Growing Up Connor

I Heart Faces- Innocent Wonder.

2011-01-24T08:48:00.005-06:00

Happily enchanted with the sand on his toes. : )

I Heart Faces- Winter Wonderland.

2011-01-17T08:53:00.005-06:00

My son throwing snowballs at Daddy. : )

I Heart Faces-- Smile Challenge.

2011-01-10T08:23:00.006-06:00

Happiest smile in the world. : )

I Heart Faces.

2011-01-03T09:20:00.005-06:00

One of my most favorite face captures of all time.

I Heart Faces.

2010-12-13T10:09:00.004-06:00

My dog Buttercup. She's not angry, I promise. This would be her choking on some sort of hairball, ha.

I Heart Faces- Silhouette Challenge.

2010-11-15T08:19:00.003-06:00

Sweetness and innocence captured in a silhouette. : )

Submissions for PW's latest photo contest.

2010-11-10T09:44:00.003-06:00

I Heart Faces.

2010-11-08T12:30:00.005-06:00

I Heart Faces

2010-10-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

Allie.

2010-10-12T21:56:00.012-05:00

Have you ever seen a more graceful teenager? I haven't, that's for sure. I remember back to when I had my senior photo(s) taken. * SHUDDER * The standard, head leaning on hand shot... the black background. * YAWN * Times are a'changing, photo styles are changing. Thank goodness. : )

~ Deb

Oh My.

2010-10-12T10:06:00.005-05:00

I just had to share this shot from a session I did about a week ago. I think it's my new favorite shot of all time. More pics to come... hopefully soon!

~ Deb

This, that & the other.

2010-07-16T08:03:00.003-05:00

I know it's been ages since I've updated here, so this post is going to contain a hodgepodge of different images from some of my recent photo sessions. I've finally burst into this years wedding season and it's been INSANE (but in a good way)! My official site now has a wedding section in the gallery and I look forward to filling it up some more with tons of new samples. Thanks to all who have booked with me this year-- you're keeping my busy and I am loving every minute of it.

~ Deb

Sorry for the double here-- I can't decide which version I like best!

That's it for now... a zillion more to follow... someday. ; )

Family.

2010-05-10T21:19:00.006-05:00

Family. Love these next few shots! ~ Deb

Had to throw a black and white version in! : )

... Okay, LOTS of black and whites this time.

COLOR!!!

Back to black and white.

There's just something magical about it.

But color is pretty darn spiffy, too. ; )

The End. I think.

First Communion.

2010-05-10T20:48:00.003-05:00

Once again, I am so behind posting on this blog, ugh! But oh well, things here are busy and that's a good thing. Here's some recent pic's from one of my latest photo sessions. ~ Deb

Not sure If I like this one better...

... or the black and white version. (So I'll just post them both!). : )

I like the color version of this one as well...

... and here it is.

Could she be any cuter??? Nope, not possible. : )

Sweet sisters.

Take 2.

I would like for my hair to look like this everyday, thank you very much.

Here's her great grandma... how cute is she? She was a great sport! : )

And that, as they say, is a wrap. For now anyway!

I'm in love...

2010-04-13T21:23:00.005-05:00

... with these chubby little limbs. Great 6 month photo session with a wonderful family-- I look forward to doing their 1 yr photo's down the road! : )

~ Deb

Patio Door and a Cloudy Day.

2010-04-06T20:52:00.007-05:00

I usually fret before each new photo session about the lighting situation that I will be walking into. Will there be enough light... will it be "good" light, etc... Well folks, I've come to the conclusion that all you really need is a cloudy day and a patio door. That's really it. Thanks Rachel for letting me capture some great shots of your beautiful baby bump (and double thanks for letting me completely rearrange your living room like an out-of-control tornado, ha!) : )

~ Deb

Tahlia.

2010-03-22T15:10:00.009-05:00

Just had to share my favorite picture from Tahila's photo session.

~ Deb

Beautiful, inside and out.

2010-03-18T08:39:00.006-05:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working with this beautiful couple for some engagement pictures. Do you ever feel that you just "click" when meeting someone for the first time? Well, that's how I felt when working with these two! : ) This session was filled with love & laughter, sweetness and just plain fun. I am so excited to be shooting their upcoming wedding this summer! It's going to be a great day. : ) ~ Deb

Baby Bliss.

2010-03-11T07:52:00.003-06:00

Hi All, I know it's been a while since I've posted here. Today I just wanted to share some of my recent baby shots. These two little ones are from my last two photo sessions. Both sweeties are in their third month-- what a joy it was to photograph them! ~ Deb

This is sweet little Tahlia and her beautiful Mommy.

