New Year's Eve

My cousin Wyatt and Aunt Jess came up to our house for the big New Year's party! Well, there wasn't much of a party, but we had fun with our hats even though they didn't stay on real well! Mommy and Jess watched Sound of Music while daddy did some work. He just couldn't see it twice in one week since he and mommy went to the Ordway Theater just the other night. I heard that the lights went out at about 10:30...so no one rang in the new year.

But shortly thereafter...well let's just say I joined many other people around the world by getting sick on New Year's Day. I woke up with the flu and it wasn't pretty. I just couldn't keep anything down. Daddy went to Cub at 4:15AM to get some Pedialite and that didn't work either! Even thought I felt miserable, I would still sit up and smile in between vomits! I am truly a happy boy!! I am finally sleeping for a little while now at 11:00AM. Hopefully Wyatt didn't take the flu home with him this morning!

A New Lodermeier

We traveled through crazy rush hour traffic today out to Waconia to see Chris, Alice and new baby Jacob!! He was born on December 26th and is doing really well. His older brother Noah is so proud and happy as are mommy and daddy. Too bad Noah wasn't at the hospital for me to hang out a bit with him, but atleast I got to see my Godparents Chris and Alice. We are so excited for the Lodermeier family!!

Christmas Day (Mommy's Birthday)

My First Official Christmas Day (and mommy's birthday of course). I got lots of nice things, but through it all, everyone could have saved money on great toys and clothes and just given me a bunch of paper scraps, ribbons and bows. They all fit so nicely in my mouth and keep my so pacified!!

We spent the morning and early afternoon with the whole Lunde Family at the farm and then went to Gma & Gpa Addington's in Rochester for spaghetti, birthday cake and presents. It was a full house with all of us and Sogn, Ben and Lucy running around too!! It was a fun, fun day and I am so thankful for all the wonderful family that I got to spend my days with.

Christmas at the Meerkins'

We went to the Meerkins' in Mazeppa for the annual (again insert my disclaimer from previous "annual" claim) Tacky Christmas Sweater party. I had a matching sweatshirt with my cousin Wyatt which said "Christmas Rocks". We had a great time with Gma and Gpa and all the other relatives at Steve & Leann's. It was pretty much a blizzard outside, but we were having a great time inside with our funny sweaters. Many more photos are in the 2007 Family Christmas II gallery.

Bowling

Well this is the start to a three-part Christmas Blog for me! We had our annual (everyone-else's-annual-up-to-this-year-and-now annual-for-me) Addington Bowling Extravaganza in Rochester. I thought all the lights were pretty cool and of course there was lots of action and people to pass me around.

Mommy and daddy both had strong showings on the lanes winning the couple's total grand prize. It was only slightly marred by mommy using an illegal six pound ball which was against lane policy for anyone over the age of ten. She claims that she was unaware of the sign boldly hanging above the ball racks. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are both making similar claims as to their sports achievement exploits...

Oh well, it was a fun time and I think I may roll a ball or two next year.

Out of the Tub

The days really seem to be flying by! We are running around a lot from the U of M to Kenyon to the farm and Gma and Gpa's. I stayed with Aunt Jess for the day on Thursday which was fun too! Daddy and I stayed at the farm while mommy had to get ready for an FFA event. We had a good time. I rolled off the air mattress bed and woke up in the night. Just layed there and looked at daddy until he woke up and put me back!!

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the bathtub!! Daddy took some great shots of me tonight in the tub and then a couple like this one right after I got out! I pretty much splash until all the water is gone and then it's time to get out! I am pretty smiley too now with my third (on top) tooth coming in! You can see my other ones really good in some of the photos. They are in the MY LATEST PHOTOS gallery

12.10.07 NDSU @ MINNESOTA MEN'S BASKETBALL

Okay, I did have a vested interest outside simply shooting this game between my two favorite college hoops teams...NDSU'S point guard and the nation's 5th leading scorer, Ben Woodside is a former player! I relish each opportunity to see him play and always nice to have the camera along.

Speaking of camera...this was my first shoot with the new Canon 40D. Got it just in time. I love the bolstered speed and viewfinder is impressive as well. There are a lot of new features which I loved immediately and will spare you the technical details.

12.08.07 DAVID & JENNY

A wonderful Saturday in Anoka, MN. David and Jenny were married on a cold, cold day in Minnesota. It was a very spacious church which allowed a lot of room to roam, especially during the ceremony.

The reception was tastefully decorated with a Christmas feel, but not too over the top. I had the opportunity at the couple's request to set up and shoot family portraits near a large Christmas tree. It was really fun to get to know a lot of the folks at the reception. So often, you are on the move and constantly looking for that next shot. This was nice to slow down and visit with many of the guests.

