thursday.

I look forward to our yearly trips to the apple orchard every year. There's something about the time spent in the car with the entire family, wandering through the rows of apple trees, and feeding the animals in the petting zoo. Just like last year, and the year before, I spent more time taking photos than picking apples.

I came home from work yesterday to the smell of apples permeating the house. My sisters were halfway through making individual apple pies. We had friends over that evening and enjoyed apple crisp + cider with them. I love this time of year.

The orchard we visit has a petting zoo with an odd assortment of animals. The animals are different every year. Last year, the deer were wandering free in the open enclosure, this year they were penned up. Still close enough to feed, though. ;) 

They had the world's second (third? google says the beaver is the second largest.) largest rodent this year. After seeing a cabybara in a zoo in Arizona years ago, I can now say that I've seen both of the world's two largest rodents.

I've always had issues with shooting photos of people- mainly, I would rather shoot something that stands still. Also, my siblings aren't big fans of photos. :) I think it's easier to take a photo of something that doesn't care how the photo turns out and isn't inconvenienced by standing still for a photo. Regardless of whether or not I decide to be a professional photographer, wedding photography's out for me.

I tried hard to get photos of everyone at the orchard. I'd rather not be looking through the photos a year from now and not have any of my family. Before we left in the morning, I made sure everyone was presentable and photo-ready. I'm quite happy with how they turned out, especially the next two.

He's halfway through the first semester of his senior year and ready for senior photos. I'm the logical choice, because I wouldn't charge and, uh, I'm family. He's not too psyched about that, and neither am I, for reasons listed above. But these two turned out great, so we'll see. Also- my entire family has those eyes. His were just especially sparkly that day.

(edit: he says to clarify that he's nearly 18. so enough with the "he looks so young," comments. ;)) 

I've had a bit of a crazy weekend and not much rest- but how has your week been?
xo