This handsome little man is Henry.

Tahlia with Daddy.

Henry with his sweet Mom and Dad.

Tahlia trying rice cereal for the first time. Brings back so many memories of when my boy was a babe. * SNIFF *

Hmmmmm...

... this isn't half bad! ; )

Back to Henry.

Basket shots are my new BFF.

Beautiful family.

Back to little Tahlia now.

Another beautiful family.

The End... for now. : )

PW Photography Assignment

2010-02-25T10:47:00.002-06:00

Just thought I'd post my latest entries for PW's recent photography assignment here. She has SO many entries to go through-- I don't envy her job one bit! P.S... feel free to give a shout out if you stopped here from PW's site-- & post a link of your entries in the comments section of this post (if you'd like). It'd be fun to see your work, too! : )

Wonderful Family.

2010-02-24T09:00:00.002-06:00

Kelly-- I had a wonderful time working with you and your lovely family. Thanks for such a great photo session!

~ Deb

Lucky In Love.

2010-02-02T21:25:00.002-06:00

These two were one of the sweetest couples I've ever met. Lucky for me because it makes my job so easy and lucky for them because, well, they're getting married this summer! : ) Thank you Vic and Silja for allowing me to be a part of this special time in your lives.

Color.

2010-01-23T05:40:00.005-06:00

Here are some pictures from my most recent photo session. Black and white photography has always been my favorite, but as I get to know my camera better, I find myself actually loving color as well. Which is huge deal in my world. I never thought I'd see the day where I took more color photo's in one sitting as opposed to more black & whites. Times a'changing I guess.

~ Deb

... But I still have to end with a black & white. : )

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look!

Bathing in Black and White.

2010-01-18T14:11:00.003-06:00

For whatever reason, I have the hardest time getting pictures to turn out decent in our bathroom. The color is always funky-- usually a sickly yellow. I know it's because of a white balance issue and because there is no natural lighting to be found. So the other day, as I was snapping away wanting to get some shots of C's lovely cowlick (which has taken on a personality of its own lately)-- it came to me (I'm a little slow) to shoot in black & white. And tah-dah (or tah- DUH), the sickly yellow problem was solved.

Took this shot in the mirror.

It wouldn't be a bath without some superhero action.

Oblivious to the giant cowlick taking over his melon.

And a rear shot of the cowlicky beast.

And a profile shot. Had to cover all the bases.

"Can't see the cowlick in this one, now can ya?"

BFF's.

He wet his hair in this one. He was getting wise to my cowlick-picture-taking. Smart little booger.

Seriously mom, are you done yet?"

The Milwaukee Public Museum, Part I.

2010-01-13T19:14:00.009-06:00

Pretty little cocoons (I had to Google the spelling of cocoon. It's kind of like how I always have to Google the spelling of vacuum. And now I just had to Google the spelling of vacuum again).

This should appear to be a pretty, just hatched little moth. To me, though-- my mind immediately jumps to The Silence of the Lambs. I wonder if it's just me or every other traumatized human being of my generation? (Tina, I know you can sympathize... "It rubs the lotion on its skin..."

* SHUDDERS *

Now these pretty little guys I can stomach.

Innocent...

Harmless...

Sweet...

... Innocent, harmless & sweet EATERS OF POO. Nice. Really, really nice.

But I'll end on a good note.

Next up... fake eskimos and creepy dolls. Please try to contain your excitement.

~ Deb

Another Freebie

2010-01-11T14:31:00.003-06:00

The Pioneer Woman (see my Links section) generously gave us another picture to download today-- and she said it's okay to tinker with it in Photoshop (so tinker I did!).

Here's the beautiful original:

And here's the sepia + texture version I did:

Thanks PW and thanks to all those who came to take a look!!!

~ Deb

These Thing's Happen...

2010-01-07T12:42:00.003-06:00

... when you have a houseful of boys.

Poor Buttercup.

She's a real trooper.

Whether she wants to be...

... or not.

Sepia.

2010-01-06T09:56:00.005-06:00

The Pioneer Woman (see my Links section) gifted all her readers again with another amazing photo to download. I wanted to see it in sepia so I did a quick tweak in Photoshop. Thanks PW! Here's her original photo:

And here's the sepia version.

Thanks for taking a look, and thanks again to PW for the amazing photo. : )

~ Deb

My Version of LB for PW.

