Okay, I have always been obsessed with cartoons. Maybe that is why I love to draw. Even as an adult I still watch cartoons and animated movies. I never pass up the opportunity to watch the Flintstones or Looney Tunes on Boomerang. And you can be sure to find Nemo, Wall-E or a Disney classic playing at my house at least once a week. I enjoy the Pixar style animation but am still a hardcore hand drawn Disney fan, Robin Hood and Sword in the Stone being my favorites. But coming in a very close third on my list of animated flicks is Toy Story. From the first time I saw it I was hooked. The first Toy Story was released when I was a teen (and yes I know this will be embarrassing) and I had (and still have) a Toy Story bedspread, the Buzz Lightyear action figure, Slinky Dog, Mr. Potato Head and a Bucket-O-Soldiers. One of my dogs was also named after my now favorite Toy Story character, Jessie. Let's just say I love Toy Story.
Well, last night I watched Toy Story 3. It was great, it stayed right in flow with the first two films, never missed a beat. The characters all had the same lovable charm and were very comical. I must say this one had a very intense ending, I found myself very nervous and anxious to see how it would end. It was very emotional. A lot of movie critics talked about the movie having a darker feel than the previous two but I don't think it was more sinister than the disturbed neighbor boy, Sid, of Toy Story 1. All in all I was very happy with it. Disney/Pixar didn't disappoint and did a brilliant job once again.
Also on my movie watch list this week was Letters to Juliet. Very much a chick flick. I really enjoyed it. It was a bit predictable but what romantic comedy isn't? The main characters were easily likable and I especially enjoyed Vanessa Redgrave's performance which was warm and so caring. Definitely a must see if you're a romantic comedy fan.
*****
We've been taking a lot of very long walks the past couple weeks. With rifle hunting season coming up soon I want to get my dogs out in the field and woods as much as I can before we are limited just to our back yard. While I don't hunt I know there are hunters all around our property and I'm taking no chances. Something happens to some hunters (not the ones I know, who are very cautious) when they are out with their loaded weapons. I just don't trust that someone might get trigger happy and shoot before they realize what they are shooting at. So from November 15 until after the first of January our doggie walks are confined to the closeness of our house.
With all these long walks we've been able to soak up all the bright and brilliant colors that fall has brought our way. This fall, which is my favorite season for the above reason, has been wonderful, not to warm or cold for the most part. We did have a week of 80-ish weather which is not at all unusual for Michigan. With all the beautiful colors came fall portraits of my doggies and my nephews. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to capture their photos with all the bright leaves and the giant pumpkin from our garden.
My two crazy pups out in the woods.
Here's Jessie. I wish she wouldn't have had a mouthful of dirt of this picture, she was mole digging. But I do love the colors behind her.
Here she is with the gorgeous blue and green backdrop. Too bad as I clicked she moved forward. I guess she wanted her close up to be really close.
Casey is sometimes a little less cooperative or rather distracted when we're out in the woods. She's not very likely to sit and pose for you like Jessie does. Here she was completely distracted and fascinated with the falling leaves. She just laid down and watched as they floated down from the trees.
This is a shot of her running through the field. I was so happy we went out before noon and caught the morning sun.
Chase sure did like the big pumpkin. He kept giving it kisses.
It was so warm out this day that we got rid of the jacket. I think the striped shirt worked out perfect and of course he had to have the owl, which I think has become his favorite toy here.
These pictures of Chase were taken the first week of fall so the weather was still summerish! I love the colors, especially the brightness of the green grass.
Parker on the other had could have cared less about the pumpkin. I was lucky to get this shot of him when we first went outside. He sat real good for about 2 seconds (just long enough for me to push the button) then he was off to climb the porch steps.
You have to be quick any more to get a picture of this kid, he is on the move!
These were taken later in the afternoon so the sun was nice and golden.
So far, fall has yet to disappoint me. Wonderful weather and adorable doggies and babies, what more could you ask for?! Oh, maybe a beautiful healthy baby girl that will soon be forced to have her picture taken thousands of times. Yup, I have a niece due to arrive the end of the month and we are all super excited! Chase is getting a little sister soon!
Enjoy fall, it doesn't last very long!
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