More on Maui

One of the excursions I had to ensure we planned ahead was a snorkeling trip. Neither of us had ever been snorkeling and with all the rave reviews we'd heard about the trips to the crater and "turtle town" I was in. It didn't take 10 min in the water before both Devin and I were hooked on snorkeling. It's so beautiful. You really get a feeling that you are getting a chance to peek in on another world. We saw so many breathtaking colors and patterns down there. I swear if I were a fashion designer I'd do every summer line based on snorkeling trips.

We didn't rent the camera's to take underwater with us but after our trip we did hit the aquarium where they have a group of baby sea turtles. Sooo cute! I just love sea turtles. I mean seriously look at those faces!  We did get to swim close to a few at turtle town on the snorkeling trip. The visibility wasn't great and those awesome creatures are surprisingly fast!  I struggled for quite a while to finally spot one only to have it fly under me too quickly for me to catch up with.  Still... I swam close to a giant sea turtle in open sea which was basically the one thing on my list I was dying to check off.  CHECK!

I only wish the California coasts weren't so darn cold or we'd be asking for snorkeling equipment for Christmas. Oh well...next trip to Hawaii we'll be spending more hours with our booties bobbing watching the underwater life and finding hidden treasures swept off swimmers bodies. Hee hee.

Honeymoon in heaven

Well since I'm still waiting for wedding photos (as patiently as possible I swear) we'll just skip to the honeymoon.  Devin and I left the morning after our wedding for the airport and headed to Maui.  He's never been and I haven't been back to this gorgeous island since my family went when I was about 10.  First off a big, giant, huge THANK YOU goes to my generous aunt and uncle that made this trip happen by letting us use their time share points.  We were thinking we might be able to afford a trip to San Diego or Santa Cruz but when my aunt and uncle told gave us this awesome gift we went straight for tropical island.

Maui did not disappoint in any way.  From the perfect weather to the friendly people and the delicious food we soaked up every moment and cherished it.  These were all taken on day one.  I had to catch up on some sleep and Devin went exploring with out me.  I missed out on Devin spotting a sea turtle trying to catch a crab just feet away from where he stood.  Why must I require sleep? We stayed at the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villa's and loved the gorgeous beach the resort sat on.  But we didn't spend a whole lot of time there during our week.  It was a great place to relax and catch our breath but with so much beauty to see and the freedom to explore we couldn't sit still for too long.  I'll share some photos from our explorations later.  Too much for one post.  Sigh. I heart Maui.

Remember me?

I know I've been MIA. With wedding, honeymoon, moving, and settling into the new place I just haven't made this blog a priority at all. I miss it. I miss you. If anyone is still reading, I promise to be back with wedding photos as soon as I get them. The wedding was wonderful and the honeymoon spectacular and we are settling into the new family life quite well. I will share more soon. Promise.

But this post is about baby Evelyn. I took these photos almost 3 months ago but told mama it would be a while before they were processed and complete. I hope she thinks they were worth the wait. Such a darling little family that I truly enjoyed capturing.

Precious right?

I'll be by soon to visit your blogs and catch up. Hope all is well!

xoxo

Today's the day

It's 4am on my wedding day. I've been awake since 2:40am after a whole 2 hours of sleep. I suppose insomnia was expected but I still hoped for a good 6 hours. Oh sleep I can't wait till you stop avoiding me!
My head is swimming with details. Fantasizing about how this day will go. Wondering if I'll make it down the aisle before the tears start to flow. Anxious to start this new chapter in my life and in the journey that started 2 years ago when I met Devin.
So much work, planning, time, and love has gone into this day I know it's going to be amazing. And at the end of it I leave behind the single and sensational and embrace the wedded and wonderful.
To my mother, you have been my right hand through so much of this. From searching out venues to hunting for dress pants that fit E you were there to make it happen. Always willing to drop what you were doing to come along and find all the pieces it took to create my dream wedding. I love and appreciate you more than I could ever express.
To my bridesmaids, you ladies are awesome. No...seriously. I have some crazy talented women in my life and you three blow my mind. The time and love you've poured into me and this day is something I'll never forget. I am so grateful I picked each of you for the job!
To my family, friends, and soon to be in-laws thank you. All of you that have helped in any way have made the day that much more special. I love that each flower arrangement was made by hands I love. Each cookie and pie baked with love. Specialness at every part.
To my son, the "mommy's busy" answers are almost over. I'm so proud of you and I can't wait to shower you with the attention you've been missing these last few months. Know as we settle into a new life that you are so loved. And to my almost stepdaughters,  you are beautiful and I can't wait to see you walking down the aisle.  Our memory making as a party of 5 is going to be epic. I adore you both.
And lastly to my husband in matter of hours. Your patience and support through these last 6 months should earn you some sort of medal. I am so grateful for your love, so happy to say I Do, and so excited to grow old with you. God has brought us together and He will keep us together. Thank you for making me your bride.