2010-01-04T12:34:00.004-06:00

PW posted a pic today of one of her horses-- "LB." I just had to play with the colors in Photoshop-- I hope she doesn't mind! : ) ~ Deb

.

Leaf

2009-12-31T09:13:00.004-06:00

Just a pretty leaf I've had sitting around since fall. Taped it to the patio door to let the light shine through and proceded to snap a thousand pic's. Good times in the world of photography land.

.

This Little Peanut...

2009-12-21T15:24:00.007-06:00

... has been my undoing for the last 24 hours. I haven't been able to get a single thing done other than editing her pic's. Can you blame me? I love my job. : )

~ Deb

Lovely Family.

2009-12-07T16:13:00.003-06:00

Picture's from my most recent photoshoot. This family was truly a pleasure to work with-- their little boy was so sweet natured and full of smiles. ~ Deb

Milwaukee Art Museum

2009-11-24T15:12:00.003-06:00

* GIGGLES *

The End.

Kaden.

2009-11-19T12:53:00.002-06:00

Here are the latest pic's from my most recent photoshoot. I loved working with this little guy-- could he be any cuter? Thanks to Kellyn for being my first repeat customer-- I can't wait to photograph your wedding next summer! : ) ~ Deb

One Photoshoot, Two Families.

2009-11-17T08:12:00.002-06:00

Here are some of my favorite's from both. ~ Deb

My Favorites

2009-11-10T09:17:00.003-06:00

Some of my favorite shots from the last five photo shoots. I'm so happy with how they've turned out! Thanks for taking the time to take a look, your feedback means the world to me. ~ Deb

Getting So Big.

2009-10-30T12:21:00.001-05:00

Quick video clip from this morning-- you can definitely tell he's almost 5. : )

Two Photo Shoot's

2009-10-13T07:42:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites (so far) from The Mertens/Klusken shoot's. More to follow later. (P.S... if you could pick a favorite, which one would it be & why? I'm a feedback junkie and would love it if you let me know your thoughts!) ~ Deb

I like this picture.

2009-10-03T13:46:00.004-05:00

Took this picture of one of our tree's out in the front yard yesterday.

~ Deb

2009-09-24T16:00:00.009-05:00

Pretty leaf at the Zoo. Fall is definitely here.

An impatient tree. The only changed one in a sea of green.

Penguin area.

Looking at... absolutely nothing. Don't ask me, I just follow him around with a camera.

In the monkey house & not the least bit interested in the monkey's.

Gorilla's in the mist. Har. (Hey, maybe that was a wee bit lame but it WAS a little foggy. Sort of).

Excited to spot a Gorilla picking its nose with a stick. I was kind of excited, too.

Making monkey noises.

Not sure why Connor appears so tense in this photo? And why is his hand on the Gorilla's... oh, nevermind. Some questions are best left unanswered.

More monkey noises.

Some kind of monkeys-that-look-like-chimps area. I'm all about the education when I go to the Zoo, can't you tell?

At least I know what kind of animal THIS is. But I can't spell it and I'm much too busy to Google the proper spelling at the moment. Leave me alone.

So fuzzy, yet so stinky.

Grinning at some fellow kiddies.

"Can I stop smiling now Mom, sheeeeeesh."

I had to take this face or leave it. I took it.

I have no idea what he's looking at here, or what area we were in for that matter. I was all about getting a cool shot with the railing, not going to lie.

I really should have looked at what he was pointing at.

This one just makes me snicker. He kept saying "I can't see anything." To which I replied, "Well, keep trying." Nevermind that I didn't put a quarter in. * GIGGLES *

Creepy called, it wants its statue back. Connor, being the good sport that he is, gave the little puppy a pat... after I told him to. I don't think he was picking up on the whole creepy vibe.

For whatever reason, this one seems slightly less creepy, don't you think?

"I'm outta' here. That guy was sort of CREEPY."

"Can't a kid hunker privately anymore, jeeeeeeez?!"

Taking a much needed break.

Having lunch. I love this face. It's kind of saying, "Seriously. Are you done?"

And then this face. It's like someting snapped after I took the millionth picture. He gave in. Surrendered to the camera and his innermost being. I love it when people surrender to the camera.

The END. For now.

Brave Boy.

2009-08-11T20:48:00.010-05:00

Just some pic's taken at the State Fair today. More to follow later! These were my favorites. : )

Random livestock shot. You're welcome.

The REAL reason anyone goes to the WI State Fair. And with that, I bid you goodnight.

Connor's First Baseball Game.

2009-08-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

Our view. : )

Wide eyed.

