Just ask any family with a toddler and they will tell you, turning 2 is a big deal! It doesn't mean big parties and lots of presents. It signifies a huge change in the family dynamic because you officially have a whirlwind on legs! Toddlers run faster than you, make messes bigger than anything and most significantly, want to do everything themselves! With that last bit of info comes the other change...the jekyll/hyde switch. One very happy go lucky 2 year old can be smiling one second and in a screaming ball on the floor the next...and all because you took the cheese stick out of the package, or it started raining, or the mac & cheese is in a bowl and not a plate. It is an interesting phenomenon and one I had almost forgotten...almost.

This cute little whirlwind is now 2. Yesterday we were going to visit the zoo...until we arrived and the parking lot was FULL! Evidently, every family with children in Duval County went to the zoo. We weren't up for that much togetherness...so we went to Little Talbot Island and by the smile on his face, it was an excellent choice! He ran, played and threw sand while picking up any trash he found along the way. Thankfully, there were more shells than trash.

I love this little whirlwind...he's my grandson! I'm sure I'll survive these 2's also...

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Every now and then I photograph a home for a realtor and think, I would live here! It happened again yesterday and this time, it was all about the yard!

I love gardening and being outside - I'm either photographing flowers and such or my hands are wrist deep in the dirt. The home I photographed yesterday had an impressive front yard size...lots of grass and playing space. When I finally made it to the backyard, I fell in love. They have a pool and a screened porch, but no extravagant outdoor kitchen or other things most people think of as loving in a backyard.

This yard had space...lots of green space with trees and plants that screened the neighbors from view. It was peaceful and quiet and I just wanted to sit and relax awhile...and maybe jump in the pool because it was also hot!

If I were in the market to move right now, this would seriously be a contender just because of the yard! The home is very nice also - bright and open/airy...but for me, it's the yard! Call me strange...I answer to it. ;-)

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If you know me, you know that I really love Seamark Ranch. I love their ministry and mission to give children a home and a family when they really need it while showing them what love really means and how to live that out in their daily lives. I also really love the ranch - the farm - the animals - the place, so anytime I have the change to get out there I do!

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a volunteer service event for Seamark Ranch where over 140 members of the Newell Brands company (think Rubbermaid, Oster, Yankee Candle, Rawlings, Graco, Sharpie, etc...) came out to help complete some projects. They planted trees, spread mulch, cleaned up landscaping and planted flowers, painted inside the homes, painted some outside facilities, built picnic tables, installed shelving in the school, cleaned up and installed shelving in the pantry building and cleared the goat pasture of prickly cactus! It was wonderful to watch the teamwork and dedication to getting their work done. When their work was finished, they played kick ball with some of the kids while enjoying some food and music.

I know Seamark is so very grateful for the Newell Brands and their participation and volunteer service to the children and families. I know the children are thankful because they named a new calf born the day before the event, Newell, in their honor. It was a great afternoon and I can't wait to see the trees leaf out and grow and the flowers bloom and the picnic tables are already in use!

If you'd like more information about Seamark Ranch and how you can help their mission and ministry, visit here and learn more about becoming a Seamark Ambassador here. On April 14, 2018, they will host their 5th Annual Seamark Mudrun with sponsorship opportunities and plain ole' fun in the mud and there is still time to register here!

Thank you all and enjoy!

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