What a week it’s been for Tennessee! Sunday evening the snow started falling, and in the course of 24 hours we had more snow than we typically get all winter long. We ended up getting at least 6 inches of snow. Thankfully we had forewarning of the snowpocalypse, so we had plenty of wood ready to go for our wood stove.
It’s been like a mini-vacation, complete with snow ice cream, hot chocolate, and reading by the fire.
But after one week of mostly staying in one place, due to icy roads, cabin fever is starting to set in. Crazy thing is, next week we’re going to have highs in the 60’s!
]]>The day before, everyone was outside running around in some long sleeves, in 45ºF weather, the next day, it’s -1ºF and snow is on the ground, quite the change to say the least.
Thankfully with this massive of a storm, we all had fair warning, and were able to plan ahead and stock up on lots and lots of firewood.
The cold didn’t prevent the kids from getting out and playing in the snow however.
]]>In any creative endeavor, it’s useful to put limits on yourself, and in this day and age those limits are often purely arbitrary.
If you haven’t noticed in the previous photos, I placed two creative constraints on myself:
This opened up number of opportunities, first off it freed me to just get out and take photos, just for the fun of it, without my head getting caught up in post-processing.
Shooting in B&W JPEG mode gave me a more “film-like” experience, as the photo you got, was it, take it or leave it. If you didn’t like it, adjust your camera settings.
I also had the camera apply a B&W red filter and increase the contrast at capture time, this gave each of the images a more striking, high-contrast look, without any need for post-processing.
]]>Of Fan Clubmoss that is! The stuff grows all over, and in this instance was being adorned by seasonal fall leaves.
]]>This tree is hanging on for dear life, but its time is short. The repeated erosion from water has all but washed out the sand from underneath it, and before long it will topple and join the other trees lying weathered along the beach.
]]>You never know what you’ll find when you go for a hike, especially if you’re in an area you’ve never been before.
While hiking at a State Park in Indiana, I came across what appears to be a picnic table graveyard, it looked quite hilarious juxtaposed next to the beautiful natural scenery.
]]>Another year has flown by, and boy what a year! The kids are getting so big, the family is changing so quickly. It feels like we’ve turned a corner and have entered a new phase, no more diapers and potty training!
Last week, Britney and I were able to get away just the two of us to celebrate our twelfth wedding anniversary as well as Britney’s birthday.
We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather, fantastic temperatures and stunning fall colors.
]]>Last year, to celebrate our eleventh year of marriage, Britney and I went on a two-day getaway. Hiking is something we both enjoy, and never seem to find enough time to do, so we planned multiple hiking trips during our stay.
Hiking through the woods of Virgin Falls State Natural Area was a real treat for the senses. During our nine mile hike, we experienced wind, rain, fog, and sun, but best of all, was getting to spend uninterrupted time with my lovely wife, something which we don’t get very often.
]]>Someone was very excited about latkes, and was sitting expectantly at the table awaiting the first batch to be served.
]]>Watching your child thoughtfully place their ornaments on the tree is such a special moment in time, and one which I tried to save with this photograph.
]]>Last September we took a family road trip to New York State to see Niagara Falls. While en-route, we stopped by a State Park on the shores of Lake Erie to let everyone stretch their legs and play in the sand. What a beautiful place!
]]>It’s hard to believe that "little" is one year old. My how time flies!
]]>Built on the very same location as the original fort, are log walls, to give you an idea of the initial construction and building methods. Something like this wouldn’t provide much defense in the modern day, but when fighting with muskets and arrows, it was useful.
]]>Back in June, we took the whole family to Jamestown, Virginia to witness the initial birthplace of the United States of America.
Looking over the James river, thinking about how isolated and alone the original settlers must have felt, and how their very survival was hanging by a thread is a humbling experience.
]]>Our neighbors are in the process of building their home, which is quite the undertaking. It’s amazing how much work it takes to create something that is safe, solidly built, and aesthetic.
Here you can see what will eventually become their two car garage. Currently they are building the roof, which once completed will greatly simplify things when it rains—no more tarps!
]]>While we were in Chattanooga visiting the art museum, we took a stroll along the pedestrian bridge nearby. It’s an amazing 127 year old bridge which crosses the Tennessee River and offers some amazing views. If you’re ever in the area, I’d highly recommend you give it walk.
]]>Life is precious and should be celebrated. So a few weeks ago we drove down to Alabama for the day to celebrate Pop’s 80th birthday. It was great getting to see the growing Walker family.
If you’d like to see a few more photos from the party, head on over to the photo album.
]]>I’ve been going to the Coffee Collective in the mornings to work, and I can’t recommend it enough. The employees are super friendly and the coffee is fantastic. I’ve gotten to try out all sorts of coffee varieties and my favorite is the Nicaraguan Light Roast, but let’s try not getting too side tracked…
I wanted to show the family where I’ve been working, and introduce the employees to the rest of the family, so we made a special trip to Sparta, TN to visit the Coffee Collective. And since everyone was all dressed up, Britney thought it would be a great idea to take a photo of the children, and this was the result.
The photo is a bit chaotic, but my wife points out, it’s an accurate picture of how things look around here at times. What a riot!
]]>On the first Thursday of the month, the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, TN offers free admission to their permanent art collection.
Since we’ve never visited the museum, we thought that would be a great time to drive down and check it out, especially since we didn’t know how much the children would enjoy it.