Overall, a really beautiful wedding and a happy couple. I look forward to staying in touch with them and appreciate the opportunity to capture their day for them.

Gopher/NDSU Basketball

My first basketball game!! I went with to watch my buddy Woody and the NDSU Bison play against the Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. I wore my Little Bison Hoopster #10 shirt and everything. I stayed awake for whole game and really loved watching all the action under those bright lights. The only time I didn't like it was when the Gophers made a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the half and the crowd went crazy...I started crying. Maybe partly because I wanted NDSU to win!!! I fell asleep after the game, but Woody held me for a minute and a couple photos. We'll have those in the NDSU gallery under sports!

It was a great night and my first of many basketball games. I am excited to see the KW Knights play on Friday night.

Teeth

Since my dad has been so lazy in helping me update the blog, we had to include two photos in one! The big news (color photo) is that my teeth are finally starting to come through. Amidst the drool and giggling, maybe you can see them. I am also loving to be on my feet (b/w photo). I may just skip the entire crawling thing. Who needs it anyway?? It's just hard on the knees and elbows. Much to daddy's enjoyment, I am also loving to play with the remote control. Daddy never dreamed that amidst his Tivo'd hunting shows and basketball games would be Sesame Street in high definition! It's awesome and I laugh continually throughout the show!

I had a great week this week too. Spent Wednesday with Gma at the farm. We played all day long with Wyatt. Friday, I hung out with Gpa Gary.

Yesterday, I woke up from a nap and there was all this white stuff outside! It was crazy, but it looks like it could be a lot of fun! Sogn thinks so too.

Time at the Farm

We spent last night at the farm and like usual, I had a great time with my cousin Wyatt. He is growing pretty fast! Daddy took some photos of the two of us today.

It was a nice time down there as we had a low-key celebration for Gpa Don's birthday which is Tuesday. Everyone enjoyed some fried chicken, drinks and conversation while Wyatt and I rolled around and then finally went to sleep. Things have been pretty busy around there lately as Gpa is trying to get the fall harvest finished up. He only has a few more acres left and should finish in the next couple days. Then everyone can celebrate with a good long nap!!

Basketball

Isn't it all about basketball this time of year?? I had my new outfit on today and played with my ball for quite a while on the floor. I am so engaged now sitting up, rolling around, and kind of crawling backwards. You can't take your eyes off me for too long.

We had a nice day home today cleaning the house and laying low. It was a productive day for mommy, daddy and I. We are leaving for the farm shortly!

Thanksgiving

Well the good news is that much to mommy and daddy's relief, I am starting to eat better now. I am getting used to my spoon and definitely have my favorites. Yogurt and applesauce are right up there. I also love banana puffs which are kind of like alpha bits cereal.

We traveled up to Andover to Son and Pat's house for a little Thanksgiving meal and as you can see with Uncle Kevin and Gma Carol, I got to sample quite a bit of stuff. In fact, scratch my favorites I just mentioned...I now love jello with whipped cream as my top choice!! And it gives me plenty of energy!

After having a great time there, we stopped at Eric and Kecia's for while. Kecia's parents, Gma, brother and sister were there too. And Eric and Kecia got a new puppy. Her name is Lucy and she is just about my size. I will get some photos of the two of us in "my latest photos" gallery.

At the Gym

I spent the day at the farm with grandma and Wyatt today. Had a great time playing! Daddy came back and got me after school and we went to open gym. My first open gym...I sat on daddy's lap and was enamored with all of the stuff going on there. My head just kept going back and forth watching all the balls bouncing, guys running around and shoes squeaking. Grandpa Gary was there too, so I got to sit with him for a while. I like to push the ball around on the floor like in this photo with daddy. He has me working on my ballhandling...especially my left hand!

Boys Weekend

Daddy and I had our first boys weekend last night and today! Mommy went out to Sioux Falls with some college friends and I stayed home with dad. We had a great time. I ate good, slept pretty well and overall was a really good boy. We went for a couple walks in the stroller with Sogn, went to Fleet Farm and watched hunting, football and basketball on TV. Typical guy stuff!! I got to stay in the bathtub for a long time tonight too. Daddy let me played in there until I had splashed all the water out! I love to splash by kicking my legs and now have learned that slamming my hands on the water also is fun!

I am really alert to things around me now. My head and eyes always have to be where the action is and I react to the things that I am seeing.

11.04.07 THE BAKKE'S

Two of the cutest little girls you can imagine! I got to go for a walk with Annika and Kate, the Bakke Twins this wonderful fall Sunday. They are now 18 months old and tearing around like crazy! It is really tough to get a nice posed photo with two of them the same age, but the candids were precious. As a photographer, just hang around long enough with twins and you'll get a good one. Our walk was wonderful and we got some great shots of this wonderful family!

