Valentine's Day, for me, is more about the kiddos. I enjoy making treats, buying little cards, and helping Jared stuff them with goodies. But I try to stay away from the commercialization and pressure they place on adults and their varying relationship statuses. No one should ever feel excluded or inadequate over a holiday.
This year was a bit different. Jared's class didn't exchange cards and didn't need treats. That was weird for me. On the other hand, Mario came home a whole day early, we had a lovely lunch, and I got a pretty amazing gift:
Mario could have come home with this on any random day, he's that kind of guy, but it was sweet that he wrapped it up in a pretty pink bag and gave it to me over lunch. Perhaps I should rethink my curmudgeon ways when it comes to Valentine's Day.
Those close-ups that I couldn't quite take? All mine! I am so excited about this lens. The crispness, the color saturation...perfection. Mario said he read about 100 reviews before buying it and they were all positive. I can see why. Some of this week's prompts were taken before I got it, but I imagine there will be a lot of close-ups in the coming weeks. I just can't get enough.
Here we go:
Candy
Apparently there was a Valentine's Day special at the hotel we stayed at Friday night, so these, and a bottle of champagne, were waiting in the room when we arrived. Yum.
Pink or Red
On Friday, Michael's shuffled all their faux floral Valentine's-themed wreaths out front on a clearance rack. They were wild! Flowers, bows, wire garland, folliage...I've never seen something scream Valentine's Day! more than these. So, of course, I took a picture.
Love
This photo combines two loves: the ocean and this child. I am never more at peace than when I am next to water. And although he makes me crazy and frustration-filled on a regular basis, I have never been more in love with a soul than I am with Jared's.
Kisses
Oh, these two. Best buds and brothers rolled into one. Jared was sitting on the floor with Jack and I grabbed my camera just in time to snap this cute interaction. Perhaps it isn't the best demonstration of my new found skills, but I managed to capture the essence of their relationship in a just a few photos.
Smile
If you haven't gathered this by now, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I have a really quirky, wonderful kid. Who does things like eat a kiwi with the skin on. Like a furry little apple. He makes us laugh every single day.
I realize Jared made quite a few appearances this week. Not to be neglected, it should be noted than I am pretty enamored with this guy:
So it was only appropriate that he got his close-up as well.
Happy Sunday!
Have fun with that lens! Love that shot of your son...fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWow... That wreath has a lot going on.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lucky non-Valentine surprise.
Those wreaths were really quite hideous...but I was afraid to say so in fear that someone loved them. But judging by how many were left, I'm guessing I'm not the only one that thought they were a bit much. :) And yes, it was a great surprise.
DeleteOooo love the lens!!! :) have a blast with that.
ReplyDeletewhat a sweet gift! that's awesome! love the pics.
ReplyDeletei don't get too wrapped up in the day either. it's kind of ridiculous if you ask me, so we don't really do too much except get each other an i love you card and maybe some candy.
Nothing like a Hallmark created holiday to provide an excuse to clean house on faux flowers - I've seen some pretty butt-ugly arrangements come out of Michaels and what-ever the heck that other store is called (brain freeze). As mentioned before - I'm enamored with your sweetie for thinking to get you a lens for Valentine's Day. Totally platonic of course - in a motherly sorta way.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day - filled with all the joy crazy off-spring can provide (have a couple of those myself - only one still at home, but for what it is worth, he has always been the more quirky of the two).
You always leave the best comments, Nicki! I always look at the Michael's arrangements and wonder what the appeal is. :) And no judgement...Mario is a pretty stellar guy. I've been told many times how enamored people are with him. :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
DeleteI so used to eat kiwis with the skin on! And what a guy who buys a lens for you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new lens. That is a very thoughtful Valentine Gift. Is that one of those pancake lenses? I've been curious about them.
ReplyDeleteMy fave shot is the love shot. So gentle and dear.
I love non-traditional gifts that are carefully thought out and even practical - they can mean so much more. That said, I like chocolate-dipped strawberries too...! Not sure about skin-covered kiwis however!
ReplyDeleteGreat set! Congratulations on the new lens! What a wonderful Vday gift! Love the interaction between your son and dog. So sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks! They are a pretty funny pair. I'm having a great time experimenting with the new lens...it's pretty amazing!
DeleteLOVING the close-ups, girl, and I love the fact that hubby got you the perfect gift. So sweet!
ReplyDelete{PS ... I think you've got some mad skills there, my friend. I don't even like kiwi, but that photo made them look sooo good!}
All LOVELY photos but of course this series leaves one craving chocolate covered strawberries :)
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry about that. :) They were a nice surprise.
DeleteSweet kisses photo!
ReplyDeleteLots of wonderful photos you have here. And have fun playing with that new lens. Lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! I haven't stopped experimenting with it. So fun!
DeleteI love being close to the ocean, I always have to be close to water.
ReplyDeleteFound you through the blog hop :)
Xo,
Eeka
http://ericaliveloverandom.blogspot.com/
Hi there, Im your new follower from the blog hop!
ReplyDeleteHttp://www.curvyguruceri.com/
Xxx
Hi Ceri! Thanks for stopping by! I'm heading over to your blog now!
DeleteHandsome guys -- and that lens is the best V-Day present ever! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! I'm pretty fond of them. :) I am loving the new lens...I haven't stopped playing with it since I got it!
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