Trees (real and knit)

I think my youngest has caught the "photography bug". Every time my camera is out of the case it winds up in her hands...somehow. She takes pictures of random things....pictures we have hanging in our house, the floor, the table, I think she is teaching herself the ins and outs of the camera. Those pictures of trees up there (the real ones) are taken by her. We were on our way to the next town over to do a little shopping and she snapped a couple pictures while I was driving. After we got home and I went through the pictures, I found a picture of a road sign and the side of a truck....she must not have been paying attention to what we were passing.

Our community puts on a father daughter dance every year. It is a pretty big deal in our house...complete with curled hair (which takes HOURS), flowers, and new dresses. This year we added a fun little mini-photo shoot. The two oldest kids have braces on and are learning how to smile with the added hardware in their mouths. A, the oldest girl and middle child, smiles a "Miss America" smile as I call it.  It is very hard to get a real smile out of her. I have to try to be sneaky and catch her mid-laugh or try to pretend I am not taking the picture. It's difficult, but eventually I find a picture that shows her real, beautiful smile.

I just finished the Tree of Life baby afghan. I have made this blanket 2 or 3 times now. After I finish making it, I always say "I'm NEVER EVER making that again". (I always end up making it again!) I have never made the flowers in the middle (I just can't get the hang of bobbles) and none of the blankets that I have made are the same. This blanket is going to a little guy who is expected to make his debut in April. His parents are doing a woodland theme in the nursery and I'm sure this blanket will fit right in.

I am still trudging through "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt. For some reason it is slow going and I am going to have to borrow it again from the library.....after 3 weeks, I am about half way.  Joining with Ginny this week for her yarn along.