Scavenger Hunt Sunday: Love is in the air

Sunday, February 17, 2013

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!

23 comments :

  1. Have fun with that lens! Love that shot of your son...fantastic.

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  2. Wow... That wreath has a lot going on.

    That's a lucky non-Valentine surprise.

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    1. 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.

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  3. Oooo love the lens!!! :) have a blast with that.

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  4. what a sweet gift! that's awesome! love the pics.
    i 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.

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  5. 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.

    Have 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).

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    1. 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!

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  6. I so used to eat kiwis with the skin on! And what a guy who buys a lens for you!

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  7. Congrats on the new lens. That is a very thoughtful Valentine Gift. Is that one of those pancake lenses? I've been curious about them.
    My fave shot is the love shot. So gentle and dear.

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  8. 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!

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  9. Great set! Congratulations on the new lens! What a wonderful Vday gift! Love the interaction between your son and dog. So sweet!

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    1. Thanks! They are a pretty funny pair. I'm having a great time experimenting with the new lens...it's pretty amazing!

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  10. LOVING the close-ups, girl, and I love the fact that hubby got you the perfect gift. So sweet!

    {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!}

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  11. All LOVELY photos but of course this series leaves one craving chocolate covered strawberries :)

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    1. Oh, sorry about that. :) They were a nice surprise.

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  12. Lots of wonderful photos you have here. And have fun playing with that new lens. Lucky girl.

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    1. Thanks, Linda! I haven't stopped experimenting with it. So fun!

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  13. I love being close to the ocean, I always have to be close to water.
    Found you through the blog hop :)

    Xo,
    Eeka

    http://ericaliveloverandom.blogspot.com/

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  14. Hi there, Im your new follower from the blog hop!
    Http://www.curvyguruceri.com/
    Xxx

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    1. Hi Ceri! Thanks for stopping by! I'm heading over to your blog now!

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  15. Handsome guys -- and that lens is the best V-Day present ever! :)

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    1. Thanks, 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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