I went to see Bradley do karate this morning at an open day at his school.  They did a quick exhibit of what they’ve been doing all year, and he also got his grading results.

I didn’t actually realise that they have a dedicated dojo on the school grounds, which is absolutely wonderful because it’s properly kitted out with the right flooring etc.  I was expecting to see him do it in the hall, like we did at school!! you probably think it’s strange that I didn’t know that, but that building didn’t get pointed out to me when I did a tour of the grounds before he started.

You’re also probably wondering why they’re not wearing proper karate kit… they’ll start wearing the proper kit next year I think, once he starts BIG school.  And they wear golf shirts and rugby shorts as a uniform anyway, so it’s nice and comfy.

Waiting for his turn

Punching the tennis balls

His grading results

As for the quality of the shots… I took Connor with me… that should say it all!  I thought it would be a good idea.  LOL!! He nearly took over (he wanted to play too), so I had to ban him from the room and made him play in the garden.  So half my time was spent running after him, and stopping him from pouring sand into the kids shoes outside!!

I had SO much fun doing this shoot!  We went to a friend’s plot, as Fiona was looking for veld shots, and we got more than we bargained for because we found an old rusted car under some trees. What a beautiful place for photos!

We tried to get photos next to the river on the property too, but after bundu bashing for a while and getting cut to smitherines on thorn bushes, we decided that the river was too high to cross to get to the rocks and the beach area.  But we tried!! LOL!

Hope you like them Fiona…

First, another favourite from the photoshoot last Sunday

Then a funny story…

Bradley noticed those particular road signs for the first time when we were on our way to Parys on Sunday. All of a sudden an excited voice shouted from the back of the car “Look Mom, get your camera out!! You’re allowed to take photos here!”

Bike riders in Parys

Day Lily

The rest were taken at Fiona‘s and another internet forum mom’s baby shower yesterday

She’s going to kill me for posting this photo, but it really tugs at my heartstrings…

Scooting around

Happy 8 month old

Finally something blue for baby Zoe

Check out Lotus’ blog for more Weekly Winners

Bradley had an swimming open day at school today so that the moms could watch.  I’m so glad I went.  One of the reasons I went was so that I could see how they taught him so that I could do the same at home.

Those of you who read my other blog, would know that he had a near drowning incident when he was 3, and since then he’s been far too scared to even try and swim without arm bands.  It’s only been in the last month, when I refused to let him use the arm bands at home; and bought the same swimming aids as he uses at school that he’s finally started to get over his fear.

I was SO SO proud of him today.  I was amazed that he let his teacher make him float on his back… he NEVER lets me do that.  He even did semi-dives into the pool from a seated position on the edge, and then swam doggy paddle style across the width of the pool… without any help from the teacher or any aids!  It’s such a pity that those photos are not very clear (the teacher was in the way), but I have these photos…

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Check out the latest Photo Story Friday bloggers HERE

You may have noticed that I’ve updated my site.  I’ve added 2 new pages at the top, one explaining my rates, and the other contains a contact form and other contact information.  I took on board all the suggestions made on my last post about rates, and I’ve finally decided what I’m charging.

So officially, as from today, ta da ta daaaaa…. my photography business is open for business!

If you know of anyone in the Johannesburg area that’s looking for a custom photographer to capture those special moments with loved ones (no matter what age), please tell  them to give me a call

And because I can’t possibly post without showing a photo, here’s another fun one from the photoshoot on Sunday…