11.04.07 THE GRESETH'S

Had a great session at the Plummer House in Rochester with the Greseth Family. There were so many amazing places to photograph at the Plummer House and caretaker and good friend Les Cookman was kind enough to let us inside for some shots.

The Greseth grandkids were great and held their smiles just long enogh to get some great shots. We haven't narrowed down the proofs yet, but rest assured there are some good ones. 14 people in one photo means 14 smiles, 28 eyes and 14 hairdos that could be out of place! I am sure we'll find a few that will go on the wall.

Grandma Jan did a great job of coordinating outfits on this one too!! Grandpa Dennis will also be listed as Assistant to the Director of Wardrobe...he did great!!

11.03.07 AARON & MARIE (and Duke)

Had another lucky day of late fall weather on this Saturday morning in Farmington. It was extremely sunny when we first started, but the light softened a bit and we got some great shots. Aaron & Marie brought their little dog, Duke along to participate too and he smiled well for a potential Christmas/Save the Date Card.

We walked along the river in Farmington and found some great shots in a short walk along the banks. Aaron & Marie also love being together and I was lucky to be along with the camera to stop a few moments for them six months before they'll be married.

11.02.07 CARLA & LUKE

Had a super session with Luke & Carla at Lake Nokomis in South Minneapolis on this beautiful late fall evening. We rescheduled this one after a crummy weather Sunday a few weeks back. We were so lucky to have such a gorgeous evening with a little daylight and fall colors still left. In fact, the leaves and colors around the lake were almost perfect. It did get a little chilly as we approached sunset at about 6PM.

I have been so blessed to work with couples who are so easy to photograph. Engagement sessions are so enjoyable because you are in comfortable company with folks who so love being with each other. That's my challenge to capture that. I think I did with Luke & Carla tonight.

Sleeping

Daddy actually got a photo of me in this rare state...SLEEPING!!! I have been a little under the weather with a cold as of late. Couple that with a trip to the doctor for my shots today and I have been a real bear. Just really stuffed up and finding it hard to sleep. The doctor appointment went well and everyone rest assured...my head isn't shrinking. I am in the 90th percentile for head size while about 25-50% for height and weight.

National FFA Convention

Got back yesterday from the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis with mommy and aunt Jess. It was a great time. I was really good on the plane rides and it was great to see many of my FFA friends that I haven't seen since Washington DC this summer.

Daddy was gone hunting in ND this weekend and I was so happy to see him even though it was when I woke up at night. I was sleeping when he got home!

I am totally sitting up on my own now and have only taken a couple of face plants! There will be many of those in the years to come. No big deal!! Here I am with my MN State Officer friends on the big stage in the convention hall. I liked hearing the speakers especially the National Officers give their final speeches. The music was a little loud for me some times so mommy plugged my ears for a lot of it. I hope I can go back again in the future!

10.27.07 NORTH DAKOTA PHEASANT HUNT

Okay, I promise this will be the last photo with dead animals in it.

I traveled this weekend to Hague, ND (pop 67) for some great pheasant action with my good friend Kurt Weber, his son Aaron and Minnesota Twins pitchers, Glen Perkins and Kevin Slowey.

It was a great time with lots of laughs, lots of birds and lots and lots of empty shotgun shells!! My lab Sogn is dead tired and still recovering!

10.21.07 SOUTH DAKOTA BOWHUNTING

Okay, so I don't take photos every single day of the year!! I do usually have my cameras along with me on my travels though...

As is our usual custom late in October, my great college friend Cory Hansen and I are lucky enough to spend time bowhunting whitetail and mule deer on the Weiss Ranch in northwest South Dakota. All of the Weiss' have made us feel a part of the family and we love this trip each fall.

I was fortunate enough to take this terrific deer this year. I did my best to make the photo a high quality one so I could put in on the website. More photos of the hunt and The Ranch are in the Friends & Family area.

Typing

sms/a p3`p;rf asdasd aerwg adw abberksd

I know that many of you question how much of this blog I really do myself...well, that part right there was officially me. I am home with daddy tonight while mommy is playing bells at church. Daddy let me really help him out on the blog. I am doing pretty well, huh?

ACPCG

Though I haven't done any work for them yet, I was recently accepted into the American Child Photographers Charity Guild. The ACPCG is a non-profit, volunteer-based group of photographers from all over the country that are dedicated to serving children in need and their families. Photographers from across the nation have networked together to provide families of desperately ill children complimentary portrait sessions.

As a photographer in this guild, I will donate my time and services in helping families of desperately ill children and parents who are experiencing the loss of a baby. The goal is to create a lifetime of memories in the few short moments that these families have.

