Combining Passions

As some of you know, I've been taking some film classes lately in an attempt to pursue a passion of mine. Of course, taking the time away from my family is never fun and always makes me feel at least a little guilty. In an effort to combine the two, I decided to make this fun little video with the boys. It's a Star Wars-inspire film (although Batman and others make some debuts!) using action figures. Mackay was of course the main actor and Beckett was his side kick in our home audio recording "studio" (i.e. my closet!). I played a few voices as well, including that of Yoda. Andrea was the girl voice at the end.

Unlike other short films I've made, I went into this without any real script or storyboards. It was more of an interactive process with the boys (they were the ones who actually came up with the idea of doing a scene with Yoda). After we had a general story shot, I made up a dialogue and then we recorded it. Of course all of the sound effects were also added after the fact. Long story short, it took longer than I had hoped, but it was a fun little project that I hope the boys will remember with fondness.

For those who are wondering...the fire is real!

Growing up is...

FUN...

Especially when you're learning to walk...


But it can also be SAD at times...

Bowling Rocks!

One of the fun things about having kids is getting to take them to try new things and watching their enthusiasm and excitement. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this was the first time we've taken the kids to go bowling. Here are Mackay and Beckett giving it a go! We figure Eme needs to learn to walk first...soon enough!

Field Day

Every year shortly before school is out, Mackay's school organizes a "Field Day" where they get to do all sorts of fun, physical activities. The older kids typically get to help run the events, with the parents and teachers there to help. Andrea went and got these great videos of Mackay in action! Our kindergartener is growing up!

Family Run

A good friend of ours organized this charity run not far from our house. It was a 5k, but there was a 1-mile option too. Mackay ran the whole way and Beckett joined him for part of the run. Eme just enjoyed the ride. Good times!

I love how they were totally focused before the race started. No camera was going to distract them.



But let's be honest, we don't do it for the glory...we do it for the bagels...

And (from one of Andrea's old races)...we race for the cool Texas-shaped medals they give us when we're done! :-)

The Winners (2008) from Marc Strong on Vimeo.

Note: I can't say we're big PC fans (Macs only in this household!), but I'm sure my brother-in-law who works for Microsoft will appreciate the boys' shirts (he should, he gave them to 'em!). :)

Giving Her Doll Some Love

Eme is our little cutie. Here she is with one of her baby dolls. You can tell she has quite the personality, even in this short clip.

Blueberries!

All food should be so yummy that you want to wear it! I think the picture pretty much sums it up. This is one of Andrea's favorite pictures.

Mackay Can Ride!

I've been working with Mackay for a little while trying to help him get the hang of riding a bike without training wheels (is it just me, or is it super tiring bending over holding onto your kid's seat while they're trying to learn to ride?). It appears that the training paid off, because something clicked and he's now got it figured out--funny how that works sometimes. I think this was the first time he's ridden solo and made a U-turn as well. Good times! Go Mackay!!!

Wedding Fun

Andrea's youngest sister got married in the Houston Texas temple. It was a beautiful wedding and a great excuse to get family together. Here are a few pictures of the fun!

From outside the temple...
From their reception...

My great dad with cute little Eme. Hard to imagine her getting married some day! Yikes!!!
Hard to have a bad party as long as there's food...right Eme? :-)

The sisters and sister-in-law.

I love the way this picture captured the moment!

Easter in the Country

The kids had a great time at Andrea's parents' place out in the country. Her brothers were there too. One came from Washington with his family and the other came with his super fun playing skills! And, as if that weren't enough, her sister and her husband were there too! Good times!

Grandma with the kids. They love her!

Marshmallows for smores. Man I'm feeling hungry (for some reason??)!

Petting the bunnies. They make fine pets and yummy stew! ;-)

Adam with plenty of room on his lap. Funny how kids don't realize

how big they are and how much they weigh.

What a group! Love how Mackay's holding Eme. That's looks comfortable!

Ready, set...

Ah, the joy of the catch!