Thankfully, we all throughly enjoyed our trip. One of the highlights was getting to see an original Mary Cassatt sketch, and I personally enjoyed the gallery of modern, geometric artwork.
We all had a great time.
]]>Ira loves to explore, especially when sand is involved. The city park is one of his favorite places to go.
]]>One Shabbat, while hiking through our woods, we found some rather large Tulip Poplar leaves. Naturally each of the children, including one of our neighbors, wanted to take one home, which I more than happily obliged.
]]>Ira, aka "Buggins", is such a funny guy and loves to ride in our new wagon. His big brothers and sister love pulling him around, and they all have a great time together.
]]>Isaac is starting to climb. He hasn’t gotten up too high yet, but he’s branching out, and we’re so proud of him.
]]>One of Judah’s most vivid memories is getting to meet Louie the lighting bug last year at the Caney Fork Electric Co-op’s annual Member Appreciation Day. So it was with great fanfare that we attended this year’s celebration and got to meet Louie again.
As much as Judah loves to see Louie, he’s also a little intimidated by his large size and bug-like appearance, hence the slightly worried look on his face.
]]>Ira is a full-time walker now. He goes everywhere and never sits still. He’s a non-stop movement machine. If he’s not walking, he’s climbing, jumping, or figuring out some other way to be like the big kids—and he’s an absolute doll!
]]>As summer approaches and the days lengthen, we spend more and more time outside. With the rocks, trees, rivers, and creeks, it’s really a child’s dream to explore and play.
]]>Last Month, our neighbor Debbie offered to take a photo of the two of us—something we rarely get—and we readily accepted.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been married for 2,793 days!
Praise Yahweh!
]]>Ira is one year old now—and he’s walking! He’s our youngest walker so far, and it’s incredibly cute to watch this little guy toddle across the floor.
]]>As far as swings go, tire swings are one of the best. When tied to a tall tree, it’s hard to beat.
Now that spring has finally come, the children have been enjoying the tire swing more and more.
What fun!
]]>Two weeks ago, I was thrilled to see one of my favorite bands, Young Oceans, play in Nashville. When I saw that the entire band was going to play only two hours from where I live, I jumped at the opportunity.
Armed with my new 5D Mk II, and two prime lenses, I was the first person in after the doors opened. Needless to say, I was quite excited.
Unbeknownst to me, Mike Donehey, the lead singer from Tenth Avenue North opened up the show, and did a great job. Afterwards, Young Oceans came on stage, and played a full set.
I assumed Young Oceans was only going to play the songs from their latest album, SUDDENLY, but as it turns out, they played songs from all of their albums, which made the concert even better.
For those of you who have never heard of Young Oceans before, I’d suggest checking out their VOICES album as it’s their most accessible, worship music album. Their other albums are all fantastic, but require multiple listens to fully appreciate and take in.
If you’d like to see more photos from the concert, you can view the photo album.
]]>To celebrate the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we went to Old Stone Fort State Park for a hike. Some of our dear friends joined us and we had a fantastic time enjoying the natural beauty of the these ancient Native American meeting grounds. The weather was a bit chilly, but thankfully the hike warmed everyone up.
If you’d like to see some more photos from the hike, you can head over to the 2018 Feast of Unleavened Bread photo album.
]]>Every year to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we do an Exodus Hike the day after Passover to remember how our forefathers left Egypt and traveled through the wilderness.
This year the hike took place on the Paw Paw trail at Fall Creek Falls State Park. During the hike the weather was overcast and even sprinkled a bit, but afterwards the clouds cleared out and the sun shone bright. It was a beautiful day.
You may notice that I’m in this photograph myself, credit goes to Lydia for taking this photo.
If you’d like to more photos, head over to the 2018 Exodus Hike photo album.
]]>Aliyah loves to color, and she’s quite good at it too. You’ll often find her spending her free time coloring away in one of her coloring books at the tea table.
]]>Last month, we finished reading through Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s book Swallows and Amazons. To celebrate, we had a book club party with our friends, complete with book-themed scavenger hunt, food from the book, and a whole lot of fun.
After all the day’s festivities, Aliyah told me that that was the most fun day she had ever had, and that made the whole day worth it.
Swallows and Amazons Forever!
]]>Two weeks ago, Isaac had his first violin recital. We were so proud of him going up in front of the whole crowd and playing his instrument with his teacher.
He’s learned a lot since he started taking lessons, and I’m excited to see him continue to grow in his love for music.
]]>Fridays are busy days around here as the whole family gets ready for Sabbath.
One tradition we often do on preparation day is bake fresh challah bread. The children love to help, and make their own mini-challah loaves as well.
Here you can see Judah helping scoop out some fresh milled flower for Brits to knead into the dough.
]]>We have a new addition to the Williams family, Chocolate Chip Cookie—or simply Cookie for short. She’s a two year old chocolate lab we got from some of our dear friends, and she’s a real sweetie.
]]>Ira is growing up so much. He’s crawling all over the house, eating solid foods, pulling himself up on furniture, not to mention being incredibly cute!
]]>Last month, we took the whole family to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. This was the first time the children had been to an Aquarium, so they were very excited.
While driving back, we asked the children what their favorite thing was, and Judah’s was the scuba diver!
]]>Ira is really growing up, and is quite the doll! He’s starting to crawl around now, so you’d better watch out!
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