The Weekend, in Black and White

I've been frustrated with my picture-taking for a few months. I think it's largely been a matter of subject--I've been shooting mainly for work, not for any sort of pleasure at home. And even those few times that I have turned the camera on the kids have seemed forced (and I've been undisciplined about processing and uploading pictures anyway).

So this weekend, I gave myself an assignment: one camera, one lens, all black and white, all the time. I tried to capture all the small moments and details that I felt like I had been missing--playing around the house, waking up from a nap, mealtimes, party times. I think I got most of what I wanted. (The big absence here is basketball. Though I have a legitimate excuse: I was drafted into coaching this week, so I spent the hour running up and down the court with 6-year olds instead of taking pictures.)

If nothing else, I'm happy with some of these, which is more than I've been able to say for a while.

The architect pokes his head out of his fort.

Lazy girl on a lazy Saturday,

An explorer crawls through the bowels of the fort.

Naptime is over.

A rare moment where everyone is happy.

Lucia's not looking to comfortable on the dance floor.

Bro-time invariably includes repeated physical contact.

Dinner with a friend, and her dolls.

My eggs were met with skepticism.

Celia sports a home pedicure.

Hard at work on his raccoon habitat diorama.

Two stubborn kids, negotiating (or plotting).

Hanging with long-lost friends at the Toads' banquet.

Brushing teeth before bed.

A good looking (and clean) group.

Watching clips from Frozen before turning off the lights.