Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Favorite Photo's 2011

Favorite Photo

Rounding up a few of my favorite pictures from 2011 and reminiscing over the moments represented.
 That is the key for me - the photos are about slices of our life - looking through the lens and stopping
 time . . . . just for a moment! 

These may not be the BEST shots, but they are my shots of our special moments: 


This year, we were fortunate enough to go and bear witness of the last space shuttle. It was a
bitter-sweet experience for us, as both my husband and myself grew up in Orlando and have such
 fond memories of the space program. We were grateful to share those memories with our children.

This photo represents more than that to me though, it represents the brotherly love shared as my
 oldest takes a moment (captured in time) to show his little brother how to use the binoculars to spot
 the launch pad.

Next, well the quality isn't great- not the best camera ever. We handed it to some strangers and I took their
picture and they took ours. Thank you! Who-ever you are! This is the only family photo for 2011!!!
 We were on an impromptu little get-a-way to the east coast in Palm Beach.
 It was a wonderful time together. I love the memory.


And then - we came across this beautiful creature on our way to church. He was perched in a tree right
down the street from our house. He's actually landed in our yard with a fish in his mouth after grabbing it
out of the waterway behind the house - but I couldn't get the camera fast enough to capture that one! I
love the majesty and posture for the American Bald Eagle! 


God-bumps:
This picture is one of my very favorites ever because it represents something more precious than
anything else - the day my Walker gave his heart and life to Jesus. We were spending the day at
 Warm Mineral Springs together (where Ponce de Leon thought he'd found the fountain of youth) for
 a homeschool field trip in the great outdoors. We prayed together while sitting in the water and snapped
 a picture of the butterfly as we discussed that he too was a "new creature"! My son also took a
handful of moss and let it go over the small waterfall and explained that it represented his sins being
 "washed away"! Precious moments.


Ok, now these are not my photos, but my sons photos, but they are so special because
he got to go on an adventure of a lifetime this year - My parents took him
(on my dream trip-just sayin) to Alaska! There are too many special ones to choose but
these are a few of my favorite- 

My 10 year old adventurer! 


Some of my favorite people in the world- My first born with my parents!


Love the silhouette shot here and the fact that our homeschool friends came to visit!
It was an awesome visit & we got to share our love of kayaking, beach, and shells along with
other friends who love Jesus :)


Another shot of Parker in Alaska, love this one-
It captures his sincerity along with the beauty of the moment


My Spencer on his 6th  birthday - He LOVES to fish like no other! He threw his new cast net
for 12 hours straight - I kid you NOT!
And yes, his shirt is on backwards - yet another aspect of his cute personality 
captured in living color.
God is healing this baby of mine!


There is something special for me in this one too -
I ran here at exactly his age and asked God to give me my own family to share my special beach with
I love the action captured here as well - and the fact that it is SO him to
chase the birds, Walker cannot help himself!


This one captures my boys (all four) on a river adventure 
We adore our outdoor adventures - exploring God's creation! 


I think this one is cool- 


and this is little brother "pretending" to be cool as well
(he's a funny kid)
That's right- "skatin" with No board!


I absolutely must include a sunset picture - as it's an important part of our life here as well
It's taken from one of my all time favorite places - where we go to escape the rest of the world
and just be together as a family!

God-bumps:
It restores my soul to sit in front of this view and pray as I watch my family play
around the island God gave me (ok, it's not mine- um, but it is)
because I asked Him for it when I was seven!

Every time I drove over this bridge with my family as a little girl (headed to our vacation spot)
 the special salt smell would fill the air and a unique feeling would come over me
 I knew I was home
  now I'm here with my own husband and children
God is good! 
What a gift He has given me

So, my number one pick for 2011 represents so much that is special to me:
- quiet time with my Creator
- special time with my family
- our adventures
- exploring God's creation and soaking up it's beauty
-watching dolphins play
- seeing beautiful birds soar high
- listening to my children laugh
- watching as my good husband gently instructs his boys in the ways of nature
- gratitude for the gifts He has given me
- setting aside time to reflect on all of the above


Thank you Lord with all of my heart!

God Bless You in 2012
Do you have special photos from 2011 to share?

also linking with A Holy Experience these are my 
#92 - #102 counting all the way to #1000 Gifts  


14 comments:

MomLaur said...

Not the best shots?! What on earth are you talking about! These are fantastic! Love watching your boys and their adventures - beautiful scenery and family moments!

Sam said...

Those are fabulous shots! Thank you so much for joining us!

Unknown said...

What special moments you have captured! They are lovely :)

DeborahJoy said...

you've captured all that really matters in your photos - family, love, caring, God's wonderful world. Lovely, lovely

Dea Moore said...

Such a beautiful life...someday they will fly like that grand eagle. We can't hold the moments, but thank God for the photos that capture their beauty.

a joyful noise said...

Loved your beautiful photos and the stories with them. Such as sweet boy to even think of tossing moss over the side like his sins being washed away, and you pointing out the butterfly as him being a new creature!

Donetta said...

I absolutely love these!! And the shot of your sons - the first one after the butterfly - BREATHTAKING!!! WOW! I might have to sit down and do a post like this! This is right up my alley. ;) Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!

Deanna said...

Beautiful pictures and family! Those are cute boys! I just finished up a 9 year stint of time homeschooling myself. Homeschooling is awesome :O)
Blessings, Deanna

PrairieJenn said...

Every one of your photos was amazing and shared such depth of feeling! Wow! Thanks for sharing your gift for photographer and your family's story:)

MJ said...

Wow, amazing pictures Kelli--and amazing moments!! Your joy just bursts from all these pictures and your gratitude is wonderful....May it continue well into 2012!! Happy new year friend!!
xo

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

You have an amazing eye for photography, an amazing family, and an amazing God who has blessed you.

I am in love with that photo of your little guy and his cast net. Reminds me of each of us, being made fishers of men.

Just a lovely post, from a lovely sister in Christ.

Your heart radiates with Christ's love.

Bless you in the coming year, my friend. ...

Love, Jennifer

Craig said...

I have never in my life prayed for as many families, husbands, and brides, and children, as I have this year of blogging. I just finished a prayer for yours. Of all of those shots – the one of your family by the ocean is my favorite – I remember reading that post. You really have captured love with your picture taking. Good for you! God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours Kelli.

Natasha said...

Loved the photos. Wish I was as talented with a camera as you are. Especially loved the one of Spencer with his fishing net.

Pamela said...

Amazing. I loved being part of your special moments in 2011. I kept thinking each one was my favorite -- but the colors painted by my Heavenly Father in the last one was breathtaking.