Outtakes

I love Mackenzie. Her candor and discernment are both amusing and honest.

Below are 'outtakes' of our professional photography session. We had them taken at a beautiful park on the beach at dusk--sounds intimate and romantic, right? Well, not if you're Mackenzie and are trying to figure out why some strange lady is trying to make you smile.

Seriously, why does this lady insist on following me around?

This is weird, guys.

Is she stalking us?

And, then, this beauty. This picture captures the essence of Mackenzie: curious, confident and on a mission.

U-S-A, U-S-A!

Someone has gotten into the World Cup spirit! And, Mackenzie just likes the snacks served at game watching parties.

Poo = Pool

Last week Josh and I had a conference in Orlando for work, and, as we view our jobs as a way of life and not just a job, we carted Mackenzie with us.

This was both easier and harder than last year when Mackenzie accompanied us. Last year, there were a lot more late night cries and feedings. But, last year, we could simply put Mackenzie in her stroller and attend conference sessions and post-session cocktails. This year, Mackenzie is fully mobile and able to express her confident personality--at times creating a danger for a toddler trying to navigate a busy hotel lobby. But don't tell her that she is short compared to adults.

And, this year, Mackenzie is just a lot more fun. Don't get me wrong--she was fun as an infant--but it's different when you can watch your child fully embrace and experience new things.

Some of Mackenzie's favorite things at the Marriott WorldCenter in Orlando:

The Pool. Hands down. This kid is a water baby. And, in case you need help in deciphering toddler-speak, "poo" means "pool." Let's hope she never has to really poo in the pool. That could get confusing.

Breakfast buffet. Clearly, this is something Mackenzie has been sorely missing at home.

Grandparents.