The Jasons Great Outdoors

Friday, January 13, 2017

Fiona is officially a photographer!!!!

After accumulating several Amazon gift cards, Fiona had the funds she needed to purchase a durable camera (even can go under water), camera case, and memory card. The anticipation of the boxes arrival nearly did her in...but it was worth the wait!!! We took a lovely family hike last weekend (in cold temperatures). I would say it was about 40 degrees, tops. She was the official photographer for the entire trip. So, any hike pictures... she took. Even group photos. Fiona carefully wedged her new camera into a tree to get just the right family shot!
We also tried our hand at making pasta. Fiona documented this as well. What a mess! The meal was delicious, but I'm not sure if it is worth the effort... You will see that she also baked cookies. Ethan was allowed to try the new camera out for this shoot.
Early this week we attended our second in a four part"National Geographic Photographers" series. It was titled "Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice". So amazing!!!!!! This presentation was done by a husband/wife team who take underwater photos of coral reefs and arctic life. What amazing wildlife encounters they have had!

The egg leaked all out...so messy!

Mulch face.

Before.

After.

Brother/sister selfie!

O.K...I took this one...They just looked so sweet watching the stream.

Fiona was so proud of this shot. It's a beauty.

Kids told me that Cookie Monster "photo-bombed" Jose.

Fiona's squirrels that eat from her window feeder.

Ethan took this of Fiona baking.

Look how shiny those surfaces are!!

Our "cold" hike.

Can you see how huge the thorns are?

I took this one of Fiona crossing the sandy creek.

This poor butterfly was frozen solid.

Fiona's selfie with squirrel butt.

The rest of the pictures I took. This is Fiona with her burrito.

On our way to the presentation in the city!

Here we are in tunnels that go under the city. Sort of like a pedestrian subway system.

Working on Chinese paper cutting lesson.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Calm, Warm Christmas...in Texas.

Scott and I still laugh when we realize we are in Texas. Seriously, we NEVER thought about this state, let alone living here! BUT this was our first southern Christmas and we made the most of it. I literally cranked up the air conditioning so that we could enjoy the fire, and our warm pajamas. We also added a new twist to our holiday traditions. Kids and I thought it would be fun to open presents on Christmas Eve. Four o'clock was as far as we made it that day before caving into our curiosity (plus I wanted Scott to have a chance to play with his new rollerblades). No regrets! The rest of the afternoon we all played inside and out. Christmas morning was lovely. Just a few presents left from Santa and our stockings. Plus, sticky buns and huge cups of coffee!
Today is our first day "back to school" and the kids are transitioning fairly well. We also pick back up on Spanish class, piano lesson, track, and horseback riding. Ethan also has baseball try-outs this month! BUT! Last night his coach from last seasons Allstar team contacted Scott. He asked that Scott be assistant coach for his team this year ensuring that Ethan would play for him!!!!!!! (All coaches and assistant coaches automatically have their sons on their teams). So, he will try-out with out much pressure because he already knows his team and coach! The kid could hardly control his joy! Coach Hall was a dream coach for the short time he had him on the Allstars.