I came upon this site in the weeks following the birth of our son Cameron. While realizing the incredible blessing that he was in our life, that blessing was quickly magnified. Through the tears in my eyes, I looked through the ACPCG's mission and previous work. I couldn't imagine not being involved with these folks. I also couldn't imagine being on the receiving end of these photos.

Please check out ACPCG and the wonderful work that is there already. This is a noble cause that some wonderful people have dedicated themselves to contributing to.

Leaves!!!

We had a busy weekend. Daddy did wedding photos on Friday and two family sessions on Saturday. Three sessions got postponed today because of bad weather.

I was along for this one in the leaves and it was great. You probably know by now that I am not liking eating my food too much...BUT I REALLY LIKE LEAVES!!! Maybe mommy and daddy can mix some of this up with some sweet potatoes or rice cereal?!?!

I also officially said my first word today..."Dad"...it was right after my third poopy diaper in a row that daddy changed (and lost his appetite before dinner). But I said it nonetheless. Mommy is claiming that it wasn't real, but we're pretty sure it came out that way.

10.13.07 THE CHAMBERS FAMILY

Shooting with the Chambers' on Saturday was a great time. If only we would have had a little more time. It was fun to hang out because Leah and Cameron came along with me. We played in the leaves and like you may have read in Cameron's Blog, he really enjoyed eating the leaves.

I was again reminded how fun it is shooting young children that are starting to develop personalities. Don't forget to add a teaspoon of patience with that...make that 2 cups of patience! But to see them smiling and happy and in turn, capturing those moments are priceless. I can't wait to get the images up on the computer and they're not even my own children! More of their photos are HERE.

We also shot the Schwanke Kids who were a bit older, but smily nonetheless! Photos of the kids are a family tradition for them and I was so pleased to add a few of my photos to their extensive collection

10.12.07 AARON & KIMBERLY

What a beautiful fall wedding in Roseville, MN! Aaron & Kimberly were gracious enough to choose me as their photographer last winter and after 7 years of dating, they were married today.

So many things about their day reminded me of our wedding day back in 2002 which was on October 5. The colors in leaves and crisp feel in the air are truly what make my favorite time of year. They had many of the same colors and decorations that we did as well.

I was frozen like I often am when the pastor goes through the vows with the couple. My mind wanders back to my own wedding and my love for Leah. Though I won't forget it, I better mentally prepare for not missing any of the job at hand!!

Aaron & Kimberly were so, so easy to work with and really couldn't have been more relaxed (atleast they seemed that way) about their day. It made my role a lot more fun. I wish them all the best in all their days ahead!!

10.11.07 SCOTT & LESLIE

Finally the rain subsided in southern Minnesota and it really was a beautiful fall day. It was amazing how many of the leaves had blown off trees in the past week, but we had a great fall session with Scott and Leslie. Ironically (or maybe very subconsciously intentional) it is exactly one year from their wedding date! Hopefully the day in Rice Lake, WI will be as beautiful as this one was in Cannon Falls, MN.

We took a walk along the Cannon River and found some nice spots and then before getting back into the cars, found a couple great spots downtown. I love the shots we found on an old fire escape against a building with an old advertisement painted on it. What a great place to photograph.

More of Scott & Leslie's shots are found HERE

New Trick

Here is my new trick with my mouth. It's kind of like I just discovered my tongue and I really like to twist it around. Daddy put me in my new bear coat to go for a walk this afternoon because it was so chilly outside. Sogn liked getting out with us though.

Testy

I have been really testing mommy and daddy when it comes to eating! I love being in my high chair, but not so much love for the cereal, sweet potatoes and formula! I was home with daddy on Tuesday though and ate 9 ounces in one sitting and didn't even take a breath. I even held the bottle with my own hands.

I am making some new noises too. My favorite is a wooo-woooo-woooo sound. I am really working on sitting up on my own and I love to be held so I can stand. Not too long and I will be cruising around on my own. The other night, daddy sat on the floor with me and I rolled over and over all the way around the living room. After about 15 minutes, I was right back at daddy's side!

Away from Mom & Dad

This was a monumental weekend for all of us. Mommy and daddy left me home alone with Aunt Jess on Friday night and Gma Carol on Saturday night so they could go up north for their 5th annviersary! It was much more traumatic for mommy than it was for me. I had a great time with Gma Deb and Aunt Jess on Friday and Saturday. I ate well, took naps, and had a great time. Gma Carol came and picked me up on Saturday afternoon and took me and Sogn back to my house in Farmington. Again, we had lots of fun. Went on some walks with Sogn too!

This photo is of how happy both mommy and I were when they got home on Sunday.