Cotton candy time. : )

Laughing at Auntie Cai jammin.'

This one is for the ladies. ; P

"Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, DADDY?!"

Giving me the "Sweet Face." * SIGH *

So exciting!

I heard a rumor that cotton candy enhances the baseball game viewing experience. ; )

"I can eat this whole bag all by myself, right Daddy?"

Cheeks stuffed full of soft pretzel. He stuffed as much in his mouth as he could fit rather than share. Greedy child.

Still chewing. Serves him right.

Almost time to head home.

Had to get a picture with the giant sausage statue.

And of course a picture with the creepy looking baseball player statue. The End. : )

Watching

2009-08-01T17:38:00.003-05:00

Watching, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

One of many baseball game pic's. Again, more to follow later. ; )

Bowling Shoes

2009-08-01T17:38:00.001-05:00

Bowling_Shoes, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Connor's first time bowling. More pic's to follow later. : )

The Zoo x 2.

2009-07-22T21:53:00.008-05:00

To Be or Not to Be (shy)...

2009-07-09T16:00:00.001-05:00

... THAT is the question.

Ummm, a little help here Nanna?

Ahhh, Nanna? Can you come up here please?

Confidence growing... wait for it... wait for it...

THERE it is.

With confidence comes... some sort of happy dance?

The boy can move...

That's for sure.

He's an extremely reserved child, can't you tell?

Well, except when Nanna's there egging him on. : )

Bet you didn't know a body could bend like this.

Yep, he definitely has a bad case of stage fright...

Not.

The Zoo Train.

2009-06-18T21:58:00.001-05:00

Train6, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

More pic's to follow later. : )

Thinking Chair

2009-06-17T15:18:00.001-05:00

Thinking_Chair, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Swimming.

2009-06-17T15:17:00.003-05:00

Sweetness, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Paddle Boat

2009-06-17T15:17:00.001-05:00

Paddle_Boat, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

June 2009.

Tie

2009-06-17T15:16:00.001-05:00

Tie, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

The tie that Connor made Rob for Father's Day. : )

UP IN THE SKY...!!!

2009-05-04T15:12:00.005-05:00

LOOK! It's a bird!

It's a plane!

It's SUPER-SPIDER-PIRATE-COWBOY-MAN!!! (He has a bit of a "Super Hero Identity Crisis." Or maybe he just likes to be well prepared?). : /

Faster than a speeding bullet (snail)...

GRRRRRRRRRRRR...!!!

... able to pull weeds in a single tug...

... okay, maybe two tugs...

... three tugs, TOPS.

Well shucks, ma'am... tweren't nuthin' at all.

Guardian of the new swingset...

Don't let your guard down even for a minute, boy...

"I SEE SUMTHIN' MA!!!" (FYI-- today was trash pick-up day and there happened to be a random foam thingy blowing across the neighbor's yard).

To the RESCUE!

"HAHAHAHA, false alarm. Had you worried for a minute though, didn't I?"

I've got my eye on you, missy. Better watch yer step...

... because I've got SKILLS.

And don't you forget it. (No matter how cute I am). * Insert Snicker Here *

Maturity.

2009-04-14T15:07:00.007-05:00

See this face, this is a face full of poise, charisma... maturity.

Now this face? This face is, is... I'm not sure what to call this face.

And MERCY. This face just screams CRAZY.

And see my sweet, innocent child, seemingly unaffected by the happenings going on around him?

Oh, but wait. Wait for it...

Something appears to be happening here...

And there it is. Crazy #2.

Seriously?

You've GOT to be kidding me.

He's thinking he's REAL cute right about now.

Well, I know Nanna won't allow these shenannigans to carry on much longer. She's going to set that boy straight. Right?

Wrong.

What? Is there something on my face?

Aw, this is a special moment. Connor went to "Build a Bear" and got this sweet little fellow. He happens to be a monkey dressed as Batman. Nanna, being the monkey-lover that she is, decided to plant a special little kiss on Connor's new toy.

Hmmm, that's odd. Why is she giggling like that?

Oh. I see. For shame naughty Nanna, for shame.

P.S... Maturity is highly overrated.

A Lucky Lighting Day.

2009-04-13T22:43:00.006-05:00

No running commentary for this latest batch of pictures. I just happened to get lucky with some very nifty lighting and thought I'd share. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. : ) ~ Deb

Sweet Feet

2009-04-07T08:42:00.005-05:00

The other day at my folks I had one of those "perfect lighting moments" that don't seem to happen very often (for me anyway). The light filtering in the house through their window was amazing. Connor was diddling around on the piano so I sat on the floor with my trusty camera snapping away at him. I ended up taking 200 or so pic's in less than 20 minutes. * INSERT HUGE GRIN * I haven't yet "worked" the rest of the pictures from that day... been too busy... but hopefully today I'll get started on them. This picture is just a little preview of what's to come. I am SO excited to get my hands on the other pictures... SOON, very soon!

