Finally, my drooling and dreaming have paid off...

On this past set of days off I treated myself to something that I have been coveting for a very long time. It will enable me to explore my creative side, to realize an idea that has been taking shape in my mind for almost as long as I've wanted this item.

What is it you ask...well just feast your eyes on this bad boy:

I also picked up a 55-200 lens and my next need want is a macro lens.

I have been driving my kids nuts following them around taking photos...

This child didn't mind having her photo taken .....repeatedly, in fact she was more than happy to pose for me; well, sometimes she was snapped without her knowledge:

Then there is this child:

Clearly overjoyed NOT happy at having her photo taken.

But.....

When she smiles she is stunning!

And sometimes....

She doesn't know I'm taking her picture.

Even our cat Charlie got into the game...

I believe the cat is rolling his eyes at me...get used to it Charlie!!! I'll be a snapping fool!!

I took my new toy to Calgary when we attended our friend's baby's first birthday party, which turned out to be very fortuitous as their camera decided not to work. I snapped over 150 photos of that sweet baby .... overkill you only turn ONE once.

Besides, tell me you could have resisted this:

or this...

And finally, tell me seriously that you could resist this ...

Happy Birthday Sweet AL, you future Diva you!!!

I foresee many, MANY hours playing with my new toy. I am so excited!