We can't forget Marie!

Well, I forgot to put pictures of Marie in our last blog. This is what our new camera does with her smile!

New Camera

On Tuesday night, our camera started doing some funny stuff and would freeze up and turn off. The ENTIRE Phelps family told us that our 3.1 mega pixel Sony cyber-shot camera that we got almost 5 years ago was basically fried and we should just buy another one. Bill and I decided that we probably should. I mean, we have a baby - we can't go one day without a camera!!! So on Wednesday we went to Costco. Our mission was to buy a digital camera and not spend over $150 on it. We succeeded, and very well I might add. We got an updated version of the same camera we had before, except this time it had 8.1 mega pixels and a lot of other cool stuff. And it was $100 off! So we paid $120 for a $220 camera. I don't know how the camera does some of the things it does. There is one setting where it senses when the person is about to smile and takes the picture automatically - you don't even have to press the shutter button! That is especially useful when we're trying to catch the 'perfect smile' from Marie. But my favorite setting on the camera would have to be this: let's say you're taking a picture but the person is not smiling or not smiling very much. You can make them smile! Here are some pictures we were playing with to see just how big we could make our smile. For all of you Enterprise fans out there - do you remember that funny smile that Dr. Phlox had? Well, I think I may know how they did that! I'm sure there is more for me to learn about the camera, and I'm having fun doing it!

Aforementioned Shrine Pilgrimage

On this sunny Saturday, Amanda and I decided that a romantic Valentine day drive was in order. I am posting this blog for the benefit of those who do not live in Alaska. This is just a brief view of God's creative handiwork that He shares with us.
Amanda took a picture of me walking through this labyrinth on our first trip to Juneau. This was an interesting idea. it takes about 10 minutes to walk through to the end (which is the middle) and that gives you time to meditate and pray while focused on a goal. no pressure, just a relaxing walk to commune with God in this wonderful setting.

As we were leaving, I took a brief run to the top of this "cliff" and got a timed photo of me. I though it turned out well. Amanda and Marie were on their way to the car because we could not get the stroller up the steps. Anyway, God really blessed us this day.

May God bless all of you who read this. And remember, as great as His creation is, it cannot compare with His love for you.

Bill

Happy Valentine's Day!

In the spirit of romance, Amanda and I attended a Valentine's Day dinner with some other couples from church Friday night. As a part of the night's activities, each couple were to bring a decorated box with a dinner for two inside of it. We voted on the best decorated box then drew numbers to see which box we ate from. Amanda and I had a delicious lasagna dinner (thank you Geoffrey and Dana). Below is a picture of the box that Amanda spent a great deal of effort decorating.





(Amanda) Well, the greatest effort was coming up with an idea. Thankfully, 20 minutes before the dinner, the internet worked wonders for me and I was able to find the Victorian pictures I needed. And we got second place on the box, which I was very surprised about.


(Bill) As for Valentine's Day, God has blessed us with a grand sunshiny day, so we are going to go for a drive around Juneau. Happy Valentine's Day to you all.

Just sittin' and playin'

She's a Talker!

When Marie awoke from her nap this morning, she had a lot to say about the dreams she was having. Mama went to get the camera and Marie suddenly went camera shy. But mama was able to coax the little gal into telling a bit about what she dreamed of. Hope you can figure out the topic of her dreams:)
Bill a.k.a. Da da da da da