california love

our 3rd annual girls trip has come and gone....much too quickly....

this year, we went to a part of california i have never been....

carmel - monterey - pacific grove - big sur......

and i instantly fell in love....

gorgeous scenery at every turn....

charming little towns....

a short walk from our rental house to catch the sun rise.....

hot tub and fires by night....wine in hand....

eating good food (not cooking) and tasty beverages....

walking into the very first restaurant and being warmly greeted by fellow minnesotans (the hostess and owner) who proceeded to spoil us rotten with bottomless prosecco, appetizers, and dessert...because, well...minnesota nice...

gorgeous sunsets with ocean views....

absolutely stunning, brilliant blue green waters....

whale watching....

crashing waves...

breathing in the salt air....

picnics on the beach...

lunch with a view...

driving the coast....

good times with dear friends...

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six

one month ago....

our max turned the big six....

two days later he started kindergarten...

lots of big things in a short period of time....

too much for my mama heart at one time!!

but, he was so excited to turn 6 and so ready to start school....

so amazing to watch him grow.....

and become his own little person.....

a lover of legos, anything superhero, drawing, piano playing, and bike riding....

one who loves his quiet time...a bit of an introvert at times.....

silly, kind, happy - go lucky....

sweet beyond measure....

giver of endless hugs and kisses....

a mama's boy....

with a great zest for life....

happy birthday sweet boy...

you are so loved...

xo

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first day(s) of school

summer seemed to go by in a flash....

and just like that...we have a 5th grader, kindergartner, and preschooler....

owen started before the other two....

5th grade is no big deal for owen...those big 5th graders rule the school you know.....;)

two days later it was max's turn...and he was SUPER excited....

and the following week gus was off to 4K!

whew....

they are growing up so fast...

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bwca

this summer, we put our 10th annual BWCA trip in the books!

so nice to spend time with my whole family in our happy place.....

campfires....

wandering the woods....

snake hunting....

wild blueberry picking....

dipping our toes in the lake at sunset....

loons calling....

canoe rides and portaging...

fishing (i caught a walleye!)....

celebrating a birthday and 40th anniversary....

making friends with Huckleberry, the campground dog...

spending time with our favorite people...

slowly making our way home and stopping at some of my favorite spots along the north shore....

good times....

great memories...

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kyle

say it ain't so....

my nephew is a senior!

i remember the day my hubby got the phone call that little baby kyle was born....

my how time flies...

it was a joy to capture my nephew....

he rocked his session....

and i have no doubt he will succeed in his future endeavors...

without further ado....

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a walk in that golden light

recently, i went for a walk at the park reserve with dear friends of mine....

i always enjoy my time with them...

the kids are all smiles and giggles....

content to walk (or run) the paths....

in that golden light...

it was a beautiful eve...

with a beautiful family....

thank you, once again my friends, for the honor in letting me capture a little bit of you...

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