09.30.07 KATIE'S SENIOR PHOTO SESSION

Finally had the chance to hook up and get Katie's photos done on the way home from Sioux Falls. She lives on a farm just outside of Olivia, MN. Like the Ideal Yardware shoot, it was rainy and blustery, but I managed to keep her on the downwind/downrain side of most of the locations that we shot.

Katie's farm was one with every animal you could imagine. She has been involved with lots of poultry, dogs and the family even has a 1 acre wine vineyard. There were some great spots to get photos and we pulled it off even in the rain!

Katie is also a FFA State Officer, so we got some shots with her three blue corduroy jackets (much like you saw in Derek's gallery).

HERE are the rest of Katie's photos.

09.30.07 IDEAL YARDWARE SHOOT

This shoot was a preliminary shoot for an advertising campaign for Ideal Yardware in Sioux Falls, SD. I took shots of a few clients of Ideal Yardware and their subsequent Gravely lawn tractors. It was a rainy blustery day just outside of Brandon, SD, but the shots turned out fine.

I will post an updated look at the ads when they get finished.

By the way, good job to Jarrod. You look like you "run 3000 acres and don't have time to worry about your lawn tractor"!!!

Trip to South Dakota

We went out to South Dakota this weekend to visit my friend Jacob! He was born about 5 weeks after me, but we are about the same size! Our daddies are buddies from college and love to hunt together in the fall, so no doubt Jacob and I will have to tag along in a couple years. Jacob's has a sister Grace and a brother Caden too.

I have been liking the food thing just a little more now too since mommy and daddy have tried sweet potatoes. I just don't care for that rice cereal much. Sweet potatoes are a lot messier too which I like!

09.29.07 JACOB

A beautiful little boy Jacob was a smiley little subject to work with in Brandon, SD. His 1 1/2 year-old sister, Grace was a big help in getting him to smile. These photos were Jacob's 4 month photos and he is doing really well. Like I have found with our boy Cameron, those hands like to go into the mouth almost all the time!

The rest of his gallery is HERE. Our boy Cameron was right there for a few shots at the start of the session too. These two buddies have some fun times ahead.

09.27.07 TYLER'S SENIOR PHOTO SESSION

Another unique shoot for me today. My first time on the runway at an airport for sure! Tyler is really into gliding so we met at the airport to do the first part of his shoot there. It was awesome. Right when we arrived a glider came in a landed close to us...it was magical to see something so huge slip in so quietly. I can't imagine how peaceful it would be to be 3000 feet in the air sitting in the quiet of one of these elegant gliders.

Shot much of this part of the session with a 10-22mm Canon lens. There was just this incredible need to capture as much of the glider as possible. I feel like we got a good combination of Tyler and the glider. Not like your typical photo shoot prop, that's for sure!

The only other prop we used was Tyler's dad's 1967 Fender Stratocaster. A real beauty that any guitar player like me would really appreciate!

Tyler had a great smile and was proud to show it off as he had just gotten his braces removed a couple weeks ago! The rest of Tyler's unprocessed gallery is HERE if you want to see some more!

09.23.07 DEREK'S SENIOR PHOTO SESSION

Had a great time with Derek down in Fountain, MN. It was a really, really windy day and I have found that people with shaved heads are the easiest to photograph on windy days!! Derek didn't fit that hairstyle, but we still got some good shots. We did a number of shots in his garage that they are in the process of building right now. Had kind of a dusty, dirty feel to it. Nice for the contrasting feel of a stark b/w photo.

We also hiked through some tall weeds to an abandoned barn and corn crib to get a few mosquito infested shots! Derek's mom Barb was a real trooper making the hike with shorts and flip flops on. One of the best discoveries was Derek's spur of the moment idea to check out an old culvert he used to play in. In addition to some good light and no wind, it will have a personal connection for Derek. That is the goal with any portrait - capturing the person for who they really are.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon for a nice drive through southeastern Minnesota. Derek's unprocessed gallery is HERE if you want to check out the whole shooting match!

Weekend at the Farm

Got to spend the weekend at the farm again. It was very windy so I wore this bandana on my head...an old trick Gma used to do with mommy when she was a baby. I was outside for a while in my walker. I still love watching Sogn move around me...it always makes me laugh. I am trying to get better at petting him too. Sometimes I grab his fur too much and he doesn't like that much!

Gpa Don was working on the combine in this photo. He got out in the field and started harvesting beans too. Daddy and uncle Josh helped out hauling loads (in between hunting of course).

09.16.07 THE BAXTER FAMILY

Had a great session with the Baxter family on Lake Minnetonka this evening. It as a beautiful night along the lake as the sun was slowly going down on my back. The Baxters are a great looking family. The 13-year old daughter, Abby, came through at the State Fair with a friend of hers. They got their photo taken with some lambs.

