M = Manual

With a lot of help and encouragement from friends, I have branched out of Full Auto mode on my camera ... I figured I'd give it a shot and tried setting the camera to M (as in Manual - LOL!). I actually got a few pictures I really like of Sakura and one of some leaves on Auntie's tree. I need lots of practice as practice makes perfect - but it wasn't as bad as I always imagined :)

I started earlier in the day with the bubble fun with Auntie - then took Sakura back outside for some baseball and exploring Auntie Fumiyo's beautiful backyard.

Play Ball

I must have been the batter - looks like Sakura learned to "wind up" from somewhere?!

We were just playing catch - no batting.

Still throwing that ball at Mommy!

I'm sure she was telling me to get the ball here ... and stop taking pictures!

But that didn't happen :)

We tried several different balls that Freddie had out in the backyard

Always take time to stop and smell the flowers - beautiful hydrangea flowers in this case

Mommy's Pretty Girl

Leaves

Actually posing when I asked her to

"stand right here Sakura - so Mommy can take your picture"

Posing for Mommy - Thank You Sakura!

Then funny faces began....

Followed by a million hugs - which I will take ANY day!

Sakura says "HUG" and runs at me like this :o)

But my FAVORITE picture of all is the last one - and after my million hugs I asked Sakura to hug herself, she didn't know what I meant, and I showed her, luckily I grabbed the camera off the ground to capture this! I LOVE this one!

The BEST hug ever!

If I never get another good picture of Sakura I'll be happy that I got this one!

Thanks for being such a good sport Sakura chan, I know that Mommy with the camera gets old, but I have to try and capture every moment and every memory, it goes by FAR too quick - and I never want to forget each and every stage. Mommy's love for you is immeasurable sweet girl! I waited a lifetime for you, and there is no greater joy than your sweet smile, your awesome hugs and kisses, and even your spunky attitude!