The First and Last Heath Hurrah for the Summer of 2012

I have a feeling many of you can relate to the idea of this summer having not gone as planned. So many unexpected things came up this year and all of them were incredible time hogs. My husband was fortunate enough to be able to take on some overtime shifts this year (which we typically don't pass up and being that we would LOVE to have a little more room to stretch out for those few moments when all three of us are home at the same time, the more we can try and save the better....). I found myself being far busier than expected at all of my little jobs and of course, with my own business. Unfortunately as a result Emma often found herself overcome with boredom. Thankfully, I have a very dear friend that has provided Emma with a little bit of summertime blues relief (thanks Lori!). 

After feeling the wrath of life as adults Aaron and I decided to make sure we took at least one day to hang out as a full family of three away from home. No pagers, no phone calls, no emails. I had a fantastic day planned out to the minute (literally, Aaron particularly loved my "coffee/gas/etc - 20 min" note on my itinerary - he actually laughed out loud and sat down on the couch still laughing with his hand to his forehead that was shaking back and forth in that "I can't believe this is my life" motion). 

As fate would have it, none of that worked out. Some of us woke up late, others were fretting about the weather (I may have a small issue with being stuck in the woods during thunderstorms - thank you Mt. Moosilauke). We did not leave the house at 0800 sharp. Lunches, snacks, and waters were not packed and since I run both hot and cold all the time I was having some attire anxiety (you can bet that is a very real thing that I suffer from regularly - I often pack extra clothes for even the most mundane trips). Somewhere around 0840 the three of us piled into the truck. Our little family complete: one quiet tired dad, a frustrated mother, and a rather sullen nine year old girl. If that doesn't sound like an awesome cohesion of individuals ready for a fun-filled day together I don't know what does. 

We arrived at the parking lot for Cannon Mountain sometime after 0930 and after a much needed trip to the restroom (remember, we had a coffee break scheduled in there.....) we boarded the first available tram car up. We were fortunate enough to catch Ketchup, Emma's personal favorite (and probably Aaron's as well...). Seven minutes and twenty seconds later we arrived at the top, bombarded with a fast moving misty fog. Now, given the weather conditions and temperature at the bottom I was expecting to be far colder at the top. I had my fleece and rain coat on which seemed appropriate down in the parking lot and immediately ripped them off. We walked the short rim trail and despite our lack of a view Aaron really enjoyed being up there (Emma and I are both veterans of Cannon Mountain and have been lucky enough to visit on some very clear days). I have to admit, it was a really cool feeling to not be able to see anything beyond the trees directly in front of you. 

Upon arriving at the base again we decided to head into the gift shop, my dear husband being the last to exit, of course. I enjoyed watching a little elderly lady trouble him for some sizing help with a shirt she was purchasing for someone of a very similar size. Too cute. Meanwhile Emma and I sat outside and waited patiently (well, not so much, I can't stand people who dawdle in stores and Emma can't stand not being in them herself) for his return. For the first time ever I was dragged over to the ski museum (which was neat, but I am more for being in the woods). I have to admit, it was really neat to see Bode Miller's Olympic medals too. Again however, Aaron lingered and Emma and left quickly to sit outside and watch the tram cars. 

We took off to head to Crawford notch a little later than originally planned and decided to stop for food along the way. We were skeptical of finding anything decent in Twin Mountain (which looks a little like a small third world country as you drive through....) but came across Catalano's Pizzeria just in time to order..... we were followed by an enormous crowd. The pizza was delicious, hot, and flopped when you picked it up (which I love). It was definitely loaded with pepperoni and covered in grease, but family outings often involve a few risk taking adventures. 

We finished the day out by heading through Crawford Notch where we welcomed the downpours while driving and were happy they parted in time for us to stop at the Willey-House site for a bit. Aaron took a hold of the adventure reigns and instead of stopping in North Conway for a snack before driving the Kanc, we took a short cut straight from Bartlett to the highway. We enjoyed stopping and seeing many Monarch butterflies along the way even though the views were taken over by some much needed precipitation. Back in Lincoln we decided to hit up the mini-golf course. There were no photos of our time there as I was far too busy concentrating on my fantistically awful short game.