Much thanks to a great family who really seemed to enjoy being together and having their photos taken. That makes the job of the photographer much less a "job" and more of hanging out with some fun people and capturing their time together.

Bath Time

I got to stay at the farm with Gma Deb today!!! Mommy, daddy and I stayed over night last night and they both went to work today. I got to go in the stroller and hang out in the barn with the cows. I was a really good boy and took a couple good naps, ate some oatmeal cereal and had some formula.

Aunt Lindsay and Wyatt came later in the day and we got to hang out too. Daddy came to get me after school and we road home with Sogn.

After going for walk, mommy thought I still smelled like the barn so I got a bath. I love the bath and playing with my rubber ducky!!

First Football Game

Here I am at my first football game!! It would have been a really good time if I could have seen out of my snowsuit! Once I got all bundled up and warm, it was just so hard to stay awake. We watched Uncle Kevin's Mayo team whoop up on Faribault 40-20. They started a bit slow, but got it going late.

It was a gorgeous weekend. We stayed at Gma & Gpa Addington's and had lots of fun. Daddy and Gpa did a little bowhunting and I stayed with Gma and just kept rolling over ! I can kind of spin around a little bit too. Not too long and you won't be able to look away from me!

We also went to my cousin Wyatt's baptism at Grace Lutheran in Goodhue on Sunday. I tried talking to him while he was up in front of the church. He was crying and I was just trying to console him! He and I will be quite a pair in a couple years.

09.12.07 MATT'S SENIOR PHOTO SESSION

You know those times as a photographer when the light is just right...those "magic times" when everything has a glow that is hard to forget. The one-hour Matt and I spent together on a quiet county road with his Harley was that time. We simply did a bunch of shots on the pavement cutting right through the middle of some southern Minnesota corn fields.

Knowing Matt from a previous class, I knew that he wasn't a real smiley guy. And I think that we captured his personality to a T. Sometimes those types are the easiest to shoot because they really aren't worried about their smile/hair/etc and simply spend those moments being themselves while the camera shutter clicks.

HERE is a bunch of Matt's unprocessed photos if you want to check them out.

09.07.07 SPEAKER STEVE SVIGGUM TRIBUTE

In last minute fashion, one of my best friends, Steve Sviggum asked me to shoot a "small event" on Friday night for him because his staff at the Minnesota State Capitol didn't have a photographer lined up.

The little event was actually a wonderful evening in tribute to Steve and his 28 years of service to the Minnesota State Legistlature. Steve was one of only two people in state history to serve as Speaker of the House for 8 years. Over 450 people attended the event including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, US Senator Norm Coleman, media mogul Stanley Hubbard, William Pillsbury and several other supreme court justices and legistlators.

It was a great evening to pay tribute to Steve and his service to the State of Minnesota. Though so many of the attendees held positions of high profile, it was amazing to hear them all speak simply of Steve's friendship. Amidst all of the dignitaries in the room, Steve was most proud of his family that joined him.

Back at the Fair

Well I sure haven't had too much time to be on here writing in my blog. Seems like a lot has happened in the past week or so.

We spent a fair amount of time at the Fair (that was a joke) and now we are all exhausted. Daddy was really busy with the photos, mommy helped him a lot and worked hard in the FFA Leadership Center and I pretty much went back and forth between the two! I stayed home one day with Aunt Kecia too. We saw lots of friends and family who stopped by to visit. Steve and Debbie Sviggum took me on Monday for quite a long walk. Along the way, I joined Steve for a radio interview on WCCO with Don Shelby. Don held me and talked for a little bit. He is a really nice guy and someday I will see him a lot on TV.

As you can see in my photo, we tried rice cereal for the first time tonight. I wasn't quite sure what to do with that stuff in my mouth. So I kind of pushed it back out with my tongue, rubbed it on my hands and then wiped it on my eyes, face, ears and hair. I think at some point I will like it, but not quite full-time yet.

Another thing that I am doing a lot now that we are home is talking to my puppy, Sogn. I seem to stare, smile and squeal at him everytime he is near me. He is a lot more friendly with me now too. He is excited that we are home since he spent the week with Gma and Gpa Addington...that equals getting up at 5:30AM and a walk about every hour. He was spoiled!

09.03.07 MINNESOTA STATE FAIR

Well it was the end of a very long 12 days at the Fair.

The Photo on a Stick was an overall success. I did over 375 sessions with everyone from a 4-week old, to families, to toddlers, to a major league baseball player. We shot photos with piglets, chicks, ducks, bunnies, lambs and even a calf.

My wife Leah was a huge help as she shot while I was at teacher meetings or shooting the FFA Livestock show.

