9/52

Ella - she's not afraid to get dirty.  She falls hard for all little creatures.  After she found this salamander she named it, built a little house for it in the yard, and provided some food and water right outside the door of the little house.  Later that night when we got home she insisted on checking on her friend.  Sadly she was gone and Ella looked for her for the next couple of days...she was worried about her.  Yes, the salamander was a she ;)

Julian - Fist time with a hockey stick while we were on a field trip.  He LOVED it!!

8/52

Ella - often deep in thought...this is sometimes a source of my frustration when I need her to do something, but I want to nurture this in her, she is a thinker.

Julian - this is how he moves...sometimes it's a quick little dance across the kitchen, or a couple of hops down the hall, but this boy rarely walks.

7/52

Ella - conquering the tree house

Julian - first experience at Skate Depot

6/52

Julian - he's fearless
Ella - so proud of the little house for "trashies" she created with daddy and Julian

5/52

Ella - soaking in the sun on a cold beach day

Julian - he has always been on the smaller side, but those little legs seem to be stretching lately.

4/52

Ella - Running free on a beautiful beach day...lots of big smiles

Julian - Sleepy eyes and a sand freckled nose after running like crazy at the beach

3/52

Ella - She has more purses, bags, and pouches than I do.  Whenever we go somewhere, even if it is just down the street for a little bit of outdoor science, she loves to pack a few things in one of her bags.  She's prepared!

Julian - he loves any time we get out of the house to do a little school. We need to do it a little more often.

2/52

Julian - my favorite laugh...deep belly, eyes closed

Ella - she can always find the biggest or the tiniest anything.

1/52

I loved the portrait series I did last year of taking one picture each week of the kids.  I definitely did not get a picture in every week but I want to give it a go again this year. Looking back and seeing the  change over one year makes me want to step up to the challenge again.  I want to try to capture a little more of who they are with these pictures...facial expressions, activities they are into, their personalities, etc.  

Ella - ok, so I'm already cheating.  This picture is from Christmas day.  We were getting ready to leave to my aunt's house and she came walking out with her floral crown.  Love it!!

Julian - flying his remote control helicopter.  When he is in deep concentration or when he is doing something challenging, that little tongue always pops out.  

42/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Ella - new teeth coming in 

Julian - still hanging on to all of his baby teeth

These guys can sure be silly

34/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

We celebrated a birthday over here last week.  I can't believe my sweet girl is 8.

Ella - As much as she has grown and changed overnight, she still wanted to go to Zoomar's where she has chosen to go every year for the last 4 years...she can't get enough of those guinea pigs, ha!

Julian - I really hope this sweet relationship between them never ends and only grows.  Giving the birthday girl an early morning birthday kiss. 

33/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

at the Huntington Library

JULIAN - enjoying the camera

ELLA - enjoying the kid's garden

32/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

ELLA - she loves nature, especially when something is 'tiny'

JULIAN - so strong!! haha

31/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Ella - a little out of focus, but something about this picture just says 'ELLA'... she is always making me laugh and she is completely fearless.

Julian - as he is getting older I'm realizing that those chubby baby cheeks are almost gone. Maybe that's why this picture caught my attention...either that or those lashes!

30/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

ELLA -  beach days

JULIAN - love those baby teeth

29/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Ella - always making a collection of something

Julian - enjoying a popsicle from our new Zoku maker. 

28/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Ella & Julian - swiss chard bouquets...love these silly kids

27/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Julian - crab hunting

Ella - endless fun on a board

26/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Julian - loving the shaggy hair

Ella - night swimming with clothes on...not really sure why they think it is so exciting to swim with clothes on.

25/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Ella - painting sticks

Julian - my baby turned 6!!