one last summer getaway

Last week we made a last minute decision to spend a few days in Hot Springs, Ark., before Hank starts school.

Crossing the old Memphis - Arkansas bridge.

I didn't realize quite how literal the city name is. You can see the actual springs, where the water is just under boiling.

The city was built around a row of enormous bath houses. People came from all over to take a bath in the springs. Only two of the houses are still open for business, and one has been turned into a museum.

Hot Springs has quite the selection of steak houses, some right on Lake Hamilton.

We went to a little theme park, where for some reason I decided to ride this. Horrifying due to my trust issues with safety restraints. Scroll down to watch it in action, and you'll see why.

We found a cute little diner where we had the best sundaes ever.

The end of summer is so bittersweet, don't you think?

guess where I've been?

yep. the happiest place on earth!

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge for the second time. I want to live there.

And don't hate me, but I went here...

Safari at Animal Kingdom.

Lion King Show.

Fireworks at the Grand Floridian.

It was the best trip ever. I want to go back!

weekend snaps. 6/15/10

Linking with 6 in the city.

This weekend was one I had been looking forward to for many months! I went to Seattle for a pet photography workshop taught by Jamie of Cowbelly Pet Photography. And it was even better than I expected!

Got to explore Pike Place Market.

Original Starbucks.

Space needle and museum designed by Gaudi.

We stayed at Hotel Max and held the workshop there too. It was very artsy and original. Loved it.

The best part of the weekend by far was the last day when we got to shoot seven pugs. I wanted to take them all home.

And we got to meet Jamie's adorable dog Fergie.

Of course, I was glad to get back to my own babies, who had to take turns sniffing every square inch of my suitcase.

For many more pug pictures, jump over to the Whisker Snaps blog.

feeling fishy

I've been eyeing fisheye lenses for months, but just couldn't justify dropping hundreds for such a stylized, artsy look. I had also seen the fisheye converters that you just attach to your lens to convert it into a fisheye,  but I was skeptical. I really wanted a fisheye to take to the beach, so I took a gamble on the converter. And I absolutely love it! Don't know how an actual fisheye lens could be much better. I got this one, and for less than $50, it was well worth it! I had so much fun playing.

(I spy some bad behavior.)

weekend (+ last week) snaps. 6/6/10

I'm alive! Here's what I've been doing all week...

I hated to leave, but I was glad to see a certain four furballs.

Be back soon...promise.