I don’t think this sweet family needs an introduction but just in case…meet Gary, Christi, Natalie and Carolyn.  We met up at SUNRISE! Yes, sunrise. My favorite time of day for pictures. I mean look at this light!

tickle, tickle

red head, brunette, and a blondie

loveeeeeee

and this one too

much love Smith fam. mwah!

Meet Frank, Jess, Jamilee and Julianna. Such a sweet little family. Jess had one request for her birthday before Frank left for Africa for a year. Jess, I hope these pictures help you cope with Frank’s absence.  It makes me tear up just typing it. You are a strong woman, and I admire your strength.

High fives mom!

Daddy and his girls.

Melt.

Jess’s one request. The bond between mother and baby makes me melt. It also makes me miss that special time that Vivian and I shared.

Free. Free as a bird!

Much love, Jess. Big, big hugs and kisses. I think about you often. This year will be over before you know it. Hang in there.

In real life, not this reality tv wonderland, we all have ups and downs and we all handle them differently. For me, I have mini-meltdowns which usually include a wee bit of crying. Okay, so maybe it’s more than a wee bit of crying.  But in the end I feel better when I get it off of my mind. A big hug from J and snuggles with my little family get me through. Then, it’s back to reality and learning to work through the daily struggles of balancing work, being a mommy, being a wife, making dinner, working out, remembering it’s purple day at school, editing photos, paying bills, studying for the CPA exam and remembering that I need to sleep at some point! That is just a little taste. Now, that is enough whining because whining will get me nowhere. I will make the list and move methodically through it knowing it will ALL get done in due time. Stressing and whining about it now will get me nowhere other than back to my corner crying. So, here’s to letting the little things go and embracing this crazy, hectic, love-filled life.

Here are some pictures from our trip to Kettle Falls, WA to visit my BFF, Lauren, back in August.

 Yep, it’s my blog. And I can put naked butt pictures up because it’s MY blog. So there.

This pictures is looking back at the ridge I took the previous picture from. Yep, Lauren used to live up there on top of that hill.

And some iPhone photos….

this is in Spokane…

the beautiful view at Lake Ellen

Angie and Zenovy were married at Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio. It was a beautiful Fall day.  Gervasi has amazing Villas fit for Kings and Queens. They are full of Italian flare and lots of natural light.

Does this look like the Cinderella carriage or what?! Don’t answer just agree.

I was touring around the grounds the morning of the wedding and found this gem of a spot. I don’t need manicured lawns. I want overgrown with lots of character. Yes, thank you Gervasi.

Angie’s surprise for Zen was a picture with his baseball gear. Zen used to play baseball but injured his arm. I sure hope this meets your expectations Angie!

Zen’s brother playing the violin.

Thank you two for allowing me to capture everythign from this angle. I love beign able to see your loved ones in the background. I still chuckle at the fact that your pastor didn’t move even though he said he would. I kind of wedged him out of the way. lol It still turned out okay.

I loved singing country roads with you at the end of the night. I had a blast. Your friends are great Angie and I felt like I’d known everyone for years. Much love and admiration. Mwah mwah mwah!