Four score and seven.......

Today was Gettysburg.... Or should we say a bunch of monuments spread out through the fields around town. We stood in the spot Lincoln gave is address and also on Cemetery Hill. The town actually more than anything is a normal town with a college. Its just surrounded by open fields with sporadic statues and granite memorials scattered along the hillsides.

These were the unknown soldiers headstones at Gettysburg.

Then on our way home we stopped at a state park because the trees were so beautiful we wanted to take some pics..... here u go.... Sarah was humoring me but we still have to work on her focus issues when she takes mine. Hopefully we will be good by DC.

I love this one of Sarah....I immediately thought to name this lovers lane..... as we were walking down the path.

Lil' Sis

My little sister, Sarah is in town!! She came to spend a full week of fun with me here in MD. Today was our first day out and about. We decided to see some local sites and headed down to Harpers Ferry. It was a beautiful drive through the hillside with all the changing colors of trees. When we arrived in WV all the parking was full! We drove around a little but then decided to come back another day... so stay tuned for Harpers Ferry pics.... We decided to try and find a bridge in MD. It ended up being on the Antietam Battlefield in Sharpsburg. This was great cuz I havent been there either. When we got there we found out that the historic battlefield was actually quite large and had a bunch of monuments and a huge cemetery. It was a great time seeing the area on this beautiful fall day.

These 2 were actually at Gathland Monument Park...Antietam Battlefield.... Burnside Bridge...

Canons over looking a huge battlefield in Antietam....

Antietam Cemetery... Along the drive throught the hillsides.....

Idaho

After Colorado, I flew up to Boise for only a few days. I was so close that I couldn't resist seeing the newest member of the Hernandez family. But since I was still recovering from the flu..... I was disinfected at the door. But I when I came down in elevation I felt sooo much better. I will tell you what it was all worth it. Al and Vic make the prettiest babies. Mason is about 5 months old and his big brother Zacky is turning 2 soon. But my buddy Connor just turned 8 and we had a great time while I was there.
We played Sponge Bob Monopoly and I got to sleep on the top bunk. Its been real fun watching him grow up. The first time we went sking together, remember he was only 4 then, he smoked us down the mountain. I knew at that moment that he was going to make his parents lots of moola as some sort of professional athlete. Then there is Zacky he is too cute. I don't think he felt very well when i came and never really warmed up to me this time, but he loves his cars. And loves to watch movies! We watched Cars a couple of times that was his favorite. It was adorable to hear him say CA-CHOW like in the movie. Al finally pulled out the portable DVD player so we could watch real TV. And Mace..... what a sweet baby I was able to play around a bit with him taking a few images..... and boy could he tell you a story and grinn through it all. I couldn't decide which foot pic I liked the most...... I had a great time staying with them, I wish they lived closer, but while I was there we attempted to take some family portaits possibly for Christmas cards. Not sure if we accomplished it, Zacky had his mind on other things like chasing ducks!

Colorado

Last week I ventured back over to the west coast to shadow my photographer friend and then build my portfolio with my local friends. I spent the first day with Erin Cox (Smith) funny huh? I learned a bunch with her. She brought in some people to shoot and then I followed her to a few client sessions. It was really great that she took the time to help me out show me some of her secrets. It was a ton to take in at once. I think I took a lot from spending the day with Erin and will be able to use it in the future as I build my own business. Here are some shots I took over Erins shoulder....... more shots...

Then that night I got sick.... really sick.... 36 hour flu bug. I wanted to die! I havent had the flu in over 20 years! Then on top of the flu which dehydrated me, I got really bad altitude sickness. No winning. I was only in town for three more days and I spent it sick and then when I thought I felt better, I didn't matter cuz I was to shoot newborns and maternity shots. My friend Sarah braved the maternity shots. So I have a few to show but not as much as I would have liked if I was feeling better. But I wasnt able to shoot my friends Erica and Katies babies. I really wanted to see them all but I didn't want to risk it. Big Fat Bummer!!!!!

Sarah & Dave.... Isn't Sarah glowing already at 20 weeks......
. I was able to play with my fisheye to get the beautiful tree behind them.... I liked it!

Harvest Time

My most favorite time of year is the fall. I love the trees changing color and the crisp cold air. Oh ya PUMPKINS! Im not a huge Halloweener but I love decorating for the harvest time. I have a great front porch with plenty of room for flowers and my antique of choice. This year the colors in MD are amazing. We had a huge temperture drop mid October. Perfect! I have a few maples in my yard that turned brilliant shades of orange and red. I do miss my pumpkin guy from WA, I searched long and hard for a red one, I only ended up with some boring orange pumpkins this year.

New Toy

I had to share my newest toy. I purchased a fisheye lens and so far.... I love it! Its digital 10.5 which is equivalent to 16mm in 35mm. Im looking forward to using it in CO when I go and intern with my wedding photographer. I was able to break it in with the puppies.

Out Our Front Door

Today I was able to hobble down the street to take pics of where we live, to show everyone. We live two houses away from the infamous Baker Park. We have found out since we've bought our house that we live in best part of town. Baker Park is a bragging right out here. We are one mile out of downtown and near the historic district. Our home was built in 1950 and one of the last built streets along the park. We are surrounded by beautiful old homes that we can't even hold a candle to, but it sure makes it fun to step out our front door and have views like these. Our street is too cute and everyone knows everyone. Most have lived here there entire lives. And houses only sell when someone dies. Sad but true. We lucked out and found this home with no updates so it keep us within our price range. The park runs along the river with beautiful trees and pathways to walk our dogs. It runs straight into town where the riverwalk begins. There is also a huge pond where tons of ducks gather, baseball & soccer fields, tennis courts, and an amphitheatre. The cover bridge is directly across from our home, which i think is the best part of the park.