This is the day that I went with my son’s class the Shedd Aquarium.  His teacher mentioned to me that one of her joys of teaching 1st grade is watching the excitement of first discoveries and I have to agree.  However, it got a little worrisome for me when, in their excitement, they would run in opposite directions.  To my relief, all were present and accounted for before we pulled away on the “Happy Cruiser.”

My boy enjoying a very theatrical presentation at the Oceanarium.  I couldn’t help but wonder about the meeting marketing had with the trainers pitching the Fanasea concept.  “We envision you in a penguin costumes.  At first we don’t know if you are evil penguins or friendly penguins...”  I guess I am just used to the old way of watching one of these kind of shows...dolphins flip in various ways to a recorded, or worse, a lip sync narration outlining every detail of their care.  Not that I’d remember any of those random facts, I was just kinda waiting for it.  Ah well.

My little guy and his class watching the beluga whales sail by the glass.  The above photo of the beluga whale above was taken while he was staring down us weird looking visitors.

This was the day that my oldest son got his two team basketball shirts.  Before my husband walked in with the shirts I was trying to take pictures of the boy.  By this time, you have to realize, my kids are now acting like bored zoo animals in front of the camera because of all the pictures I've taken of them.  I feel a little bad about this, but I was reminded that they will fondly look back on all the pictures I'm taking of them.  I believe this is true, so I continue to snap away.  But my boy could care less about me and my aperture settings.  But then basketball shirts arrive.  Immediately he puts one on, my husband tosses him the basketball and I suggest that we capture this moment!  Ah...I learned something.  Get kids in an environment where they are happy and genuine expressions will come through. 

After reviewing these pictures, I realize how much older he looks than just seven.  Where did that baby go anyway?  Sigh.  I'm just glad I caught this moment.

Because it was a sunny day and my daughter's new colorful striped sweater was clean, I decided that I was going to track her with my camera.  Two year olds are the ultimate challenge for photographers.  Although they are notorious for being abundant in charm, taking clear pictures of these adorable creatures is tricky because they are also extremely quick and wild.  Even if I told her to sit still for a picture...she wouldn't want to, at least not for long.  And her expression wouldn't be the genuine one I'm longing to capture anyway.  Am I up for this challenge?  Here my wild child eyes me and my camera...ready, set, go!

I almost forgot this picture.  Before my big shoot in Grand Rapids (see below) we went and took a few test shots at the two locations.  Here is my favorite test shot of my oldest, happily standing in.  Looking at it makes me long for warmer weather where I can shoot outside again.  I love how natural light falls on happy faces.