Are you following along our little group of 12 photographers?
Together we share one very simple goal…. To capture our own families from a true life perspective, unscripted and raw. To create photographs which represent the true dynamic of our families and share them here on our blogs. This deeply personal project we share is called, “What ______ looks like.” Each month we will each choose to fill in that blank with our word of choice. Some may stick with the same word all year or some may decide to change it up each month. We will each link to the next photographer until our circle of 12 is complete. I hope you will follow our little circle and enjoy this peek into our lives as well as feel inspired to start recording your own family’s unique moments.
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Last weekend, Gage- my 15 year old, flew a plane for the second time and I was so lucky to have been given the opportunity to tag along. This kid amazes me….I think he is so brave and I admire the focus and drive he has for his future. His passion for flying is something to be marveled.
From my perspective. I am 5′ 11” pushing 6′ and cramped places are really not my thing as I tend to get a little claustrophobic, not to mention I have only flown a few times in my life. So after folding myself up like origami to get inside the plane, I knew that 30 mins of flight time was going to feel more like 100. And thank goodness for our amazing Florida winter weather because these babies are not air conditioned. But no matter, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world and would do it again in a heart beat.
moi
Rear view. You can see a Delta plane in the distance heading for take off down the runway. We are next!
Take off! View of SRQ and Dolphin Aviation.
I love this. He is doing what he loves. Totally relaxed, checking out the view below…..
At this point, there were only 3 things rotating through my mind…
1. Oh my God, I cannot believe that is my little boy up there flying a plane.
2. Sweet Jesus please tell me someone remembered to bring a sick sack.
3. Man we live in a beautiful place! Have to remember that the next time I start whining about the weather or traffic.
Gage’s instructor, Vince was amazing. So trusting of his prior experience in the simulator and previous flight, and incredibly patient. Completely put my nerves at ease as well.
A few iPhone captures…
Gage first expressed an interest in flying about 3 years ago. I kept waiting for it to fade, like karate, drums or football. But it never waned. His desire to fly has grown stronger each year. So here we are in his freshman year of high school, talking very seriously about a blueprint for his future. Courses, ROTC, colleges, the Air Force Academy. Last summer, Gage attended an Aviation Camp at Cirrus Aviation. I was so impressed with how his experience with Cirrus and the instructors there turned his dream into a reality, and gave him a glimpse at a future of possibilities. The images below are from his last day of camp, and his first flight.
And finally, a little footage of his take off and landing… (video is a little shaky as it was a pretty windy day and I was moving around a lot, just trying not to miss a thing!)
Next month, we start working on his driving, and I will find some dye for these grey hairs I am suddenly sprouting : )
Now follow me on over to check out the fabulous Shalonda Chaddock | Chubby Cheek Photography | Houston Photographer. She just joined us and I am so anxious to see her take on this month!
Addison singing, “Where is pinky” to me. Love all those silly preschool songs.
Lila was a big help with all her smiles.
So we made it a point this year to hit as many fall festivals as possible. Keeping true to “lifestyle” is not always easy. But for the most part I tried to just step back and be present in the moment.
And sometimes stepping back too far lands you in goat poo.
But its all good! In the end, a little mix of everything makes for beautiful memories and a mommy with a bit more sanity. Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to set the camera down and just be in the now. A box full of memories will never replace the most important thing of all…..connecting with and living the moments with your kids.
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