Camera anyone?

Are you ready to hear the saga of the camera? As you all know, I got a brand spank-me new camera a few weeks ago. I also purchased a professional lens. Well, come to find out, the D40 (the model I got) does not allow auto-focus with the professional lens. This forces me to upgrade to the D80. Great camera, but $400 more. Ug! This wouldn't be so bad if the company I bought it from would take my D40 back. They have a stupid 7 day return policy, and it's past that time. After negotiating with a supervisor, I finally talked him into taking it back, but he's charging me a 15% service fee. So, I'm out another good chunk of money. Grrrr! I'm so sad because it's an amazing camera! If I wasn't going photography professionally, I would have never gotten rid of it.

Before I send it back, I wanted to put it up for grabs to my wonderful friends & family for what they offered me on the return, $450. I couldn't find it for cheaper than $524 with a reputable dealer, so it's a killer deal (considering it's only 3 weeks old). So, if you're wanting to buy an SLR digital camera for your own personal use, the D40 is seriously awesome! I'm sending it back next week, as soon as my new one comes. So, just let me know in the next few days if you want it. I have all of the original "stuff" that came with it, including the 1 year warranty. Here's everything it came with...

NIKON D40 KIT INCLUDES:

- 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens with Front & Rear Lens Caps
- EN-EL9 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
- MH-23 Quick Charger
- UC-E4 USB Cable
- Camera Strap
- BF-1A Body Cap
- DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
- BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
- DK-16 Rubber Eyecup
- PictureProject Software CD-ROM
- User Manual
- 1-Year Nikon U.S.A. Limited Warranty

Hollie's portrait

I was trying to get a portrait of Hollie for her room & she was not happy about it. Sam & Jen were doing everything to get her to smile. I had given up until my Mom came over & Hollie started grinning from ear to ear. All the grandkids think she is just hilarious! We think it's all the goofy noises she makes.

Happy Birthday, Drew!

We celebrated Drew's 30th birthday on Sunday. Man, you're old! Just kidding, my husband isn't far behind. He'll be doing the same thing in November. Anyway, happy birthday, bro!


It was so sweet, Hollie reached out & held Abram's hand.

A Day at the Zoo

We wanted to do something fun on Saturday, so we met Jer & Erin and the Bens up at the zoo. Sam's mom, of course, had to come too & see all of the cute things her grandkids do. :O) We had a blast, but the morning started out traumatically. We stopped at Walmart on the way up to buy snacks & sunglasses. When we got all the way up to the zoo, I realized that my wallet was gone! I had tons of $ in there, plus all my credit cards. Needless to say, I was a little upset. Sam almost drove all the way back, but we called Walmart 3 times, and they finally found it. Whew! Other than that, the day was wonderful, though!


This gorilla was so awesome! He was just laying down sleeping when we came up to the glass. Then, he got up & came to the window & looked right at us. It was kind of freaky to have him just on the other side of the glass!


I was so excited to see the Albino Alligator & the new tiger exhibit. They were so cool!

This monkey was so funny! He was swinging by his tail & pushing off of the fence to give himself momentum!


I think we tuckered Hollie right out! She took a little nap on the train. Unfortunately, it didn't last for long.

Three generations

Hollie came with me when I did my parents' photo shoot on Friday, so we decided to take a minute to get a picture of my Mom, Hollie & I (props to my Dad for being the photographer!). So, here are the current 3 generations of May women. We're stubborn, quirky, obsessive-compulsive perfectionists. And we're all the same, every generation. I'm so grateful to be part of such a wonderful line of women.

Happy Anniversary!

My parents celebrated their 34th anniversary on Friday. So, my Mom asked me to take some shots of them. I just love these silly ones (there are more on my "June" blog). This is just how my parents are! They are such examples to our family. After 34 years, my Dad still opens the door for my Mom, and they still hold hands in the car. So, I wanted to take a minute to thank them both for their love & sacrifice for all of us. I love you, Mom & Dad!

Grandma & Grandpa

My parents stopped by the other night & borrowed a movie. So, of course, they had to take a minute to play with the Hollie Bug. I thought they looked so cute on the floor with her that I had to get my camera.

Frog Face & Sleeping Beauty

This is Hollie's new favorite face to pull. We have lovingly titled it, "Frog Face." She does it all the time! What a weirdo! I think it's rather cute though.


Then, she goes from Frog face to Sleeping Beauty. Well, Sleeping Beauty with her bum in the air. It just doesn't look very comfortable, does it?!

One day you'll be grown...

...but not today. She's not grown up yet, but I still can't believe that my little Miss Hollie is 6 months old! These have been the best months of my life. I had no idea the joy that she would bring into my life. It's amazing how much they change in such a short span of time. I love watching her interact with her world & start to gain some independence. She had her 6 month appt. today. She weighs 12 lbs 11 oz, and is 25 1/4 inches long. So, she's still below the 10th percentile for her weight, and 50th for her height. We just couldn't love our little minute more. Thanks for being ours!

Father's Day, round 2

I've heard that some of you can't view the Father's Day pics that I posted earlier today. So, we're going to try again. Hopefully they work this time...