My husband and I knew that our lives would change once we adopted our dog Chloe. There were definitely a few changes I was not expecting. Here are some of the changes I can think of right now:
- I was excited to be awakened at 4:00am when Chloe let it be known she needed let out. Not so much anymore. Luckily she sleeps longer now.
- We talk about dog bathroom habits almost daily.
- My frequently used phrase daily is – “Go potty.”
- Followed closely by – “No Chloe!”
- When I get home from photographing an event my legs and butt are now sniffed. I must pick up some great scents from the playing surfaces.
- I snack less since my snacks are kept with her snacks. She thinks opening of that door means she gets food too.
- She makes me take breaks from work which is probably a good thing.
- I now know exactly how many school buses go down the street, what time they come and when the kids start gathering for them.
- We play in the snow more than we have in a very long time.
- Laying around in bed on a Sunday morning is no longer an option.
- She has more toys than me.
- There is nothing like coming home to somebody that is genuinely happy to see you no matter what kind of mood you are in.
So while I am working (photo courtesy of Robert Leifheit)

I imagine her laying in the office missing me.

But she is probably just sleeping & dreaming about playing in the snow.

The Lakota East Gymnastics Invitational was almost a week ago and I still agonize over the images I did not make. Gymnastics was never a sport I attempted or watched growing up so I struggle photographing it. At the Invite I only had a few schools to photograph so I spent a lot of time watching the other gymnasts perform when I had some down time. It helped some but I still have a long way to go before I consider myself great at gymnastics. I did get what the schools needed but I would love to truly show how amazing these athletes are in their sport. Next year I think I will find out practice times and go to a few just to watch and learn. Here are a few of the ones I liked from the event, all available through the Game Proofs link above.

Wanted to get a few detailed images. Getting ready for the bars.

Adding more powder to the upper bar.

Performing on the beam.

End of floor performance.


More beam.


You know Lakota West vs Lakota East is a big rivalry when there are probably four times as many fans as normal for wrestling. And the pep band showed up as well for the Varsity matches. I imagine all the teams appreciate the extra support. Here are a few of my favorite images from the matches. All available through the Game Proofs link above.







The Varsity womens basketball game between Middletown and Lakota East was not necessarily the prettiest game I have ever seen but it did keep everyone tense until the final buzzer. Regulation was not enough to settle the game. A Middletown player hit a basket as time ran out in the 4th quarter forcing overtime. Then an East player hit a shot as time expired in overtime to win the game. With positioning, skill and a little luck I was able to get the game winning shot. It has definitely been one of those weeks where luck has been on my side for game ending shots. Players and refs did not get between me and the action and I was able to make the image. Below are some of my favorites from the game. JV and Varsity images are available through the Game Proofs link above.
Last minute instructions from an assistant coach.

A loose ball battle.

That ended with some contact between the players.



Head coach pointing to the spot she wants her player.


The game winner in overtime.
