Here is a story today about a family enjoying time together in the outdoors. This is one example of my take on family photojournalism. Hope you enjoy the moments you see and the story behind the photos. - RCP

Ice skating was the plan, but throwing a few snowballs was the highlight. On a warm winter day, a 7-year-old and his 5-year-old brother both gathered up snow in their black gloves, quickly forming a snowball while eyeing up their parents who stood nearby, well aware of the snowball flinging that was approaching. Warmer temperatures on that Sunday afternoon had made the snow just a touch melty creating a perfect recipe for snowballs. Giggling could be heard as the family walked slowly along the path through the woods talking aim at each other as they walked toward the pond where they planned to go ice skating for the afternoon. The family outing was much enjoyed on the Sunday afternoon, taking a break from their regular busy schedule.

"I've got a pretty good aim," Milo explained as he packed his snowball and arched his arm aiming for a tree along the path. He released the snowball and sure enough his aim was right on target. "I play baseball in the summer," he said. His brother Braxton also took aim at the trees and was quite successful as their parents walked along further up ahead of them. He is hoping to be a pitcher on his baseball team in a few months, he added.

As the boys continued their baseball throwing practice with the snowballs at the trees, they were unaware of their father's whereabouts up ahead and were about to be bombarded by their dad who was ready for a little payback. As they entered the clearing of the snow-covered field, the snowballs started landing. Braxton came through the clearing first and dodged a few. He ran toward his mom and watched as Milo ducked under the brush.

The family made their way across the field and to the warming house ready to get their skates on and see if the pond had one more good round of ice on it even though the weather was warmer earlier in the week. 

The warmer temperatures had caused the snow to stick to the ice and although it was not great pond ice skating conditions, the family skated around and enjoyed their time together. They finished their winter excursion taking off their skates and swinging on the porch swing, just in time for dad to get back to the house to catch the Daytona 500.

If you would like to learn more about doing a family photojournalism session and having me tag along and capture moments from your family outing, contact me at [email protected]. Remember to keep on paddling through your day, but don't forget to enjoy the view. :)