:: Team-up Thursday ~ Animals ::

While there’s certainly no short of animal references and playing around our house these days, we actually got a chance to sneak out and see some real, live animals this past week.  On Sunday, the kids and I headed to the circus with Grandma!  It was absolutely adorable to see Calder jumping and skipping with excitement after seeing the elephants before the show started.  And since it was the elephant that made the for the most memorable…er, um…”performance!” 

My fabulous and ultra-talented partner Jaimee took an outing to the zoo where she captured the most amazing shot!  Seriously, what’s not to love?  The squinty-eyed look of relaxation and I {love} the beautiful effect around the edges!

tut-animals

Hopefully we’re not the only ones who feel like we live in a zoo or a circus!  See what everyone else has to share this week.  Thanks again Megan and Melody for hosting this great challenge!

:: Team-up Thursday ~ Comfort ::

I absolutely adore serendipity.  So, while Jaimee and I talked about this theme before the self-portrait challenge, it seemed logical to come back to it this week, now that we both have our feet planted a bit more firmly beneath us.  Honestly, the word itself feels good.  After the business we’ve had in our schedule, the unexpected vehicle repairs, the tantrums and stresses of life…it’s a good reminder to take solace in those things, those people who offer comfort

Comfort Dip

I can imagine Jaimee needs a healthy dose of comfort right about now too, so when I opened her picture, I literally laughed out loud.  Jaimee, I don’t know the story behind this shot, but if it’s anything like the fun around our house, it involves a harried Mom and busy sibling.  What’s not to love about that sweet face – so relaxed and looking all grown-up.  I loved the brightness and the contrast of his sweet skin and the texture of the carpet.  I admit, I really resisted the urge to convert my shot to B&W, but now that I see them together, the warmth seems good…comfortable

Be sure to visit Megan and Melody today to see what creative themes are being captured this week!