A Visit From The Healy's

While Amanda is living on the east coast until November, she is spending her first half at the in-law's house and then she will be staying with us. Even though she isn't with us yet we have been able to visit with her and the babies a few times. It has been so fun to spend time with her and the kiddies! They are so sweet and really smiley. Despite the fact that they were sick this week, we still managed to have some fun.

Mark had to take a little nap break because he was so tuckered out! I couldn't resist this picture:

But then the resulting shutter noise woke him up, woops!

Gianna loves her Word World show.

Apparently she LOVES hummus, she stuck her face right in it!

I can't wait to get even more fun pictures of them!

California, Here We Come

I've already posted all of my pictures from my trip to San Diego but I thought I would share some of my favorites. I have a ton from the beach that I will do a separate post on because those pictures are gorgeous and the babies look adorable! Enjoy these great shots!

Look at that attitude!!

Model in the making:

I love this! He is bouncing right out of the shot
Alisa was such a trooper the whole week and was GREAT with the kiddies! Thanks for coming with me :)

What in the hail?

It's 1:41 in the morning, I'm wide awake, still on California time, and its POURING outside, which reminded me of the insane hail storm we had last week. Luckily, I was able to run and grab my camera to take a few pictures. I'll be honest, I was a little bit concerned about how this weather would affect my car sitting outside, exposed to the elements, but she is a trooper and pulled through without a scratch.

The hail started out as small pea sized guys, but then I think it's confidence grew and so did it's size. Can you see the rainbow in the last picture? It was gorgeous! Here's hoping the weather improves! Maybe I'll go back to the west coast. Goodnight!!

Little Favor

Hi Everyone!

Just a quick note to ask you all a favor. My soon to be nephew Trey is in a competition to see who the cutest kiddo is. He is currently racing for 1st place and we need all the votes that we can get! I would so much appreciate it if you could go to the link below, and vote for Trey (he is #32). You can vote until April 15th! If nothing else, take a look at the photographers page. She is based in Charlotte, NC but she does beautiful work and has done a majority of the pictures of Laurie, Doug and Trey. Thank you so much! And please pass this along to all of your friends!

http://snookysmilesphotography.blogspot.com/2010/04/victorias-cute-kiddo-contestants-north.html

April Critters

I suppose there are certain personality types that are animal lovers. People tell me that I have this type of personality but I am NOT the animal lover that they hope for. And it all started with this puppy:

Look at the attitude she is giving me! This is my family's dog Leisle (Yes, from The Sound of Music) I have never met a dog that hated me more than this dog hates me. In fact, the other day she was following me around while I was getting ready, I was thinking that she wanted to spend some quality time together. But 15 minutes later, I walk into my room and she left me a not-so-nice gift on my freshly vacuumed carpet!! What the heck??!! What dog is that evil and vindictive? Clearly I'm still upset about it. But this picture ignited the idea of gathering my Spring pictures of all the little creatures that come out for the warm weather.

I have to admit, this ladybug is super cute!!

I am heading into DC today to get some pictures in the city while the cherry blossoms are in bloom so come back soon to check those out!

Have a great Easter weekend!

Cherry Blossoms 1.0

These were taken in my front yard. We have some beautiful cherry blossoms that are in full bloom. This weekend I will be heading to DC to take more pictures at the Cherry Blossom Festival. Stay tuned...

And Then The Rain Comes

As I was outside taking pictures yesterday, this pigeon kept "coo-ing" at me, as if he wanted his picture taken. And he did really well, he let me take a few shots, then when he felt like he was done with the photo shoot, he flew away. I love that part of spring, hearing birds outside the window. Unless its one of those mornings when the most obnoxious bird in the world chirps for a good 2 hours at 6 am on a Saturday.

What I was really trying to shoot was the rain storm rolling in. I can ALWAYS see it coming in at this same spot and I love it. Because I can't really see behind all the houses and trees, the storm tries to be sneaky. Is it weird that I am personifying everything on this post?

I love it so much when it rains. I love shooting in the rain. It adds a new element and dimension to life. And it always represents a washing within myself. I think this time around, I am wanting to wash the desire of man's praise, specifically towards my blog and photography. I talked about this for a long time with some friends last night and Jake pointed out the fact that its the Lord's praise that is the best kind of praise! And part of that is hearing how my photos really impact people. Not simply that they like my pictures or they think I'm a good photographer, but that the pictures "speak" to them.

Does that sound completely ridiculous?? Its OK if it does. I want to become more willing to share what's on my heart and what the Lord is speaking to me. For so long I have been afraid to share my feelings and heart because it has backfired before. But I am again willing to be open with people. This post may be a bit scatter-brained but hopefully I was able to get across what I was trying to say!