The Boy is now 3. How did this happen? How is it possible that our first born, cheeky little monkey, the baby that made such a dramatic debut after a sunset helivac ride and ten days in a Korean hospital, is now a running, non-stop talking, free thinking, noodle slurping three year old? It feels like yesterday he was snuggled up at my breast, nursing as though his life depended on it. Oh wait, it did. And now he is not only talking, but starting to put together a few quality stand-up routines: A couple of weeks ago he discovered that tacos really are yummy and proclaimed "Mommy, I have a huge taco tummy! It's big, like a man" he says while rubbing his stomach after dinner... and my personal favorite, because you simply have to laugh when they come up with something that comes out so honest and sincere, happened just yesterday as we were driving very close to home and he saw the garbage truck pull out in front of us: "Mommy, that garbage truck has a really big bottom! It's just like yours!" I'm thoroughly enjoying having my husband home to hear such comments, that way The Boy can be removed from the car and told to walk home, along with his chuckling chaperone... We still have to party, Mama's had the flu and the big Fire Engine Birthday chi-bang shall commence on Sunday evening. 'Til then, enjoy these favorites from his actual big day, the day he turned 3, the day he became capable of ten times more trouble....

Here is the original photo, not mine, from a contributor to the www.I ♥ Faces.com website.



And this is my take on fixing it up and cropping it for a more interesting composition. I only spent about five minutes on this, with The Boy on one arm and The Baby on my leg, and the husband behind me saying "what are we gonna do today?" Be sure to go check out other entries, people who spent a lot more time and talent than I to doctor this image!

I ♥ Faces Adult Entry

I ♥ Faces Kids Entry:



Another week, another contest! And this week's "wonder" theme left me wondering, how do I interpret wonder? In the end I had to go with my absolute favorite redeployment photo of a brand new Daddy meeting his baby girl with wife and mother looking on. He was in awe and probably still suffers from perma-grin, the relief was written all over her face. To me, this newly reunited couple and the new baby was "wonder" for sure. Then, when it came to the kids entry, I had about ten pictures pulled aside that I thought fit the bill. However, this afternoon we took cupcakes into my almost three year old's preschool (his birthday is tomorrow!) and his little classmate was just cracking me up. I couldn't help but "wonder" what she was thinking. Was she "wondering" how long she would have to wait before she could eat it? Was she thinking "if I eat this, then it will be gone?!" Or was she disappointed that it wasn't chocolate... Her cupcake conundrum had me laughing and I knew that I would use this photo for this week's contest... Swing on over to I ♥ Faces.com for a glimpse at some truly "wonder"ful entries or to join the fun yourself!

Wednesday was an exciting day. More soldiers arrived than with any other group, which made for a huge gathering of friends, families, and adorable kiddos! General Hammond led the troops onto the parade field for a special "uncasing of the colors" ceremony and smiles were plentiful as the unit's accomplishments were announced, the service members praised for their hard work and dedication. General Hammond kissed his hand and then pressed his hands to the flags before unrolling them, signifying the return of the unit from war. It was a beautiful sight and I hope that these images capture what many of the families in attendance were feeling on this emotional day!

Who am I? My name is Karyn Kuniyuki, I am a 4ID spouse and local portrait photographer. You can see more of my work at www.photosbykaryn.com or on this blog. If you see your photo in the album please leave a comment! All photos are copyright by Karyn Kuniyuki. Please use these photos for your PERSONAL USE ONLY. You may not reproduce the image without written consent; should you choose to post your image on facebook or myspace, please give proper reference to www.photosbykaryn.com. Please forward this album to as many 4ID family and friends as possible! Thank you! -Karyn


CLICK HERE to see photos from Wednesday, 11 February 2009!

Welcome Home Soldiers! Thank you for checking out my blog and I sincerely hope you all find a photo worth saving! Click on the link below to see the album from Tuesday's ceremony! This flight was a special one for me, my husband came home on this flight. (On that note however, I took a ton of photos before the big arrival, but I don't have many "reunion photos" to share as I was busy smooching and crying over in left field... Please take a trip over to my very talented friend Julie Rivera's website and blog to see her capture of the day! She may also be posting an album in the near future!)

Who am I you wonder? My name is Karyn Kuniyuki, I am a 4ID spouse and local portrait photographer. You can see more of my work at www.photosbykaryn.com or on this blog. If you see your photo in the album please leave a comment! All photos are copyright by Karyn Kuniyuki. Please use these photos for your PERSONAL USE ONLY. You may not reproduce the image without written consent; should you choose to post your image on facebook or myspace, please give proper reference to www.photosbykaryn.com. Please forward this album to as many 4ID family and friends as possible! Thank you! -Karyn



CLICK HERE For Welcome Home Ceremony Photos From Main Body 3 - Arrival on 10 February 2009!

Honestly, I can hardly remember a thing from yesterday's homecoming. My dear friend and fellow photographer, the very talented Julie Rivera, was with me to document the homecoming of my own soldier. She said it perfectly in her blog, that the overwhelming screams from the crowd, the music, the tears, was all too much and she had to focus on one thing, the camera. I have to agree, because I can only remember what I saw through my lens, and I am still processing those pictures while one foot heads out the door to the next ceremony this morning! Please head over to Julie's website:Julie Rivera Photography to see her take on the day. And shoot her a comment begging for her to throw all her photos into my Kodak Gallery for families!