Olivia the Music Artist

We don't know what she's singing but it happened just after church a few weeks ago - so maybe it has something to do with a song from her class?? :) Either way, it was REALLY loud and all of the people at the tables around us had to listen to it too...

Halloween (EARLY) 2011

Yes, I know it's not YET Halloween...but we already got dressed up once and took pictures - so I'm being proactive and blogging them NOW before it becomes Easter and I realize I never shared these. :) (See Aunties S, J & L - I am not ALWAYS late!!)

I had every intention of making our costumes this year. In fact, we were ALL going to be "angry birds" - biggest to smallest starting with dad and ending with Olive...but that idea tanked early on because when do I have time to make five costumes?!? :) (Even if they were going to be big t-shirts with a shape and a face on them.) Then I was going to make the kids' costumes - pirate, unicorn and "who knows" what Olive wanted to be. But that was thrown by the wayside when I found clearanced costumes at Gymboree for $10 bucks for the girls. Then it was left to me to CONVINCE Ella she wanted to be "whatever this was"....and I have NO idea what she was. But it was cute and suited her. :) Because truth be told, we have no idea who Ella is! It changes moment by moment...

Olive was easy - tell her she's some sort of princess (even though she was a peacock, sort of) and she's happy. Micah was harder. I didn't WANT to make a pirate costume. I didn't have to make the others - so I was getting lazier by the minute and about to offer him candy or something to just be something easy he already had in the dress-up box. (Yes, we have a dress-up box for the kids - it's AWESOME so no judging!) He decided yesterday to be a knight (he was a knight at 3 so yes, you've seen this costume before but it still fit!!) and I told him he couldn't change his mind anymore. (go me!) So that took care of that!!

I assume we'll dress up tomorrow as well - but the highlight of October 31 around here is not actually Halloween - it's the fact that the NEXT day, November 1, is Ella's birthday. :) And that is a day that she thinks about every SINGLE day of the year, wondering how far away it is, planning far in advance....for a party that never actually seems to happen as planned. ;)

Wedding Love {Joshua + Emily } July 29, 2011

I grew up with Emily...I credit her dad for the reason I was allowed to listen to FINALLY listen to contemporary Christian music in middle school! :) Her dad and my dad met out walking one day and became fast friends - and went on to encourage each other as they sought to become not only men of God, but Godly husbands and fathers. I'm so thankful for Emily's dad in my dad's life....OH dear, I digress....

So I feel like I've known Emily for, well, ever. And when she moved back to our area over a year ago, I was so excited to reconnect with her and see the beautiful woman she had grown into! (Definately the COOLEST math teacher - EVER!) I clearly remember a particular Facebook message from her..."Something's happened" she wrote...and when I asked good or bad, she responded with "VERY good...." Turns out that "something" that was "very good" was Joshua. And yes, he definately is very good, where Emily is concerned. :)

I had heard ALL about him but didn't get to meet him until we met for their engagement session. I wasn't sure what to expect - I knew he was SUPER smart, funny but could be serious...and that he loved Emily and wanted to be her husband. Turns out, he was HYSTERICAL (especially when watching the two of them together), definately smarter than me - he's like a real NASA person!! - and he didn't just love Emily. He adored her.

Fast-forward to their wedding day....two people could not have been more excited to get married than these two. They had waited their whole lives for each other...and to be there to witness as they pledged their vows to each other, held each other close, and didn't let go....it was a really REALLY good "something".

Joshua and Emily, I cannot tell you how honored I am that you would ask me to document this day for you both. I am thrilled beyond words that you have found each other and am excited to see what God has in store for your lives together. Thanks for everything!! :)

ps (to you, blog visitors) - sorry there are like a MILLION pictures. I'll put the slideshow in first...that way you can just watch that if you don't want to wait for PAGES and pages of pictures to load. :)

pps - I'm not actually sorry that there are a lot of pictures. But I am. But I'm not. You know what I mean...

Emily was all smiles as she was getting ready...surrounded by family and friends, all playfully teasing her and watching as she {impatiently} waited for the time to come to be married!! Texts went back and forth - "we'll be married in less than 3 hours!!" and "I can't wait to see you!"......laughter and joy filled this room.

I've never seen the bridesmaids write messages on the bottom of the bride's shoe - how sweet and meaningful!! And my wonderful partner-in-crime (aka 2nd photographer) for the day, Jennifer Goodlet, showed up with the.most.amazing.hanger. EVER! :)

The ring pillow was made by Joshua's mom out of material from her wedding dress!

They asked to do a "first look" session so that they could really enjoy that moment and sneak some quiet time before the day REALLY started. I'm not crazy, I didn't say no! :) I said YES YES YES!!

After their "first look" pictures, we headed back to the venue for the ceremony. They were SO excited. :)

And then it was off to the {hot} outside for some group pictures!

A second serving of OJ...

Yeah....I wasn't done yet either. :) Two helpings of OJ are definately better than one!

OJ

Today I needed me some OJ....Olive Juice...and she's sleeping. SO I dug through some past month archives in the computer. And came across this rather odd number. Oh she is just so cute!

A new friend {Children's Photography}

A couple weeks ago I made a new friend. He wasn't sure about me right off the bat - I'll be the first to admit I can come on a little strong - but in my defense, it was pretty early in the morning and I think he was still waking up. (OK, it's a weak defense...) Anyway, he and I rolled the ball a bit, he showed me his mad walking skills, he explored the park long before any other kids showed up....he even got to swing a bit! All in all, it was a successful morning! That sweet little dude earned his morning nap. :) And SO DID I....well, that's what I told myself when I also had an early morning nap!

Mom and dad - hope you enjoy these - thanks for letting us hang out for a bit!

Little Jimmy {Newborn Photographer}

So this morning I played with sweet little Jimmy for a while. :) What a cutie! That little boy snuggled right up into the blankets and went to sleep so quickly. Unfortunately I tuckered him out with all the snuggles BUT the good news is he gave us some awesome shots before he wore out. Best part? I get to see him again. :) Mama & Dad....Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie....enjoy! :)

For Levi....

We heard you were wondering what Micah has been up to with his legos and Micah wanted you to see.... we wish you were here to play with us!! :) Someday!

We love you, Levi!