I splurged and finally bought myself the new lens I’ve been wanting for close to a year. Actually, it isn’t THE lens I’ve been wanting, I just knew I wanted A new lens. The part that took me a year to decide was WHAT lens it would be. Finally, after doing some online research and consulting with my good friend and favorite photographer, I decided to take the plunge with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens. Yeah, all those letters and numbers don’t mean much to me either. What an awesome lens, though. I am so pleased with some of the pics I took at the park yesterday. It is a lens for extremely close up photography (hence the term “macro”) but I was able to use it as a sort of all purpose lens at the park. I had read that it was an excellent portrait lens and, if you’ve read this blog for any amount of time, you know I love to take impromptu portraits of my kids. AND I can go super close on things… we’ll see what I can find that will let me get that close up ๐
And if you have a favorite pic, please leave a comment, I’d love to hear!

As always, such beautiful pictures!!! I’m curious as to why there are no pictures of your oldest boy? I have seen only a few in all the time I have been reading. Please don’t think I am being unkind or intrusive. If you don’t want to share, it is certainly not a big deal…I was just curious. He is such a handsome young man. In any case, the picture of Bella with the rope running by her is gorgeous. It helps to have a beautiful subject too! But, I like the lighting and the different “take” on the portrait.
Hi anonymous ๐
Our oldest isn’t in the pics because we were at Asher’s ballgame and he chose to stay home and do his homework… hard to argue with that! But you’re right, I do need to get more pics of ALL the boys!
Great photos, and congrats on your new lens. I got a new lens for my birthday yesterday . . . the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens. I love it; there’s nothing better than a new lens, especially when you have kids and want to capture those special moments. I can’t wait to see more photos of your family in the future.
Do I have to choose ONE favorite? LOL! They are all really great! But if I HAD to choose, I just love the expression on Belle’s face as she is on the yellow ladder…I also love the one of her on the swing with the shadow across her face. The first 2 of Sophie are just beautiful too!
Can’t wait to see more with this fancy schmancy new lens!! ๐
HUGS…
Patricia/NYC
Great pictures! I saw the one of Sophie on the My Adoption website yesterday and loved it. The one of Belle on the slide is precious too. And Dalton, he’s just too cute. . in one picture I see you, and in the very next one, it’s Chris again. Looks like a lot of fun! How does Asher like baseball? Noah is enjoying it, but in June he’ll be playing 8 yr old all-stars, and he might pitch some, so he’s really excited about that.
love to all,
Denise
I love the first one that is also on myadoptionwebsite.com!
All of the pictures are gorgeous! I love the one of Isabelle “flying”! I can almost hear her giggling! LOL
Sharon
I love the one with Sophie and Dalton! Looks like they are partners in crime. Of course I love all the pictures of your gorgoues kids but that one was my favorite.
Oh – I’m so jealous – I want a new leans too! The pictures are great and my fav is the one through the fence!
Stefanie, these photos are AMAZING! Your blog is beautiful and I am grateful to have been able to follow your journey from the start.
Oh my gosh Steph, these are gorgeous! I missed this post when I checked in yesterday. And please, oh my gosh, I am so not a photographer- your skills are equal to mine woman!
Can’t wait to get my camera on your kids on Sunday though!! I know your boys are Asher and Dalton, right? Who is who in here? And Tori makes five with Belle and Sophie, so who am I totally forgetting??? My memory is leaving me as I approach 40 I swear.
Okay…so for the first time in history I totally spelled your name wrong… what is up with me latley? I’m serious the smoke in Florida is depleting me of oxygen and brain cells. Sorry SteF! It is actually one of my biggest pet peeves, seeing people misspell other people’s names!