Twenty-Fives

We had to document this day when we realized that we were all twenty-five something.

Joseph is 25 years old.

I'm 25 weeks pregnant.

J is 25 months old.

Baby Girl Pieper is 25 (gestational) weeks old. 

Seriously, what are the chances of that ever happening again!?

When one of my Activity Day girls saw me  this week, all she could say was, "Whoa!" Meaning yes, my belly had finally popped out and I was looking very much pregnant. 

It's funny how when you are pregnant (and obviously showing) it is an invitation for random strangers to start conversations with you while looking at your belly and not your eyes. Starting with, "When are you due?" or "Do you know what you're having?". Never mind those silly introductions like, "Hi my name is (blank)." Let's just jump to the good stuff, "Do you mind if I stare at your body and ask personal questions?"

Oh the joys of being pregnant (and complete strangers taking interest!). Only 15 more weeks and then it will be all worth it.

 

Bucket List: Grand Canyon

I can't remember if we planned to go to the Grand Canyon because it was on my bucket list, or if I put it on my bucket list because we were already planning on going to the Grand Canyon... but either way, my first photograph is crossed off my list!

I honestly couldn't decide which photograph of the Grand Canyon I like more, so I'll let both be bucketlisters together!

The top photograph was taken at sunset with the beautiful colors shining on the massive wall of the canyon. This photograph is an HDR composite, meaning that I took three exposures from the exact same position and then merged them together on the computer, giving a huge range of highlights to shadows. 

The second photograph is also at sunset, at a similar location but this one is facing the setting sun. I loved the rich light streaking through the trees and the shadows of the dark canyon and Colorado River below.

 

 Both photographs were taken amidst a group of photographers with their National Geographic field-guides (gulp!) who had way fancier equipment than I did (double gulp!). 

Once my nerves recovered and I stopped shivering, I was truly able to enjoy this spectacular view with my fellow photographers trying to capture just a slice of this amazing sight.

This was just one evening of our Spring Break road trip through Arizona. Stay tuned for race cars, giraffe tongues, and of course, airplanes!

Mr. Two

J had a birthday, shout hooray! 

(And we're just going to pretend like this isn't a month late, okay?)

We started with a relaxed day of opening presents, skyping grandparents, and making a birthday cake. 

(On a side note, all the animals are still inside the ark. 

I guess it hasn't been 40 days and nights yet?)

After a nice afternoon nap (unlike last year) we headed to our favorite park to meet friends for cake. J helped by crash landing the jet planes into the cake for a more authentic look.

After eating cake, we walked down to the lake to feed the local geese and ducks. We ended the day by heading to the airport (surprise!) to watch the airplanes take off and land. I love that this little boy of mine is so easy to please.

Happy Birthday (a month late) little man!