Easter Fun

- My grandson Robert thoroughly enjoyed the Easter Basket we made for him. It was mostly cheap toys, the only candy was Pop Rocks - his first experience was priceless. But of course he enjoyed the fake paper grass from the basket the best. He was at "Grammy's house" and she let him spread it all over the house. Here is is throwing a bunch up in the air. I'm not sure who had the most fun - him, us or the cats. Canon 40D, 1/125 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens and Canon ETTL flash bounced from the ceiling.

Captain Sullivan

- Tonight was special as we attended the Virginia Beach Fire Department's 2011 Promotion Ceremony. In this picture our son Brian has his captain's badge pinned on by his wife Kristal and son Robert as Deputy Chief Journigan and Chief Cover look on. Our entire family is very proud of Brian and his career in the fire service. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 800, 85mm prime lens.

A Penny For Your Thoughts

- My grandson Robert is deep in thought as he enjoys his iced tea and the great view at Bubba's Seafood Restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virgina. It was his first trip with us to Bubba's and he thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Canon G11, 1/10 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, handheld with no flash.

Lego Time

- My grandson Robert was spending the night with us so he and I built a skyscraper from Lego Duplo blocks that was taller than him. He was pretty happy with the creation. Maybe there's budding young architect in there. Only time will tell. Canon 40D, 1/100 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

Santa Delivers

- Santa delivers and Robert plays. The Lego jetliner is pretty cool and Robert is getting ready to push back from the gate. Santa and his elves at VBFD Station 2, C Shift out did themselves. Canon G11, 1/60, F2.8, ISO 160, flash.

Cookies for Santa

- Robert get cookies and milk ready for Santa before heading off to bed. His mommy and daddy are both working tonight so we got to enjoy a four year old's excitement on Christmas Eve. Canon 40D, 1/160 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Triple Decker

- The Thomas triple decker was tonight's living room construction project. You can see my co-builder and drawbridge operator at his duty station. Canon G11, 1/20 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Living Room Train

- Robert's train set on the living room floor. We had fun dodging the the oncoming train while taking pictures. Canon G11, 1/13 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Bubble Shower

- Robert fighting off a shower of bubbles from the "bubble gun". Canon G11, 1/320 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 200

The Force

- The Force is strong with this one, but he's not a photo knight yet. Last Easter I gave Robert his own camera. He took to it immediately and loves taking pictures. You had better have it fully charged and big empty memory card when he gets his hands on it, because he shoots what he sees. It is great watching his creatively grow since he is completely unencumbered with digital. I starting taking pictures when I was 15 using Kodak Instamatic 110 and 126 cameras. But the cost of film and processing was a limiting factor. I can't wait to see what the all digital generation produces. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800.

Roo is Cool

After a little hesitation my grandson Robert got into to feeding the kangaroos at the Virginia Zoo today. This is Beans who took a liking to Robert and his peanuts. Canon 7D, 1/2500 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200, zoom at 123mm.

Model Railroader

Today we took my grandson shopping for his birthday at one of his favorite stores, Chuckatuck Collectibles in Suffolk, Virginia. He spent a lot of time operating the accessories on the Lionel train layout. Here he is intently watching the coal loader do its thing. Canon 40D, 1/25 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Lego Stock

- Made another investment in Legos tonight. My grandson and I had a great time building these construction vehicles. After raising two sons, and now with a grandson my net worth can be measured in bins of Legos. Canon G11, 1/13 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800, additional light from the Litepanel Micro LED.

Builder Bob?

- No it's not Bob the Builder, it my grandson Robert doing some serious reconstruction last week at Sandbridge Beach. Canon 7D, 1/1600 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, zoom at 135mm focal length.

A First

- This is a first for my daily photo blog - a picture I didn't take! After 630 straight days of posting my pictures, I took the day off - well kind of. You see today was my birthday and we went to Sandbridge Beach in the late afternoon with my grandson Robert. I did take a bunch of pictures but then I asked a young lady sitting next to us on the beach if she would mind taking a picture of the three of us. She was a bit intimidated by the Canon 7D and confessed she didn't take very good pictures. I told her not to worry, just point and shoot. She took four pictures while we were trying to convince Robert to look up at the pretty girl when a big wave hit us from behind. Lucky for me, she got the money shot. We were pretty soaked but it was great fun as you can tell from this picture. Canon 7D (The Intimidator), 1/1000 sec at f/10.0, ISO 400, 45mm focal length.

My Buddy

- We went to have dinner at Brian and Kristal's yesterday and I got to spend some time with my grandson Robert. While it was a disappointing day for us Redskin fans, seeing him in his Chris Cooley jersey and hearing his "go Skins" cheer made the day a winner. BTW - the tangerine chicken from the Bobby Flay Grilling book was outstanding. Canon 7D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 190mm focal length.

Groucho Glasses

From 2010 Blog

- My grandson Robert in his Groucho Glasses. He spent the night with us last night and this morning I had the pleasure of introducing him to one of finer things in life, we watched the Three Stooges in "Gents in a Jam" together. We both laughed out loud the whole time. That physical comedy still appeals to grown kids like me as well as the younger generation. Canon 7D 1/30 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 800.

Lashes

From 2010 Blog

- My grandson Robert has some long eye lashes. We were at Sandbridge Beach after work today and he and I got dunked by wave. With his eye lashes still wet, I took this closeup while he watches the water. Canon 7D, 1/1000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 100mm.

Magic Lamp

From 2010 Blog

- Proteus is a legendary narrow-gauge tank engine with a magic lamp hung upon his funnel. Legend has it that should someone finds the lamp, their wishes will be granted. Proteus is the newest addition to our Thomas and Friends railroad and made the trip out for dinner one night with his chief engineer. Canon G10, 1/60 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, in macro mode.