It was a learning experience and we found lots of things that we would like to do differently if we are able to work again next August. Because it was in a separate room, folks were somewhat unsure of what was happening in our studio. But when people were on the set, a line usually formed at the door.

Kurt Weber and I also have had lots of inquiries regarding Vision Custom Design and our products we had on display. Considering that over 1 million people came through, we couldn't have asked for better advertising.

Home With Aunt Jess

Even though this photo is from the fair, my Aunt Jess came to my house and stayed with me all day today!! It was great to stay home with her. We had a great time together.

Mommy and daddy were both working. Daddy has started meetings at school this week and mommy was at the Miracle of Birth Center again today. She even took some photos for daddy before he went to the fair this evening. They are both looking forward to next week and getting some rest. Once school starts, life will slow down a bit and we can just be home together.

But for now, I am thankful that Jessica came to spend the day with me!

mmmmm...toes.

Major injury here today!!! I seemed to have dislocated my hip! Actually the past couple days I have really started looking at my own feet and today I discovered that I can get them in my mouth!! More confirmation of the SCT (Suck & Chew Theory) that my dad has on me!

I used to hate being on my tummy, but now that seems to be one of my more favorite ways to lay around. Add to that the ability to suck my own foot while on my back and I am pretty darn content!!

It is another gorgeous day at the Fair. We are having a great time and lots of folks are stopping to say hello to me

MN State Fair

We started the State Fair today. Daddy is doing "Photo on a Stick" in the Miracle of Birth Center while mommy is coordinating the FFA Leadership Center in the same building. I got to hang out with both of them all day long. Daddy was a little disappointed as he only took three photos all day. He did get this great one of me, mommy and a calf! I fell asleep for a while until that darn calf got a little ornery and made a lot of noise! It scared me a little and I woke up!!

We had an early morning and a late night, but all in all it was fun to be at the fair.

08.18.07 JOSH & JAMIE'S WEDDING

Despite the wedding day being stuck amidst a three-day Minnesota rain, we had a great photo shoot with Josh and Jamie. The wedding and reception were in Northfield, MN. They say rain on your wedding leads to a wealthy life...we hope the best for them!

Josh is one of eight children and there were six attendants on each side. The pre-wedding portraits kept the pressure on as the sanctuary already seemed full of people.

We got some photos outside under the entryway and a few downtown under a covered alleyway. Nothing like making due!

Some of my favorites from the day are HERE.

Working With Daddy

What a busy day of work today! I got a lot done with mommy on one computer and sat in my Bombo chair on the desk and helped daddy. I helped them both out as they are getting stuff ready for the State Fair. That starts in one short week!

Today was another milestone day for me. I tried FORMULA for the first time. I liked it sooooo much that I gagged, coughed, kicked, cried and screamed everytime daddy and mommy stuck the bottle in my mouth!! No, they were not screams of joy because I had added another lukewarm beverage to my repertoire...I HATED IT!!! I want the same old stuff I've always had! Daddy is now trying to figure out how to return an expensive, unsealed jar of formula mix to Target.

This pathetic attempt at feeding formula was a result of going to the doctor this week for my 4-month check up. Everything looked great and Dr. Westlund said to start some formula and rice cereal. Maybe I will like the rice cereal!

I weighed 14lbs 6oz and was 24" long...growing nicely. I was in the 50% for height and weight and my head size was 75%...just a big brain, right!??!

I Love Mommy

I love my mommy!!!

We took some other really really good photos of me here!

We had a nice weekend after getting home from the farm yesterday. It was another sports milestone day as i watched my favorite golfer, Tiger Woods win his 13th major championship today winning the PGA. I kind of have a little crush on his new daughter, Sammy too. She was pretty cute. This comes in the wake of Barry Bonds hitting his 756th career home run last week amidst lots of steroid controversy. Either way, it was a big record to be broken.

We went to church today and then got a few things done around home. It finally cooled of a bit so we also went for a long walk tonight too. Sogn really liked that!! We grilled chicken tonight and I sat on the patio with daddy and manned the grill. That was fun.

Not much else new, I guess. I just enjoy laying on my activity blanket, swinging in my swing or being held. I have a high SCF (Suck & Chew Factor) with most things I could get my hands on. Fingers, toys, pacifier, blankets...whatever is within range of my little arms and hands.

Goodhue County Fair

My first county fair!! Mommy, Daddy and I went yesterday to the Goodhue County Fair to watch all the Sviggum kids show their pigs. It was a great time. I got passed around between everyone and Dick took me for a big walk to show me the whole fair. I think I fell asleep though right after seeing the tractors. Dick started explaining to me the whole concept of four-wheel assist and I just fell asleep. He seemed pretty excited about it though...maybe someday I will want to know more. We have some more photos from gallery here in this gallery. We also got to help Gma out in the malt booth. It was really hot out and it seemed like everyone wanted one. Mommy and daddy jumped in to help (and eat a malt of course!!).

