Top 11 of 2011

I'm interrupting my regularly scheduled foodie post to take part in a fun contest being held by Click it up a Notch, Click.Pray.Love. and Naptime Momtog. Check it out!
My husband was kind enough to buy me a beautiful camera a couple years ago and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning how to use it!  I take WAY too many pictures of my kids.  It would take me weeks to go through each month of 2011!  As I quickly scanned my picture files trying to decide what was "the best,"  I was a little stumped.  I definitely have favorite pictures but they're not necessarily "technically" the best in terms of photography, it's the memory or the moment that makes the picture special. BUT, that's ok because this is not a "photography" contest per say (winners are chosen randomly).  You don't need to be a professional and actually it's best if you're not! (One of the prizes includes a seat in the Clickin Moms workshop:  Shooting 101).  So I encourage others to join in!  What's your top 11 of 2011??  Here's mine...

This picture was taken on a Mid-March bike ride.  The week was unusually warm and a few crocuses began to pop up here and there.  Talia was so excited to pick it. She held onto it for hours.  

I should lie and tell you that we were all decked out and ready to head to a Derby party but we were not at all.  The five of us had a fun little celebration here at home complete with hot browns and mint juleps.  I set up a tripod in the front yard to capture us in our Derby Day best! (Mike's not a fan of his expression but I love it.  He was constantly saying crazy things to try to get the kids to stand, look and smile.)

I love that time of year when the leaves have just begun to fill in and you get an unusually warm evening.  This was taken in early May...

An Earth Day pic...

Planting green beans...

One of my favorite pictures of Riley.  Taken while Strawberry picking...

We go to Florida in the summer every year.  One of my favorite things to do is head down to the beach after dinner.  Lola managed to bring half the beach home with us each night.  

Sweet Talia...

I think the reflections are kind of cool in this pic...

We somehow missed leaf pictures in 2010.  I was happy to get a bunch in 2011....

Tree tagging...

 Narrowing it down to 11 was practically impossible!  Anyone else out there going to enter?  I'd love to see your top 11 of 2011!!