DC. The day was perfect, the animals cooperated, and we had a blast. And there were 9 very tired Franklins at the end of the day. What are your favorite [...]

Happy Mother’s Day Edition – Project 365 Week 19

20120513-125717.jpg

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! My Mother’s Day started out with a gourmet breakfast made by my two oldest girls. This week has been a particularly pleasant one, with lots of special mom and kid time. What memories have you been making this week?

Potion Making in the Kitchen – Give Me Your Best Shot #PSF

potion making dry ice

A package arrived earlier this week filled with dry ice (and Blue Bunny ice cream treats for AJ’s birthday next week). As excited as the kids were about the ice cream, they were equally as excited about the dry ice. AJ started making plans to make potions the next day after school. He used a [...]

Makinson Island – A Peaceful Retreat in Kissimmee, Florida

Makinson Island - Lake Tohopekaliga Kissimmee, FL

Apparently I’ve been home from my travels long enough to start wanting to go back again. Truthfully, though, I never really wanted to leave Florida in the first place. Last month’s trip to Kissimmee and Disney World was both exhausting and rejuvinating at the same time. Our daily schedule was packed with things to do [...]

Spring Horse Show – Wordless Wednesday #Linky

Maryland horse show

My BFF is teaching horse back riding lessons at a local farm, and her kids were in a horse show this weekend. I took my two youngest kids to watch the horses and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather and country surroundings. It was a nearly perfect day (don’t get me started on AJ’s incessant whining [...]

Project 365 {Week 18}

20120506-194121.jpg

I’m sitting with my kids on this Sunday night, braiding hair and playing games. Sunday is my favorite day now. I have come to appreciate it with new eyes since I’ve been so busy during the weekdays. Sitting together with the cool breeze coming through the window, with no expectations or tasks that have to [...]