He's Shy.

2009-03-30T22:40:00.009-05:00

Can't you tell? : /

He usually runs when he notices me taking out the camera nowadays...

...but today he was in rare form.

Not sure if it was because he was running around in his underwear...

... that made him less inhibited... ha.

But this is definitely the Connor that I can never seem to catch on film... until now.

The sassy one...

... and the silly one.

Because you've all seen the nice one. And that's old news. But here's one more sweet one for the road.

More of This, That & the Other.

2009-03-25T15:33:00.004-05:00

So it seems as if Spring has arrived. I say this tentatively in fear of jinxing myself. I took these few pictures down by the lake.

All was going well. It was a gorgeous, balmy 50 degree day.

Until we came across the Infamous Picnic Table of Doom. Let's just say Connor has become slightly more accident prone as of late.

This is his now infamous "shiner" after falling face first on the seat of the picnic table.

This has nothing to do with Connor. I just thought it looked nifty.

This is my Mom's 4lb alien dog, and Connor's new BFF.

And this is just a bird feeder. I like it & thought it deserved some recognition.

Connor chilling after a busy day (week, month, year) of doing this...

... it's a rough life but someone's gotta do it.

Now that the weather is a little nicer (meaning above freezing), the boys can finally get outside and do all sorts of manly things. Like play baseball.

And basketball. Nice shiner, I know. I actually cringe when I look at it so I tried to Photoshop it out in the next picture. ; )

Connor's first ATV ride. Yes, I realize that's Eric Bana's head on Rob's body. Why, you ask? Because Rob hates his picture taken as much as I do mine, and FORGET about posting full on head shots. So I decided to super-impose this fine gentleman's head on Rob's body rather than cropping all the pictures. Not that I wish my husband was Eric Bana, or that I'm some sort of "Banatic" (yes, like fanatic) or anything. (Okay OKAY, yes I AM a "Banatic", I really, really am!!! I feel better for getting that off my chest... kind of like when I admitted to liking liver sausage). ; )

Thanks Cousin Monica, Aunt Brenda & Uncle Jim for the cool St. P's Day card & stickers! : )

And that Folks, is a wrap.

You Know That One Saying...?

2009-03-12T17:03:00.007-05:00

You know that saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade? I'm thinking of changing it to "When Wisconsin gives you (more) snow, make your own Spring." Seriously, I don't think the weather around here could be any more annoying lately.

First, we had a lovely beautiful hint of Spring. The snow had melted. Life was good... things were looking up.

Even the pond began to melt.

Not even a little fall in the mud could ruin our day... * SNICKERS * (Would you look at that face? You'd think he fell into scalding acid). ; )

We even dug out the old T-Ball set.

"HEAR YE, HEAR YE... Spring is officially here!"

And then this happened...

... THE VERY NEXT DAY.

Yes, our hopes of an early Spring were crushed in a matter of a few snowy moments.

But the snow melted in a matter of hours...

... and then the weather turned bitter cold. Not just a little cold, ROTTENLY, middle of winter cold.

So when Wisconsin gives you snow (and bitter, ROTTEN cold).... make your own darn Spring. So off we headed to the Domes...

... where every days is Spring...

... or Summer.

Where it's balmy...

... and humid...

... and WARM.

If the weather doesn't start warming up, I've decided that I'm going to relocate my person temporarily to the Domes...

... and camp (hide) out in the foliage. Or cacti. Whatever.

People are happier at the Domes.

Colors seem brighter.

Kids are more funny than normal.

And all seems right with the world. Until it's time to go and you step outside and have to run 300 yards to your car in the 7 degree, -40 degree (with the windchill) weather.

The END.

Sweat Equity.

2009-03-04T22:24:00.003-06:00

There's nothing like good old fashioned hair-sweat...

... I SWEAR I didn't touch his hair for these Elvis-like shots.

Good old nature did this job all on its own.

I realize these last two pictures have nothing to do with sweat. I just couldn't resist posting them. Have you ever seen a more convincing Spiderman painting in your life?

Me neither. It's great being a Mom. : )

Guardian of the Homestead.

2009-02-27T09:41:00.004-06:00

Taking in the "situation"...

