Tonight there was some awesome light in the side yard.  And all the Hooligans cooperated.

Even the Princess.  How about that?

When one of my hard drives decided to convulse and die over Christmas break, it meant reinstalling every program I had once the new drives were in. Boring, yes, but no big deal.

Until I tried loading Photoshop Elements 5. Not only is it not equipped for RAW files (the patch I installed disappeared in the crash), it was totally unprepared to reload my library. Whenever I tried to reconnect the thousands of photos. So I got a free trial of Elements 7 and, lo, there was much rejoicing. At least for the thirty days that I got to spend with it.  The newest version really is nice. So I started looking around to buy it.

I made my way over to AcademicSuperstore.com so that I could drool over Photoshop CS4 price compare Elements. Academic Superstore is a website that gives deep, deep discounts to students and faculty of K-12 and higher education schools. AND they accept homeschoolers! I have spent a lot of time there, pining for the full version of Photoshop. But even at $700 off, it was a lot.

But as I browsed and wished, I found out that Adobe is selling the big kahuna for even cheaper to college students through the end of February. And guess what I am? The fact that I have to deal with algebra that makes my brain bleed says that I am a student of higher learning. CS4 for a fifth of its usual asking price.

“It’s going to be impossible to live with you until you get it. Go ahead.” said Mr. MG.

!

Of course, I have no idea how to use it when it gets here. It’ll be a little like giving a second grade kid the keys to a Maserati. But mercy, it’s going to be fun to put my foot on the gas.

I could just eat him up. CHOMP!

With age comes less co-operation, at least around here.

“C’mere and let me take some pictures!”

Moo says no problemo.

The Bear decides to start making faces. Grr.

Finally! Caught by the rapid-shot.

And the Princess? Just plain ticked to have to pose. No sense of humor here. Are we done yet?

Yes. I guess we are.

I didn’t sell the Amby hammock and buy CS3, afterall. I bought a new 50mm f/1.4D lens instead.

When I got my camera, I got it with an 18-135 lens. I have really enjoyed it for the versatility, not to mention the sneakiness a zoom lens provides. And it’s great that it makes getting close very easy. But dang, that puppy’s big. It’s big, it’s pretty heavy, and it kind of scares the baby.

Now the 50 is here. I have to retrain myself to move closer, since I can’t use the zoom to do it for me. But oh, how it captures the light. The feel of it is so lovely and nice to work with. The shallow depth of field is fantastic. And though Moo may look very serious, at least she isn’t scared by the howitzer pointed at her.

After church we went to Easter brunch with my folks and L and her family. This is the year I finally figured out that the best time to take pictures of all the kids is before we sit down to eat.

Moo gets set to run, but L’s Bear seems resigned to his fate.

Nobody is ready for this. There’s a tie askew, blinking, lip pursing, and my Bear seems to be caught doing his best Jack Nicholson impersonation.

At this point, I should quit while I’m ahead. Everyone is hungry and tired of my shenanigans. All eyes are open, no one is poking anybody, and it is mostly in focus. Well, maybe one more shot…

Nope, the thrill is gone. Time to go eat.

Happy Easter!