end of summer days

, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Another shot from the fountain in the park. The girls really love it there. It was K's first time and I don't think I've seen so much joy on her face since last Christmas when she got her DS. We have plans to go back Saturday night, when the colored lights are on.

among the columns

, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

We've got a new park in Austin and it has a really cool fountain for the kids to play in. My kids love it and next time we go I'm gonna bring my bathing suit, too. And just because it's technically fall, doesn't mean it isn't hot here. We've still got a few weeks of bathing suit weather to enjoy.

More signs of the days ahead

the days ahead, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

These leaves were stuck to a rake that I found at my parents' house last month. Fall is my favorite season and I'm really looking forward to the cooler days (and nights) and the upcoming holidays. To celebrate the first day of fall, I made my first batch of chili for the season.

signs of fall

echninacea, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Do you have your umbrella handy?

Do you have your umbrella handy?, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Texas sage is a good predictor of rain. I laughed when I saw this blooming so profusely because the skies were a beautiful blue. About two hours after I took this, it poured.

mexican paint brush

mexican paint brush, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

echninacea

echninacea, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

I don't like to think about the bugs that are most likely in the echninacea tea I drink.

This just in! I was just offered my first paying photography gig! I'm totally excited and totally scared at the same time. If it goes well, there could be more jobs in the future. A friend of mine has an event planning business, and photography services come up from time to time, I'm sure. Sometimes it really does come down to who you know.

There's something about a hill on a summer day.

There's something about a hill on a summer day., originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Grapes (not raisins)

Grapes (not raisins), originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Fading summer light on wet toes.

Weather Update: The weatherman was right. It's pouring. And cooler.

Retired

Retired, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Weather Update: Sunny and hot, but they say rain and a "cold" front are on the way.

Guess what?

Guess what?, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Chicken butt!

I've been busy. Been out of town. Been shooting photos for friends. Been getting kids off to school. Been really tired.

Weather Update: more rain. What else is new?