Now that these thoughts are spelled out I pray I can fall asleep. 2 more hours at least please?

Falling....with style

12 days people. 12 DAYS!

This weekend has been non-stop wedding prep. At this point I would tell all future brides to simplify! Every DIY project you find on pinterest is at least 75% more work than it seems when you re-pin. But I'm feeling good about what's been crossed off my wedding spreadsheet and getting so excited for the BIG DAY!

I've never planned anything this big. I have certainly never spent this much money on any one thing. Except maybe a car. Hmmmmm...nope. I have had a break down or two. But as the vision I've had in my head for the past 6 months takes shape in front of me I get outright giddy. I know things aren't going to go exactly as I planned, I have been warned to set my expectations aside that day and just go with the flow. Know that no matter what happens it's still going to be the best day ever. Even if I fall flat on my face I'm going to look good doing it!

Falling with style, just like Buzz.

Yeah I took these right after the haircut photo's in my last post.  It was the last time I had my camera in my hand. I can't wait to take it to Maui on the honeymoon and get re-acquainted.  Ahhhhh... Maui.

In 12 days I am going to be a Mrs.  I can't wait to start a new life with my man.  My Mr. Wonderful.

I love you baby!

E meets clippers

I have never let anyone else cut E's hair. Not because I don't trust anyone else, I'm no barber. He's blessed with curls and it makes for a very simple grab and crop process for haircuts. Why pay when his curls forgive my hack job? But Devin has been wanting to give him a cut for a while using his clippers. E agreed!

It wasn't quite as easy as my method, not easy at all in fact. But E was a trooper and I sort of love the retro circa 1990's skater do he has now.

He always looks older after a fresh cut.

A bridal shower and a baby fix

Whew.

Another weekend of running around making the most of every moment.

I crammed my car full of kids and hauled them to all kinds of fun on Fri and Sat. They arrived safely, got fed, didn't fight, and said they had fun, I think that earns me a star on my mommy badge.

I also picked up my wedding dress! Squeeeeeeeeal!

Then this afternoon a wonderful bridal shower was thrown for me by the amazing ladies from my church. I completely feel showered with love. I can't begin to explain what a beautiful and touching event it was and I didn't bring my camera so if you weren't there you will just have to take my word for it. I am blessed to have so many amazing women in my family, my future family, and my church family. I am overwhelmed, and for a change it's not by wedding details and stress but by the outpouring of love from women that are genuinely so happy for Devin and I they just want to celebrate!
34 days till this party is on!

Since I haven't had my camera out in a few I'll give you a baby fix from the newborn shoot I had the pleasure of doing a couple weekends ago. Her name is Evelyn.  Isn't she a doll? I'm getting an edit done here and there when I find free time.  Fortunately mom and dad are understanding about my crazy schedule right now.  I think they are too wrapped up in love with their precious new baby girl to care.  Thank God for that.

I hope the love that's overflowing in my heart tonight has oozed out through this post and found it's way into yours.
And if it didn't at least you can smile at that sweet baby face.

August Break, wait, what date is it?

Big K!

Day one of Kindergarten is now behind this big boy. 

August Break all the day's I missed...

Night Swim

It was so hot last weekend, these kids lived in the pool.  I grabbed my camera when the pool light went on.  I really liked these underwater shots.  I want an underwater housing for my camera, but those cost more than my camera does!  So I will just run along the side lines and chase after these two while they live like fishies.

And yes....he's swimming in his hulk shorts.  

August Break Day 10, 11, & 12

It was a weekend of cake tasting, birthday celebrating, and swimming...lot's and lot's of swimming. Happy birthday mom!

And let's hope this heat wave takes a break soon.

August Break Day 8 & 9

It's a toy story....

August Break Day 7

August Break Day 6

This has been the summer of "hulk shorts."

He even wears them under his PJ's so he can "hulk out" in the morning.  I want to remember this in 15 years.

:)

Paige and Thomas got married

Thomas is the little brother of a dear friend of mine. Bless her heart she dropped my name to him while he and his bride-to-be hunted for a wedding photographer. When I met with Paige and Thomas I told them I'd never shot a wedding before and frankly I was a tad (ok crazy) nervous to try but they wanted to give me a chance so we booked the date. I am so grateful to the both of them for the opportunity but mostly I feel grateful to have had the chance to meet this beautiful and amazingly sweet bride. Paige is a doll in every way and they make such an adorable couple. I wish them the best and hope they are happy with the chance they took on allowing me to capture this beautiful day.

A lotta love, a lotta prayer, this marriage has started off beautifully.  

Thank you so much for sharing your special day with  me.