A good defender always takes careful aim...

... You feeling lucky, punk?...

... a good defender also knows how to be stealthy...

... but fighting battles is weary work.

It's important to celebrate even the smallest victories.

Why is she laughing? Was is something I said?

p.s... He was shooting at the tree cutting guys. Apparently he sensed that they posed some unforseen threat. It's nice having a man around the house to protect us lady-folk from harm. ; )

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Hello Randomness...

2009-02-23T22:15:00.022-06:00

Just thought I'd share a few random photo's of our now dead tree... just on the off chance you all enjoy randomy pictures as much as I do. Is "randomy" even a word?

** Click on the images if you care to see more detail. You'll be redirected to Flickr where there will be a magnifying glass above the picture. Click it folks, because beauty is in the details. ; ) **

So here we've got a little bit of this...

... and a little bit of that...

... and more of this...

... with a dash of HUH?

It was a good tree but it had to go. Its time had come. It was about to crash on our roof.

The End.

Farewell.

2009-02-19T16:50:00.005-06:00

Just some random pic's from the farewell party for Sean and Dave.

These two knuckleheaded cousins had the wise idea to sign up together. They do, however, have the perks of not only training together, being in the same unit together but also going to Iraq together and being able to look out for one another. ** Just kidding about the knucklehead thing. I'm really proud of the two of them. **

The Huolihan Clan, take 1.

Take 2.

Cousin Cassy putting the boys to shame with her shot drinking abilities.

Sean may have been a wee bit tipsy at this point.

And here as well, ha.

Amanda was the DD-- you can tell how happy she is about it, too.

Doing what they do best... being dorks. ; P

You gotta' love Seamus. You just have to... it's the law.

And look at this girl cut some rug. Very talented for someone so young!

And her Mom is pretty darn good, too.

Well, Cassy has some of her own fancy moves as well. Speaking of Cousin Cassy...

... this tiny girl can hold her OWN...

... and she likes cameras almost as much as I do...

... and she's a blast to be around, with or without Lemon Drops. : )

This fellow isn't so bad, either... and his girlfriend baked & decorated American flag cookies for the party- she's a doll. It's the first time I've ever wanted to cry looking at cookies.

Now these two are trouble. Just kidding! They are Dave's folks (as well as Chris & Jeremy's).

Here's Shannon again. I was regretting not having Connor there at the time seeing that there were a couple other kids his age but now I'm glad we didn't bring him...

... because though we didn't know it at the time he had Croup & that would have sucked had we brought that happy little bit of yuck to share with everyone at the party.

Here's another couple trouble makers. ; )

This little guy could pack away cherries like Cassy could Lemon Drops, hee hee!

These two are just way too cute together.

This picture gave me the chills. Eerie.

This one made all my hair stand on end. Sorry Mom, had to do it.

This last one is of just "Us."

Sean & Dave, if you get the chance to read this, we'll miss you & be thinking of you and I promise to send copies of these pic's once we get your address in Iraq. Take Care & Love.

~ The Huolihan Clan ~

There's a Reason Why "Croup" Rhymes with "Poop"...

2009-02-17T08:46:00.002-06:00

Croupy Kid, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... and that's ALL I'm going to say about that.

To Laugh or Cringe...

2009-02-13T07:13:00.005-06:00

That is the eternal question posed to parent's throughout the ages.

This, to me, is funny...

... as is this.

"No really folks, I'm okay... nothing to see here, move along please."

I'm thinking this is pretty funny, too...

... this too.

Now this one? I'm never sure whether I should laugh or cringe. Is the human body supposed to bend that way?

This one is clearly funny... what's up with that face?

This one had me laugh out loud. I'm not sure what's more funny... Connor in the background or the facial expression of the kid in the front.

I'd pay a million dollars to know what's running through that busy little brain of his.

Now this picture had me rolling... all the kids at Monkey Joe's are somewhat "weary" of the giant costumed monkey. Just look at the face on that thing and how he's scoping out my poor child. You just know Connor's thinking, "He's right behind me, isn't he."

But all is well, because good ol' Mom does what she does best... I "encourage" my brave little son to push away his fear by making him pose for a picture with his purple adversary. Doesn't he look thrilled? ** DISCLAIMER-- NO CHILDREN WERE TRAUMATIZED IN THE MAKING OF THIS PHOTO. I think. **

Here he's openly admiring the freaky monkey, from a safe distance of course.

And here are the normal pic's of the bunch. Thought I'd throw in a few.