Mommy and I stayed overnight again at the farm and daddy went home to do some more senior photos. He came back now though so we are hanging at the farm!

Wyatt Came Home

We all headed south today to visit Wyatt and stay at the farm. I also had a big milestone in that I rolled over for the first time!! I actually did it a bunch of times. I am enjoying being on my tummy more now and hold my head up real well. But that gets pretty boring after a bit so I just roll over onto my back!!

It was fun to see Wyatt at his house too. He is so tiny, but doing well. Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Josh learned quickly how much harder it is to SLEEP after they bring us little guys home! haha. Daddy got some photos of Wyatt and they are in his own gallery here.

Great Grandmas

Today I got to go to Winona for Great Gma Rosemary's birthday. Great Gma Sylvia was in Rochester so I rode in the backseat with Gma Carol and her all the way to Winona...it was great. We talked the whole way there! There was a lot of family there and we had pizza and birthday cake. It was a really fun time. I finally got to see Uncle Mike and Aunt Judy too! They are in MN for a few weeks from Texas with Lisa, Ava and Liv. We all had a great time.

We also stopped at the hospital to see my cousin Wyatt too. He is so tiny, but it won't be long and we'll be about the same size and hard to keep track of!!

My New Cousin Wyatt

My first ever cousin Wyatt John Finnesgard came this morning!! He was born about 7:15AM in Rochester and weighed 5lbs-2 oz. Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Josh are now proud parents and we couldn't be more excited about it! This is a photo of me, Wyatt and G'pa Don.

G'pa Don was so excited and said, "What a great day!! We got rain and another grandson!!" Wyatt lives not too far from the farm, so I can imagine that he and I will have some great adventures in the coming years!! I can't wait.

Daddy got home tonight too, so I am glad to have him home. He had lots of fun golfing and hanging out with all his college buddies up north.

08.01.07 PHOTO ON A STICK

I have the good fortune of hosting a photo booth at the Minnesota State Fair. It will be in the new Miracle of Birth Center on the southside of the fairgrounds near the coliseum.

The Miracle of Birth Center welcomed over 1 million visitors in it's opening year in 2006. I will have a studio set up to photograph folks with newborn animals on a farm scene.

Like most novelty items and foods at the fair, prints will be mounted on a stick including a laser engraved Minnesota State Fair base for the stick.

Rolling Over

Well I am just that close! I have really started to work on my rolling over and if it weren't for my left arm being so muscular, I think I would be on my tummy! I just can't seem to get that arm out of the way. I like to get most of the way over and then just lie on my side and smile and giggle. My legs really get a good workout though because they are kicking like crazy trying to get the rest of me over the top!

Mommy and I got back safely on Sunday afternoon after a great trip to DC. We went to the farm yesterday and mommy and daddy moved a few things while I stayed with Grandma Deb. I even got to go in the tractor. I can't wait until I am a little older and can drive the big green tractor at the farm!

Today, mommy had a meeting at the fair so daddy and I spent the morning together. I was a little fussy but we still had a great time. I went with him to Northfield to meet with a couple about their upcoming wedding photos. We went to meet mommy in the afternoon.

Gotta get back to my rolling over exercises...if I can get that down, mommy and daddy won't be able to look away from me at all...that's my goal!!

Camden Yards - Baltimore

This was definitely a full day. We started out by getting dressed up and heading off to Arlington National Cemetery. We saw JFK's gravesite and a very moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The National Officers got to participate in the laying of wreath ceremony. It was very, very hot though...especially to be dressed up. The kids had to wear official dress which includes their blue jackets!! There are more photos in the State Presidents' Conf gallery.

Mommy worked some in the afternoon while I was fussy with daddy. Finally I took a little nap. Then we went to Baltimore for the Orioles and Yankees game. It was awesome to be at Camden Yards and outdoor baseball. It was a fun game even though I spent much of the game being walked around the concourse trying to fall asleep. A Rod didn't hit his 500th home run, but it was still fun. I am a bit ashamed that my first game wasn't with the Twins though?!

We got back late and daddy has to get up early to fly back home tomorrow morning. Mommy and I leave on Sunday. I am ready to get home.

National Officers

Here I am with our awesome National Officer Team (minus Janette who was sick). It has been such a fun week with all of them and the State Officers from around the country.

We got a lot covered tonight as we went on the night tour of the major monuments. Went to Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Vietnam War Memorial, WWII Memorial and finished up the night with reflections on the Capitol Lawn. It was really a great day.

Daddy got lots more great photos and they are in the State Presidents' Conf gallery.