Sunday Special: Home Made Soft Pretzels

I have loved soft pretzels for as long as I can remember. I used to get really excited when I was younger and we would go to one of those big wholesale warehouses (I think back then we had Pace and then Sam's Club and THEN BJ's) and cash out. I would keep my gaze fixated on the magical wheel of giant pretzels. We would buy the frozen ones you can heat in the microwave, but they aren't really much to speak of. Then when I was a teenager I would go to the good old Belknap "mall" and hit up the pretzel place there. Even better than that, I worked at the bookstore in that mall for a while and would get either pretzels or pretzel sandwiches there and then I would be able to have pretzels AND be in a bookstore. It was THE best. Yup. Now however, I don't come across too many opportunities to eat giant soft pretzels. I rarely make it down to any of the larger malls and the one in the Belknap Mall is long gone. A few weeks ago I had quite the craving for one, but decided against trying to choke down one of those microwave ones. Instead, I found a recipe in my bread maker book and gave it a whirl. Emma and I had a blast making these (even when I played "Roll Out" by Ludacris as we rolled the dough, which my daughter pointed out was a horribly inappropriate song, worsened by my impressive dance moves - it rocked, and questionable lyrics aside, the song kicks butt). They were delicious and far better than many I have had. I think next time I might make some rolls so I can use them for sandwiches! It is comforting to know I am not the only one mesmerized by the bread maker :)

Birthday Fun in North Conway, NH

Well, it's here. She's finally nine. Since we do not often have the chance to spend time all together with no other obligations, just the three of us and a loose agenda, we headed up to North Conway to decompress and celebrate. After we made it away from home our first stop was White Birch Books. We really enjoyed the charm of this store and many of it's unique selections. Emma found several items that she scooped up and though she made a request to purchase the popular Hunger Games novel, I denied. And then I bought it while she was browsing upstairs ;). After spending quite some time browsing we finished up and headed straight over to the White Mountain Cupcakery. We decided on a six-pack, each choosing two flavors. Having never had red velvet cake, I knew it needed to come home with me. Emma and I both took a sno cap as well and she also chose a chocolate peanut butter. Aaron went with two delicious, less traditional cupcakes; the boston cream and the snickerdoodle. Much to our delight, but not surprise, the were all fantastic. We each ate one at the park during our picnic (Emma started off eating hers like an ice cream cone), and then had the rest at home after dinner. After lunch, cupcakes, and presents we headed over to the Toy Chest to finish up Emma's shopping spree. We all had a great time looking around and checking out all of the neat stuff. Emma particularly enjoyed the marble chutes, but opted to get some other items instead. Heading home I suggested we take the scenic route. We put the windows down and enjoyed the air and views of the Kancamagus Highway.

 

Blog Party | January 2012 | "A Day in the Life..."

For some of you, you have found your way here because another photographer sent you as a progression in a blog party. For those of you who have found this post by other means, allow me to brief you. This post is part of a cooperative blog party geared to inspire those involved to seek new projects as well as spread the word about custom photography. We call it a blog party. Some of you have been sent here via a link in a similar post from Erika Follansbee of Erika Follansbee Photography ,which is wonderful by the way (check it out now, or follow the full circle back through)! This month's theme is "A Day in the Life...".

A little bit of breakfast.....

and then we were off. I stopped to practice with my rented lens (nikon 50mm 1.4g), and shoot a few frozen hydrangeas. I rented that lens with a few things in mind; this post, an indoor portrait session, and to try it before I buy it. I love it, but have to agree that it is a lot of work to get things super sharp when the aperture is wide open.

Later on at the photo session.... this little cutie was into everything! Nine months is a very fun stage and it was so exciting to see her so active. I hadn't seen her in almost three months, which was entirely way too long.

While taking care of my mother's house (while she spent a little time with the palm trees), Emma took a few moments to read through some of her old books.


I know what you are thinking..... "oh, cheddar and broccoli soup".

Nope. Failed attempt at a green smoothie. Too much yogurt, no ice, too much banana, and not enough spinach. I have to admit, it certainly did not taste as bad as it looked.

For those of you who don't know me......

Self portraits. This one is my favorite...

Although, I love my shoes and socks!

Back home, Emma was busy crafting away. She was working on some safety pin and bead bracelets. This one is "ocean waves".


How firefighters and EMTs decompress.

My first attempt at homemade potato chips (you can find the recipe here, they were quite tasty).

And one of my favorites of the day..... a little help goes a long way.

A huge thanks to all those who are involved for making this possible and motivating me to do more, learn more, and view more. Be sure to move on to the next post from Stephanie Johnston of Princeton House Photography to see how she made meaning of this project.