This is my reward for braving the intimidating crowds at Monkey Joe's... a pooped out, completely exhausted and ready to nap child.

HAPPY WEEKEND!!! : )

Practice Makes...

2009-02-10T16:36:00.008-06:00

... for some really trippy photography. No folks, don't worry. These geese really aren't flying through any electrical wires.

The moon was freakishly bright last night. I had the smart idea to scuttle outside at 6 a.m. this morning & take a picture of that freakishly bright moon.

This one is just... trippy.

Notice the holstered gun tucked into his pants-- what a boy.

This one is trippy because he lookes like a Rob clone.

These ones aren't trippy in the least... I just liked them.

These suckers have been sitting on our patio since fall.

And this one just feels like Wisconsin.

There's Something About Mya...

2009-01-29T12:43:00.007-06:00

Mya Closeup, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... there's something about Mya that brings the sweetness out of Connor.

Together, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

You can tell he adores her in such an innocent, sweet way.

Such a Sweet Face, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Wherever he goes, he wants to hold her hand...

Holding Hands Sweetness, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

...but Mya is Autistic & just wants to pull away sometimes. Well, Connor doesn't know what that means. He just knows that he loves her and wants to be close to her...

Attempting to Pull Away, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... and he knows that persitence, when it comes to matters of the heart, is the KEY. And he's not giving up- he wants that hand. : )

Persistant Hand Holder, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

He usually isn't so affectionate with his other playgroup pals...

Hunkered Chain Puller, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Chain Holders, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Innocent Chain Fighters, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... just with Mya.

LOVE., originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Mya Sniffing a Flower 2, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

For Pioneer Woman, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Connor and the Red Flower 2, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Connor Sniffing Flowers, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Mya Sniffing Flowers, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Dual Pointers, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Together 2, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

J_M_M, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Relaxing Together, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

When they both saw this stage, they began to dance. Separately at first.

Being Kids, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

But then Connor being Connor... he decided to grab ahold of Mya...

Stage Performers, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... and lead her around in a dance.

Precious Dancers Original, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Precious Dancers, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Precious Dancers2, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Precious Dancers3, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Precious Dancers4, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Precious Dancers5, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

And BOY did they dance...

Precious Dancers6, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Precious Dancers7, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... and dance.

Precious Dancers8, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

I'm thinking he's having a post-dance moment. : )

Having a Post-Dance Moment, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

No Idea What He's Doing, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

It was an amazingly awesomely wonderful kind of morning.

Mya1, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

There's just something about this girl that is so precious...

Mya2, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Connor can't seem to get enough of her.

LOVE 2, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Thank goodness she appears to have the patience of a Saint. : )

Surprised Hug, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

A Visit With Grandpa

2009-01-19T16:33:00.012-06:00

My Grandpa is a quiet kind of guy...

Thinking, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... he doesn't leave his house much...

House, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

...but that's okay.

Kitchen Profile, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

He likes to talk about the past...

Squinting, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... a LOT. But that's okay, too. Speaking of the past... this is a picture that I tried to restore. That's my Great Grandpa on the right. My mom is the sassy but cute one in the middle staring at the camera. Grandpa really liked this picture. : )

Here's the original...

... and here's the fixed up version.

Great Grandparent's & Their Grandchildren, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

I think my Grandpa should always be shot in black & white. Or sepia.

Sepia Smile, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

My Grandpa likes to wear hats...

Hat Fun, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

... so does Connor.

Connor & His Hat, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

A match made in hat Heaven.

Happy New Year?, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

This would be my child sneaking jellybeans. He's wondering if I'll say something. ; )

Innocent Thief, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

And finally, this would be the clematis that grows in abundance off the side of my Grandpa's house. It's reaching toward the sun and wishing for Spring... just like the rest of us. (Just thought a picture in color would be a fitting end to this post!). : )

Clematis, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

A Fireboy.

2009-01-15T10:32:00.004-06:00

Have I mentioned I love taking pictures? ; )

~ Deb

I Love This Face, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Pure Sweetness, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Troubled Face, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Profile, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Being Silly, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Looking Older, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Fire Dept., originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Looking Down, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Scewed, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

Fireboy & His Firestation, originally uploaded by deborahtynan.

And here is a quick video (sound) clip of Connor singing me a song at bedtime. We usually lay in bed with him for a while each night. Sorry for the blackness of the video but, well... the lights were off. : )

The Titanic Exhibit... or not. >: (

2009-01-13T08:00:00.011-06:00

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.

