Spanky Pysanky Eggs : )

Summer and I watched a Ukrainian Egg (aka Pysanky Egg) demonstration at an art shop in Burlington called Boutilier's last Saturday. We were both so excited that we gathered up a bunch of supplies to try it ourselves. After looking online at hundreds of mind-blowingly beautiful eggs we were both feeling a little intimidated, but we decided to get over that and just do it our own way. We made the dyes yesterday and brought our eggs to room temperature, etc. so today was finally the day! All of us were quite enchanted with the process, except when we dropped the eggs a few times :( , but we were all thrilled with the results. I think we have a fun new spring tradition!

Summer applies the beeswax with a Kistka.
The beeswax is heated in the Kistka using a candle's flame.
Baxter picked dye to match his shirt.

Andy is in the pysanky zone!


Summi removes the wax with the candle flame to reveal the colors.


Baxter's egg had a sunshine on one side and the moon on the other.

my first egg.
Some little friends stopped by to make eggs too. I was impressed with how focused they all were!





Miss Mia and her "prettiful" egg

Barrie Fisher popped by!
the kids show off their works of art!
Our magical eggs...



To learn how to make the eggs, click HERE for an online tutorial.

Miriam + Esther's Civil Union!

In a state that is famous for civil unions, it is surprising that after years of photographing weddings, I finally had the honor of photographing one.

I met up with the delightful Miriam and Esther along the Burlington waterfront on a recent evening to document their beautiful ceremony at the Burlington Earth Clock.

It was such a relaxed evening with amazing light and there was plenty of time for photographs, which always makes me happy!























M+E: Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your special ceremony. I wish you every happiness together!
xo

Girls (and a boy) on the Run

Ok, I am definitely blogging out of order here, but I was so proud of my kids yesterday that I wanted to share right away...

For the second year, my daughter, Summer, participated in the Girls on the Run . Their website states: "The program combines training for a 3.1 mile run/walk event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the program are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development." It's an all around great program, with amazing people and I'm so happy that Summer has been involved.

This year, the schedule fell on the evening the kids had piano lessons, so Baxter joined the group on Thursdays. They enjoyed having him around and thought of him as their team mascot. He told me, "It's fun to run and also I like running faster than most of the girls." That's Baxter for you!

The program prepared them for a 5km event, which was yesterday, in Burlington. Both years I have been completely blown away by the spirit and enthusiasm of this event!

I photographed the event for the Free Press, but took lots of pics for my family too...

Hannah, Rebecca and Summer!
One of my BFFs, Lucy and her sweet daughter, Madison
girls having fun...
...staying cool...
... and signing shirts.
Laura and Evangeline
Baxter cools his head
the loves of my life!!
peace
a big smile from Summer
a few of Summer's teammates...
and more of the team!
Waitsfield photographer, Corey Hendrickson, was busy capturing the action for the GOTR
pre-race stretching
fun shadows
the line-up
and they're off!
I was shocked and delighted to see Baxter finishing in 8th place overall! I almost didn't recognize him because his little face was so red and he was a bit dazed as he crossed the line. The 90+ degree weather was a huge challenge to everyone who participated...even to those of us who didn't!
I worked on getting Baxter rehydrated right away
then it was on to the ice cream!
I almost missed Summer! It's tough being a working mom!
A little smile
I think this is my fav of the day