thanks grandma!

Bring on the SUNSHINE!!!

thanks for my sweet shades grandma!

cute family

I was so happy when Amber said she was coming to town for a visit!  I was honored that she would ask me to take some family photos while she was here. 

We had a good time, despite the cold.

I love this first picture because it shows how Amber's little sweetie didn't want to get her picture taken.  She wanted to run and play instead.   

friends

I recently got to spend some time with these 2 lovely ladies and we had a blast!  Put us in a room with some food and we could be there for hours munching and talking.  The 2 1/2 hours we spent together wasn't nearly enough, but I am so grateful for that time.  Life has taken us in different directions and although we aren't scattered too far away from each other, life happens and keeps you busy.  I am so thankful for friends that no matter the time apart, you can pick up right where you left off.  

I've been going through and trying to organize my pictures this last while and I found my self on several trips down memory lane.  Some made me laugh and some made me cry but on all these "trips" I was accompanied by good friends. 

One of my friends and I were talking the other night about friends, specifically those you have lived with.  Living together tends to make a relationship unique to others.  So, I thought I'd dedicate this post to all the wonderful roommates I've had over the years.  All of whom I know that no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other, we could start right where we left off. 

LOVE YOU ALL!

  I know I met each of you right when I was supposed to. 

(I tried to find the most mellow photos...I'll save the embarassing ones for a different post)

P.S. Amber, it was hard finding a picture of all of us where we weren't in a restaurant!  One of these days I'm going to post a few and see if you can tell me where the pic was taken and why we were there!

SHE'S LEGAL!!

LOOK OUT...

SHE'S LEGAL!

hApPy 21st bIRtHdAy sIStA!

I LOVE YA TONS AND TONS HEATHER!  HOPE YOU HAVE THE BEST 21st BIRTHDAY EVER! 

5 star review

I got an email today asking me to review my Brooke Snow Photography Class experience(s). 

It was a nice little survey that asked things about the homework assignments, if I felt all my questions were answered, how the price related to the knowledge I gained....

I enjoyed typing ALL POSITIVE feedback. 

So, I don't know if Brooke will ever see this, but I just wanted to say thanks again for lighting the photography fire inside me and helping me become a more confident shooter.  I apply all I learned in class each time I take out my camera and even when I'm just driving around (...ooh look at the texture, ahh that would make for some nice framing, wow what awesome lighting...)!  Brooke, you are the best! 

Everyone else - if you have a nice DSLR and want to learn how to capture some great images of your kidlets, your siblings or even the beauty that surrounds you each day - take Brooke's classes!  You won't regret it! 

P.S.  If you do take a class after reading this, mention my name because Brooke is starting a referral program. 

(No, this isn't the only reason for this post.  I have been meaning to send Brooke a card or email with my thanks but life just happens.  This survey was a good reminder for me to get on the ball.)

HAPPY PICTURE TAKING!

boy stuff

I'm always posting about what I've been up to.  I thought it was time to say a little something about Brian! 

I found these pictures on the our digital camera.  Brian recently got a new scope.  He is sooo excited about it too.  He's been saving his pennies and bought a clearanced last year model and when he got it a part fell off!  He called the company he bought it from and they replaced if for FREE and upgraded it to a brand NEW 2010 model (and they overnighted it too).  Let's just say Brian is super excited about hunting this fall. 

Maybe I'm just naive, but I didn't know bald eagles just "hung out" around here(see below).  I've really only seen them in the zoo or at Yellowstone!

Right now I think the most heard phrase in our house is, "No Gunner" and I just hope Emmy doesn't pick it up before "mom" or "dad" or any of those fun first words.  This little brown dog isn't so little anymore and he sure can get on my nerves but I tell you what, Brian got him so he could train him to shed/antler hunt and at only 14 weeks old he's already caught on! 

Brian started by taking Gunner downstairs for "training."  He'd hide sheds and have Gunner look for them.  Now Brian can hide them out in the yard and say, "Find the shed" and Gunner will smell around till he locates the hidden antler.  Brian's pretty proud of Gunner and I'm proud of Brian.  He's been really diligent in his training and now he has a smart dog that will find antler and a hiking buddy as well! 

Anyway, Brian and 5 other guys are headed to AZ next week and will spend 3 nights/4 days hiking and picking up antler.  Gunner is going too and I'm anxious to see how he does (it'll be nice to have some peace around the house. 

Why a shed dog and why antler?  Brian's dad has a business and makes things out of antler. Even though his dad buys most of his antler from brokers, it gives Brian another reason to hunt for sheds.  But even before the business Brian would go on hikes and look for sheds. I guess it's just a hobby.  Gets him outside and up in the mountains.  I'll have to ask him what the appeal is sometime though and get his real answer instead of speculating.  

  

love

found this fun picture on google...

Happy Day Of LOVE Everyone!
.

vacation fever

i know the sun has been shining and the snow slowly melting but i still have a bad case of "vacation-fever." 

what i wouldn't give to be back here right now...

has anyone else found their self surfing the travel sites a lot lately?

day with the girls

Not too long ago Emmy and I got to spend a few hours with our sweet friends Jen, Lexi and Shae. 

We had lunch, talked, played and took a few picutures.  It was such a fun afternoon.

These two sweeties are only a month apart.  I know they will be good friends as they grow up.  Here they are petting Jen's dog.  I love that Emmy isn't afriad of a big dog!

I couldn't resist this shot.  I just thought it was so sweet seeing Shae climb on her big sister's chair. 

Love those blue eyes! Isn't she the cutest little thing!

This is Lexi and Jen.  Lexi has the sweetest smile and spirit about her and Jen is the best mom ever.  I am so blessed to know this darling family.  They really are an inspiration to me. 

Thanks for the fun day girls!  Next time we'll make your dad get in few pictures!  :)