#MeAndMine - A Family Portrait (July 2014)

I had grand plans for this month.

I had it all decided that, on one of our family days out, I'd take my 'big' camera and set up a lovely photo of us all.

I had taken a 'selfie' shot of us as a back-up fairly early on in the month.

The back-up has since become this months actual photo!

I honestly don't know where the time goes. The months seem to be hurtling by so fast. We are now in the second week of the school holidays and it's lovely having MC at home. I think TC loves it too - their sister and brother bond is amazing to watch.

The gorgeous weather this month has helped so much. The first week of the holidays was lovely and so hot. Lots of days out and ice cream have been on the menu! Not doing much for my diet but at least we are all having fun.

We've also had some lovely downtime too.

My photo this month shows downtime. It's not the best photo but it's 'us'. We settled down one afternoon to take a break from the midday sun and watch a film. It was 'How To Train Your Dragon'. One we've seen before but we wanted a re-cap before watching the sequel. Does anyone else do that? Matt and MC were engrossed but TC suddenly became transfixed by a fly that buzzed in through the French doors and was circling the centre of the lounge.

As I say, it's not perfect (we're all so hot and tired) but it captures a snapshot of normal family life and that makes me happy. It's these type of photos that you don't often see. So turns out I've become rather happy with my back-up.

Silent Sunday #61

Inspired by...

The Gallery - Chilled Out

I really can't believe it's Wednesday again and time for The Gallery - where did the last week go?  I only checked the theme out late on Monday night and have been running around taking a couple of pictures for todays post.  So, the theme this week is 'Chilled Out'. What's chilled out?  The way the year is passing me by I sometimes wonder.

For me though, chilling out is simple - whether it's snuggled up on the sofa with my husband watching a film, watching some comedy or reading a book or maybe having a natter with friends over a few glasses of wine.  I've been taking a lot of time out over the past few weeks to chill and it's been lovely.

There are also a few other ways I like to chill out.  Believe it or not I can be most chilled when I'm simply watching my daughter, Mini Cheddar.  She can be sleeping or even playing, it doesn't really matter. Sometimes I feel most relaxed and contented watching her seeing the world, learning and absorbing information.

I also chill out by taking photographs.  Nowadays these mainly involve Mini Cheddar but I'm hoping to pick up my photography again and maybe sell my old Nikon D40 and upgrade.  I'm hoping that Mini Cheddar will also enjoy photography when she's older....although she loves messing around with my Mini Diana already.

Finally, the ultimate chill out...red wine and chocolate.  My husband has gone away to London for a few days so I had the Chianti already poured last night and the Minstrels already opened (oops, how did that happen?).  A bit of Absolute 80's station on the radio in the den and hey presto!  Chilled out to the max.

Now head on over and check out all the other entries...