Way back in October, the hubby and I went to stunning Sedona for the 4th year in a row. I can safely say, Sedona never gets old. We stayed at the same little inn, which we love. We ate at the same delicious restaurant a few times but also tried some new places. We walked some of the same trails and toured some of the same spots. It is always beautiful, no matter how many times I see it. There was a familiarity to it since we have gone a few times now. There was more time to just sit back and enjoy it. I actually did not take out my camera a whole lot--a somewhat freeing feeling. We did go to a vineyard one evening for some wine tasting, which was a new outing for us. It was beautiful to see the sun set on the vineyard.....to see the sunshine illuminate everything on the hill while we sipped our wine. All in all, a lovely, relaxing little get away. (And thank you dear mom for entertaining the boys--it is so appreciated!) Until next time...
three pirates
playing more catch up....
Just a few from Halloween--our three pirates. :)
that time we threw our parents a surprise "40th" anniversary celebration
I am way, way, (way) behind on this blogging thing but finally am finding some time this morning to tell you about that time we threw a surprise anniversary celebration for our dear parents. My sisters and I got into planning mode (MONTHS in advance) after it dawned on us (so we thought) that it was our parents' 40th anniversary...... ha. Invitations were sent. Family was told to save the date. Old friends were discovered. (which took a lot of detective work!) Turns out.... it was their (ahem) 39th.... So we had a momentary freak out and then quite a bit of laughter. We concluded the party must go on. We decided, although it wasn't that big number 40....that it really doesn't matter. There is no better time to celebrate than today. To celebrate two wonderful people who have showed us what love is..... and how to love each other. And do it well....
Also, can I just say? This surprise party business is not easy for me. I am a terrible liar! Somehow we managed to scheme this whole thing up and keep it a surprise! It was so fun to see their reaction. Total surprise. To see their old friends, people in their wedding party, and family---so much fun. They were thrilled. Fun was had by all. I'm so happy we could do this for them. Thank you dear sisters and family for all of your hard work! I have some amazingly talented sisters and am so thankful for them. H--the food was amazing! K-the decor was beautiful!
And Happy early "40th", dear parents! Love you lots. Thanks for being you. :)
(unfortunately, i was a slacker photographer but managed to get a few of the celebration...)
had to get a picture in my grandma's gardens.... :)
* * *
On this weekend, we also managed to squeeze in a little 5th birthday celebration for Max since we were already all together. We went to a nearby park that I went to many as a time as a little girl with my grandma.... my sisters and I used to love slipping and sliding along the big rocks... Owen really got into crayfish hunting... it was a lovely time.
open arms
I've been photographing this awesome family for the past few years now.....
I've been sitting here trying to formulate all of the words i would like to say....
This family went through so much to find that special little someone that would become a part of their family....
for they had room to grow....
to give more love...
finally, all the stars aligned for them....
last year, with open arms, they welcomed one special little girl into their family....
they spent 2 months in Oklahoma at her bedside when she was born prematurely at 29 weeks.....
always by her side, including her big sister....who got to help with her care.....
on the evening of their photo shoot, I chatted with her about that time in the hospital.....she is definitely a big sister full of pride.....and has a great love for her little sister.... as do her brothers....
this baby girl thrived and finally got to come home to her family.....
a family that is so completely in love with this sweet girl....
i can just tell....
she is a light for them.....
i think she looks like her mama.....
and was truly meant to be a part of this family....
so much love to go around....
great big love....
thank you, my friends, for the honor in capturing you.....
you are a beautiful family..... filled with a beautiful love....
a walk in the neighborhood
i have been photographing this family for years now.....
i look forward to seeing them every year....
such a lovely family.....
this year, they recently moved and their new neighborhood was full of beautiful trails....
so, we set out to explore a little bit of their neighborhood.....
i thoroughly enjoyed chatting and doing a bit of exploring with them....
it is always such a joy to capture this family and these sweet kiddos...
(and did i mention that bow tie?? too adorable...)
thank you, once again, for letting me capture a little bit of you.... :)
