Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 5

We're at 43 days out. Disneyland is toying with my emotions, as they have released the latest set of hours that go up to the day we get into the Anaheim area. Meaning my trips dates SHOULD be next, but I HATE WAITING! I want to get the hours now so I can kinda get a game plan in mind for at least myself. You can bet a blog post will be coming when I finally get my way!

Today's picture is Haille on one of the bazillion rope bridges at the Redwood Creek Adventure Camp. It's a pretty neat little area that was themed for Brother Bear - I think it still does have Brother Bear elements but you also get some Up references. Haille is a daredevil and I am not. To get these pictures I had to get up HIGH. I hate up HIGH. Haille knew this and told me to "suck it up" because she wanted to explore. I did my best and got through the course, but I didn't want to go a second time, breaking her heart. Thankfully her mom came through about that time and took her up again. It's probably some of the best theming and definitely a great place for younger kids to burn off energy after having to stand in line after line for attractions.

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 4

Yes I've missed the last few days, I've been working hard for the money. And the sun's been out and the weather's been wonderful. I'm trying to get a little color before California or I'm going to burn. Well, I spent too much time outside today and I'm burnt. Go figure.

Today's picture is of one of my favorite details in the park. Above the Disneyland Fire Department is Walt Disney's apartment. It was where Walt and his family would stay when they visted the park. Cast members knew the boss was there when the light was on. After Walt died, the light was kept on as a kind of "Eternal Flame" tribute to Uncle Walt. I always take time to reflect - not as a sign of worship or anything, just out of respect for one of America's greats. 44 days till I get to say "hello, again." To Uncle Walt. I was born several decades too late. LOL!

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown 2

48 days until we're in Disneyland country. Today's photo is of Grizzly River Run. I spent a day by myself in Disney's California Adventure and made it a photographic tour. I absolutely loved the theming around the park's water ride. So "authentic" in my mind. The ride is a lot of fun as well. Pretty sure more pics of GRR will pop up on this countdown.

Disneyland 2012: Photographic Countdown!

As I suggested that I might do, I'm going to keep the magic going while I countdown to Disneyland with photographs. I'm not sure I will keep up with it everyday, but I'm going to try. These are some of my favorite photos I've taken over the last couple of Disneyland trips. Some will people of people, some of characters, some the amazing attention to detail Disney has.

I think one of the big reasons I love going back again and again to the Disney parks is the photographic experience. The rides are fun, and who doesn't love getting a hug from their favorite Disney Character?, but as a photographer it's paradise! It's so clean, and the archetecture as well as lighting and detail is incredible. I can spend a full day in the park and not do any rides and have a blast. I've actually done that at Disneyland, just toured the parks and not do any rides (shows, yes, rides no).

This picture I share today is of Haille's first morning at Disney. We didn't stay on Disney property, we stayed at a Good Neighbor hotel. For Disneyland that means the hotels around the parks that aren't Disney owned but are partnered with. Gaylord's timeshare/vacationclub is partnered with this hotel so he and Judy got a killer rate (we're staying there this time as well). The Peacock Inn & Suites is so comfortable. We got a three bedroom suite last time, hoping for that again.

Haille knew better than to come into my room and wake me (I'm not a morning person), but I think I was just as excited as she was. I felt eyes staring at me, I peeked threw one eye and there she was quietly looking at me. She noticed my eye open and whispered "DISNEY!". She'd been waiting for four years for this day - I had, too, not going to lie - and it was here. Problem was the park didn't open for another three hours. So she crawled into bed with me and we watched Mickey Mouse clubhouse till it was time for her to jump in the tub.

I absolutely LOVE this pic, she was still sleepy, but there was nothing going to keep her from being awake. I can't wait to see this face in August! 49 days to go!

Just one from Tonight

It wouldn't be right to have an October 31 blog post that didn't have a Halloween theme... just one tonight, will share more later. And it's of Bubba Jack the NO-eyed Arctic Pug Pirate!

Hope you had a happy haunting, or candy day, or whatever! We certainly did, though I am exhausted and shouldn't even be up still! Oy! Going to bed now ha ha! Tomorrow (in like half an hour) is NOVEMBER. Insanity!

30 Days of Me: Day Ten

Day 10: Picture taken of you over 10 years ago

This was obviously taken over 10 years ago, try like 24 years ago or so! Taken in my grandparents old motorhome, those little pink bathtubs were all the rage. Had a great picturesque view in all my nakiness! I love this pic ha ha! If I ever have kids I'm recreating it for each one of them!

30 Days of Me: Day Nine

Day 9: A Picture You Took

Once again I am remiss in blogging. Scrapbooking is taking up all of my time! I swear it's awful and wonderful all at the same time. I have decided there's just no way I will get the book done before my trip that starts in 12 days. I have so much to get done before the trip that I can't just focus on the book. I have to get the snow tires put on the truck (made an appointment for thursday, better late than never!), an oil change, I have a dental appointment next week (November 2) which I'm thinking of moving back till after Christmas. Fundage is tight and this is just a teeth cleaning - I think - so it's not a total need to have at the moment. But then again I probably SHOULD so I don't know. I also have a hair appointment the day before I fly down to Seattle and it's going to be a bit of a change.

I'm headed over to my grandparents' house in an hour or two with the two pugs. I haven't been over there in ages due to the fact that, well... yeah. They have a third wheel that not only knows how to push buttons, but I truly feel works for evil instead of good. He considers me the spawn of Satan because of my dad and former Pastor's teachings. Which tells you something right there: Pastor Dean preaches the Truth unashamedly. This third wheel has never heard him preach but has a hatred for him. Interesting. How do you know he is dangerous to you when you've never met the man much less heard him preach? I've felt the very real need to stay clear of this family member when at all possible and that means I don't go over to visit the people I love dearly. It's a catch 22. I convinced my parents last year to help with the Iditarod mainly because I did  not want to be in the situation I found myself in a couple years ago where he physically came at me. God stopped him from hitting me, but my reaction to the whole thing scared me more than the violence. I cannot be alone with him, period.

Anyway this all has nothing to do with the actual subject line, so I will now share a photo I took (which is what I did with the other two posts, but whatever!). This photo was taken a couple of weekends ago during the KCHS vs SoHi Small Schools State Championship game. Despite best efforts, Kenai did not defend their title. But I still got some great shots. I am loving my new 100mm-400mm lens! You can view all of my photos from the semi-finals and championship games in this facebook album -  - please feel free to tag anyone you recognize as I am 7 years out of high school and know next to no one on the field! http://www.photographybyantonia.com/

30 Days of Me: Day Seven

Day Seven: A Picture That Makes Me Happy

Oh there are so many photos that make me happy, photography is my passion! So I will grab my randomizer and have one pop it up...

This was taken last year. It's in Kenai King. 40lbs of awesome, baby! It was so much fun, and a great memory to share with the family! I tried to hold it up for the picture but she wasn't dead and my mom was none too quick to take the picture and she started thrashing around and I dropped her. Hence the reason my daddy's holding her and I've got my fingers extended with fish goop all over them. I was sooooooo excited about my "big fish". It was my first King out of the Kenai River and my fourth King in my entire life (caught three at age nine and then couldn't get another one to save my life until age 24!). It was a great day, had a lot of fun. Actually that whole week was a great break from work and life and just like old times (minus Erin).