So, since the last time I wrote, we've had several new additions to our little family.  (And, no, while I realize it has been a while since I've written, it has not  been long enough for me to get pregnant and give birth, so none of the additions are of the human persuasion).

First up is this little number (Not the kids - they're old news - the double jogging stroller)

The girls and I have been walking so much that we practially wore our old tandem stroller out, and it was terribly difficult to steer on rough terrain - I know what you're thinking - what rough terrain?  Well, trust me, the grassy stretch on our way to the library can be a pretty tough thing to manuver with those teeny tiny wheels that the old stroller had.  So, when we found a good deal on this used one, we went ahead and got it.  I don't think any one was more excited than Gracie - for days she walked around saying, "I have a new double jogging stroller." (Peronally, I just think she likes the way it sounds when she says it) They both seem to enjoy riding in it, at least some of the time, and we've done a pretty good job initiating it.  In the six weeks we've had it, I think we've walked about 75 miles, which I think is the stroller equivalent of buying a new car and then driving it cross-country the next week. 

The second new addition is this little sweetie.


Yes, somehow, this little kitten, who Gracie named Copper managed to take up residence in our living room.  I think he's supposed to be Gracie's cat, but I  he and Abigail definitely have this little mutual adoration thing going on - she stands a few feet away from him and meows and says, "Hi!  Coppie, Coppie, Coppie!" and he just watches her, obviously amazed by this odd 2-legged creature that speaks in some kind of strange cat-human language and chases him all over the place.  The first few days he was with us, he seemed terrified (and honestly, who wouldn't be if they suddenly found themselves living in this crazy house?), but now he pretty much rules the roost.

And finally, here's the newest of the new additions:


Yep, a new camera.  I know, I know, I know - why would I possibly need a new camera?  Well, the truth is somewhat complicated - partly, my old camera is about worn out, partly, I'm really considering taking photos as more than a hobby and this camera is the big sister to my old camera and has a few more features, but the biggest reason probably of all is that my husband is simply wonderful and agreed when Canon posted their spring rebates that I could go ahead and upgrade.  To say I am happy with it would be an understatement - I am thrilled with the shots I get, with the way it handles, with its speed, with everything about it.  Here's a shot from Saturday, using it:


(Not only does Steve get bonus points for getting me my camera, he gets extra points for repeatedly throwing Abigail up in the air until I got the shot just right). 

So, things have been busy around here, as always.  I hope you all had a peaceful Memorial Day - I'll leave you with a few pictures from yesterday - we took dinner over to my grandparents' house and the girls had fun playing in the backyard.  Here's Gracie - her latest trick when I try to take her picture is to fall down to the ground - I have to snap quickly to get any kind of shot




Here's our dessert - the pound cake was supposed to be grilled, but here's a little tip for you - gas grills don't work too well when your propane tank is empty!  It was really good, but I'm anxious to try the cake on the grill - I'm thinking it will be scrumpdeliumpcious!



And here are two pictures that prove I've got a lot to learn about using my macro lens, but I think I'm going to have a great time learning.  This first one is a picture of ants in a chive flower on my grandmother's back porch.  The ants were so small, I didn't even see them until I put the camera up to my eye (for point of reference, the whole chive flower is less than two inches across and what you're seeing here is actually just a few of the petals on the flower).  I obviously didn't nail the focus and my hand was nowhere near steady enough, but it was still a fun picture to take.



And here's one of the chive itself - I don't know why I like this one, but I do


And finally, my sweet baby Abigail trying to cover her eyes for Hide and Go Seek - for some reason when we tell her to cover her eyes, this is what should does