Did I mention another homeschooling mother gave my daughter her cast-off Olympus digital camera? I've always said its important to give kids real tools for their work. I give toddlers sharp scissors and paintbrushes made with hair. Tools matter. Apparently this goes for cameras as well. The only down side is that now I feel I need a new camera.

I'm so grateful to Shannon for the Olympus. It was a game changing gift. I love my girl's artistic eye, her natural sense of composition and her style. Photography has become her primary creative outlet these days. And now she's got a much better toolbox to work with. I think this is the best portrait of Jackson, ever. And Ry, are there two animals in this image, or three? Very nice work!