Back from camp!

7-31-07 We're back from family camp! We spent last week in the northern part of MI at Camp Au Sable, an 800-acre private campground owned by the Michigan Conf. of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Watch for more pictures from our week there with 5 other families from CA, but for now, check out this music video we did for Sabbath School. "Dare to Run" is the theme song at camp this summer. Click on the link below to see it at YouTube.

We shot this video over several days, and then did a late-night (actually early AM!) editing session to have it ready. The kids were very energetic and thanks to Thomas for helping to direct the kids with the numerous takes.

Watch for more music videos from Spicy Curry Productions!

10th b-day photo shoot

7-14-07 When Summer celebrates a b-day, we document it with a photo shoot. Sometimes we go out on location, and other times, we try it inside in our make-shift studio. This year, we chose the studio route, using our small dining area for this particular shoot for some of the fill-in light. Here are some highlights, featuring some of the major aspects of her life. Enjoy!

Getting the "model" ready...these prima donnas can be tough to work with sometimes! LOL!

Her standard, dress picture. I know, we need to get a hairlight or something--maybe when I open up my photo side business and can get more equipment! ;-)

Had to work the "boy" into the picture. He really had to be coaxed with some treats!

As most of you know, swimming is a big part of her life. Here she is, modeling the RST Speedo bathing suit.

Dance is another big part of her life. Here she is, striking a pose in her red ballet outfit.

Here's one we did a bit of editing on to see how it would come out.

Doesn't this look like a poster or sign???

Not part of the photoshoot, just a shot of Summer with some of her close friends at church (L-R: Natalie, Michelle, Summer, and Jenny). Sometimes, the candids are the best!!

07-07-07

07-07-07 What a day! We ended it with a cool dip in the Makowski pool. Here are some shots, taken by myself and some taken by Summer!

Hannah and Summer enjoying the ride.

These underwater shots taken by our Olympus 720 SW. Great camera to take anywhere--it can also survive a 5 ft drop on concrete and be crushed as well (not that I want to test out it's claims, of course!). Not your average fragile point and shoot camera.

Taken by Summer.

Summer takes a shot of Jenny doing synchro swimming!

Hannah takes flight and hopes to land on the poor turtle.

Chloe and Summer enjoy the waterfalls.

Hannah and Gaby clean their tongues with the waterfalls.

Here's an impressive shot of the Martell men. What's so impressive is that Summer took this while treading water since she couldn't touch the bottom here!

Another impressive treading water shot by Summer of Dee and Carly.

Is Gaby meditating underwater?

Here's Jenny acting like a blow fish.

Michelle didn't know the papparazzi would pop up out of the water like that!

Is Dee drowing while holding Claire? Another treading water shot by Summer.

All that swimming works up an appetite. Enjoying the yummy haystacks!

You can tell Carly is really enjoying her desserts. (Just don't ask where part of her fudgesicle went. No worries, we rescued it.)

As Summer was leaving, Uncle Thomas decides to try and throw her in one last time.

July 4 @ the Elias's

7-4-07: Like families all over the country, we spent it outside with good friends. This year, we got together at Holly and Dee's place, where we had a pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, and of course, a LOT of yummy masarap oishii food! And of course, can't have a July 4 celebration without some fireworks. Didnt get any pictures of the kids beating us in a swimming race, nor the tennis match between "Roger" and "Monica" (Moi & Sheila) against "Agassi" and "Steffi" (Mike and Ellen). ;-)

Thanks to Dee and Holly for their hospitality and a great time! Check it out!

Javan was loving the water!

Summer says, "Hey, who's holding my feet?!"

"My Kara, you're so light, I could throw you!" Kara being held by Ally.

The slide was a big hit. Here's Javan taking his turn.

Fly, Julia, fly!

Summer launches herself--nice form!

Uncle Corey shows he can fly, too!

Jake shows he can fly, too. (The one Knowlton boy who's missing is Josh, who was actually flying to MI helping Auntie Joyce and Malia travel.)

What a cute couple. Carly and Alex enjoying a nice moment together...but just a few moments later...

"Hey, where did you get that gum, Javan. From cousin Summer? Yeah, you know who to go to." ;-)

Had a nice place to eat and hang out......and lots of great food!

July 4 is between Summer's b-day, which was yesterday (she turned 10) and Sophie's b-day, which is tomorrow (she turns 7). Auntie Kim was nice enough to make a cake to celebrate both of their b-days.

Now they are waiting for Auntie Kim to light the candles. (Sorry about that big water spot on the bottom of my lens!)

Another Summer and her sister, Sophie, finally get in the water.

Then it was fireworks time! Uncle Dee was kind enough to bring the goods for the kids (and the children as well)."Aha! Caught Chloe in the act of throwing one of those little "snap it" balls at me!"

The kids wait eagerly for the fireworks to begin.

Look at how scared they were when the fireworks started to go off!

Uncle Dee, the Master Pyrotechnician.

Nice job, Dee!

Hey, who's that crazy guy jumping over the fireworks?!

Hope you all had a fun and safe July 4 celebration of our freedoms!