Beautiful Weather in Juneau

The sun has been shining for what seems like forever... I believe it started Monday and is supposed to stay until Saturday. Amazing. Although the sun has been out it has still been a bit chilly but Jackson and I don't mind. We're just thrilled that it's not pouring rain.

I have not been able to take as many pictures as I had hoped to in the past few days though. My darling son has developed some sort of jealousy towards the camera. When we are out and about on our adventures he's generally excited about our journey until I start taking pictures. Whether I am taking pictures of him or of something else, he decides right away that he wants to go home and that I should carry him in that direction. If I don't comply almost immediately a very intense session of screaming and whaling quickly follows. 

On Tuesday, we ventured to Point Louisa, one of our favorite spots to watch for wildlife, throw rocks in the water, and fish. Right away we spotted a chipmunk who did not care one bit that we were right below him, and just continued to eat on his pine cone. As soon as Jackson realized that I was taking pictures of both him and the chipmunk, it was time to go home. I talked him into walking a bit further and that is when we spotted the sea lions. I was thrilled not only because it was amazing to see them fishing so close to shore and be able to hear them talking with each other, but also because I thought for sure the situation with Jackson was over. Not so. He thought it was interesting and even talked back to the sea lions for approximately 30 seconds and then had an all out breakdown. I refused to let the opportunity for picture taking pass me by so most of these photos were taken while the 33.5 pound Jackson was on my hip crying :) Oh the joys of trying to become a better photographer while raising a child... wouldn't trade it for anything though!!  

I'm now a student at NYIP!!

It's official! I have enrolled in the New York Institute of Photography. I will be taking their long distance Professional Photography course. I am very excited about learning more about the art of photography and also about the business side of it. I'm waiting to receive all of my materials for the first unit, and I can hardly wait to get started!

I'd like to give a little "shout-out" to my soon to be hubby, Mike. Without his support, both emotionally and financially :), I would never have been able to start working on this dream of mine. Thank you so much for all you do. You're amazing.

And now for some new pictures! The first group of pictures below were taken on a lovely afternoon walk around The Shrine of St. Therese. It is an amazing area located "out the road" in Juneau. The catholic church has done a wonderful job of keeping all of the buildings and grounds in immaculate shape. There are trails, grassy areas, and breathtaking views. I was introduced to this area by Brittany (my senior photo girl) and her Mom, Carlene when we were taking Brittany's photos and I loved introducing Mike and Jackson to the area! Jackson loved running around and finding different trails. Every once in a while he would stop and look around and say "beautiful", all while sipping on his "hot chocolate milk". So stinkin' cute :)





These last photos were taken in the campground behind our house. It is closed for the season so it's a great place to take Jackson to practice his biking skills without having to worry about cars. Jackson is finally getting the hang of pedaling and is quite proud of himself. Now we just have to work on his steering skills :)