Filming on the iCarly Set

Adrian managed to pull a few strings to get Jess and I into a taping of iCarly over at the Nickelodeon studios up on Sunset Blvd. Such a fun afternoon and we couldn't have had a better time. Not sure who had more fun, Carroll or Jess, but it was a close race. I was able to bring my camera and when we first arrived I admitted to Jess I felt a bit lame pulling out the camera for silly photo-ops, but my genius daughter used my own wisdom back at me 'Mom, no one her knows you, so who cares if they think you are weird.' She knows me so well, and I broke out the camera. I think we were the only one in the small group who had one, but I got some great shots - so WHO CARES!

The Green Room

So before the show started, we got to hang out in the Green Room with some of the cast running lines, and many crew members coming in and out for the eats. The eats were IMPRESSIVE. They pretty much had some of everything you could imagine - salad, fruit, chicken carnitas!, chips, donuts, candy, cheesecake, chocolates, sour gummies. Jessica and I forced ourselves to have a bit of everything - really seemed rude not to!

Here are Some of the Sets

Jess Meets the Cast

So after the show 'Freddy' and 'Sam' signed autographs, and as we were leaving Sam commented on Jessica's cool mismatched shoes and we got a solo photo op. The kids on the show were really nice to all the younger kids who came to watch, I was very impressed with them all.

Jess Around the iCarly Set

So after the shoot was over, we got to wander around the sets and shoot some pics. Jess felt a bit silly, but was a trooper. I wanted a bit more ACTION, but Jess said I was lucky to get her to pose at all!

Lucy's Third Birthday

So Jerri and Bren refused to join the 'arms race' (as Brendan phrased it) of kid's parties with puppies, ponies, clowns, petting zoos, and more. So Lucy had the most fabulous Arial Mermaid party EVER this past weekend. Fish cupcakes, a craft table, fishing with magnet fishing poles, and a great dance mix. Lucy received the most gorgeous miniature violin as her main gift from B&J and we can't wait for the recitals to begin.

Cool Shots Taken During Class

And here are a few shots we took in class in groups out around and on Venice beach around 9pm during our last class. We did some portraits near the beach cottages using about 12 seconds and a flashlight. The cool thing about this shot (with me in it looking quite serious) is that the background lighting is quite cool. The other shots were on one of the lifeguard towers. Imagine it's pitch black! The shot with the girl was taken over about 30 seconds - and the girl and front of the tower were lit with a flashlight - then the tower itself was lit all round with multiple manual hits with a standard flash unit. Gave it a cool 3D effect to walk around the tower shooting off the flash. The one with the guy coming out of the light - same thing - he's lit by a flashlight - then we used a tiny flashlight with a gel to draw the lines around him. The exposure is so long, that the person drawing the lines does not show.

More Fun Flash Stuff! Home Shots

So for our fifth class, we learned a fun technique called 'painting with light.' Basically it's all about using very long time exposures - 20-30 seconds. Shooting in absolute darkness. And using flashlight(s) with and without gels to create cool effects. I can see A TON of fun to be had experimenting. In the meantime, here are a few shots of Jess at home so I could make sure I really 'got it' when I was on my own.

The Kids in Montauk

We managed to get a few good shots of the kids during the week. My top favorite is Dylan in the dunes!

Montauk Holiday

Jessica Wins the Biggest Fish Pot!

So the family went out for a day of fishing and everyone had a FABULOUS time. Well, Nick perhaps had slightly less than a fabulous time as he tends to get seasick, but otherwise, the fishing trip was great. Dylan, Daniel and Jessica all caught fish, and Jessica managed to catch the largest Fluke on the day which won her an $85 pot. Our deck hand Neil cleaned the fish when we got back to the dock and we had the best fresh fish dinner I've had in years.

Montuak Horseback Riding

Jessica and Dylan had their very first ride while on holiday in Montauk. Jess has been waiting for ages to have a real ride, but was too young. She loved her 30-minute trail ride, and while Dylan had a good time too, he said he had no plans to take another ride any time soon. Jess, on the other hand, eagerly awaits her next riding opportunity.

Poolside Camp Begins

Jess starts tennis camp for the summer - three days a week and two days to play with mom!

2nd Grade Graduation

A few shots from Jessica's end of year graduation ceremony. Jess made the Gold Medallion Standard Big Cheese Award - GPA of 3.7 - 4.0 average for the year. Overall we were very proud and 3rd grade is right around the corner.