"Ninety-six years ago, on an otherwise calm April morning in 1912, the world's largest ship, the RMS Titanic, sank during her maiden voyage after a colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic. On board were 2,228 passengers, including titans of commerce and industry, artists, senior members of governments, immigrant families dreaming of a new life and more than 890 members of her crew. More than 1,500 people died. No one believed it could happen. Today, this epic story is revived through Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Viewed by more than 20 million people worldwide, the Exhibition is among the highest attended in history and will be available until May 25, 2009."

SOOOOOOO, my Mom and I ventured to the Milwaukee Public Museum again on Sunday to see the Titanic Exhibit. We have been wanting to go for a while (without C-man so we could actually take our time & absorb the exhibit in peace!) and Sunday ended up being the perfect day. I was dying to go because of course I envisioned taking a million cool pictures and sharing them all with you... yeah, that didn't happen. I got to the start of the tour and was told "NO pictures." I think I sputtered out a desperate "But, but... what if I don't use flash?" Nope, no go. So I took a million Museum pictures instead (like you all haven't seen enough already, right?). I figured Kelley & Danna would at least get a kick out of seeing some more... * SIGH. * Right? Anyway, here is a picture of the Titanic from the exhibit. It was blown up really huge and on the wall as we started the tour. (I stole it off the Museum website, hee hee!) ; )

~ Deb

And here, for your viewing (dis)pleasure, are a million more museum pictures. ; P

The only picture I had to use my camera flash on, HOORAY!

Ice Fishing 101...

2009-01-08T12:28:00.008-06:00

... from a girly point of view. ; )

** Click on the pictures to see them LARGER (You know you've always wanted to see what cheese curds look like closeup, admit it!) **

List of supplies include: "Flag thingy."
... Manly Men...
...sled for hauling stuff...
... a lovely singing voice (here fishy fishy)...
...beer...
... chairs for napping...
... cheese curds...
... a positive attitude...
... a sledding partner...
Pooped out from sledding snow-lump.

... and the most important element for a successful day of ice fishing (and the real reason men stand outside in the freezing cold for hours on end)...

KIELBASA. Enough said.

I love the Museum.

2008-12-30T15:19:00.005-06:00

I love the Museum so much that I've decided to post picture's from today's excursion even before I post all the prior Christmas pic's. Okay, so I haven't even actually gone through and saved the Christmas pic's yet. I'm daunted by that task. There are too many Christmas pic's for my brain to handle at the moment... not to mention video clips. I shudder at the thought. ANYWHO... so here are a few pic's from our trip to the Museum... from today. ~ Deb

Mr. "I'm 4 now and therefore WAY too cool to stand in front of this Mammoth for a picture. SHEEEEEESH Mother."
I just thought this picture turned out nifty. I was surprised that his face was perfectly in focus even though he was flapping his arms like a crazy person.
Igloo reflection.
Watching pennies go down the... um,... penny thing.
My mother, the butterfly-whisperer.
Learning all about maturity from his Grandmother. ; )
This is what fake squid look like, just in case you were wondering.
The museum candyshop.
This is how they decorate the giant blue whale bones that hang from the ceiling for Christmas. Gotta love the Santa hat.
And finally, this is how my mom entertained herself on the long drive home. The hat was a nice touch. ; )

Paper Mache.

2008-12-23T15:39:00.006-06:00

On the weekends, after I wake up from my post 3rd shift zombie-like slumber, I'm never quite sure what kind of "interesting" activity I'll stumble into upon entering the living room. Last Sunday I woke up to Connor and Rob making a paper mache balloon in the kitchen. Being clueless concering all things paper mache, I had no idea it was made (or could be made) with simple flour and water. Shows how much I know. Rob never ceases to surprise me with the tricks he pulls out of his sleeves. : )

~ Deb

He takes his work pretty seriously.
Sharing a "Mom is a little weird, let's just humor her" look with Daddy. ; )
Lovely, goopy hands.
The finished pruduct. : )

Monkey Joe's.

2008-12-18T15:41:00.005-06:00

We went to Monkey Joe's the other day. It was pretty nifty. : )

~ Deb

OH! & Here's a quick little video clip of Connor playing hopscotch. : )

It's Tough Being Buttercup.

2008-12-15T11:29:00.004-06:00

Poor Buttercup, never getting a moments peace. ; )

Video Clip... (involving the dreaded harmonica):

Tell me you're kidding... he's not going to start again, is he?
Thinking about howling.
Uh oh, here it comes...
... can't hold it...
ahhhhhhhhhWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...
...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...
...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
What's so funny?
No really, I don't get it.