The night before Jacob’s 8th birthday, we left my dad’s house in Phoenix and headed to the Grand Canyon. By the time we unpacked our cars at the hotel and had dinner, the sun had gone down. After making it to the park, we grabbed some quilts and huddle up under the most amazing sky I had ever seen. The stars were beautiful, and all of us  stayed there in aw for a while. Then Scott pointed to the horizon at some strange red light where we watched the bright reddish-orange moon rise. It was really pretty amazing, and Jacob was pretty thrilled to have turned 8 at the Grand Canyon. Of course we came back the next morning for the rest of his birthday to see what we had missed in the dark. It was pretty cool too.

I can’t believe I have an 8 year old. He’s still teasing me that he’s a THIRD GRADER! Jacob continues to thrill us with his sense of humor, and we love how he is so interested in learning about new things. Right now he’s mostly into  fast cars and all things WW2. We think he’s such a cool kid.

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Last month the kids and I set off to conquer the 24 hour trip to visit my dad in Phoenix. We followed my brother and his family. Thankfully I had my mom with us, and she helped entertain and drive. I fully intended to take an “after” picture to put next to this one of the kids pre-trip, but I was pretty out of it when we got home 10 days later.

We stopped in Albuquerque for breakfast and a little hike at the Petroglyphs.

These next pictures are completely out of order, but here we are at the Petrified Forest still on our way to Phoenix. And then at the bottom is actually a very early morning stop at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo via Rt. 66 on our way back home.

While at my dad’s house, we swam, ate popsicles, had a Wii tournament, went shopping at all the tourist shops, visited the Arizona Science Center, and added blocks of ice to the pool when the weather was 114 degrees.

On our way  to the Grand Canyon, we drove through the beautiful town of Sedona. We stopped at a Ghost town, and we walked the trail to  Montezuma’s Castle. So… we did a lot to say the least.

Thanks Dad for hosting us on this big trip. We love you!

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Earlier this summer, I met Emily and Ben for his one year session. It’s kind of hard for me to believe that this all started just last year with a glowingly pregnant Emily and her belly.  It’s been so cool being a part of his life in this way. Ben is one of my favorite guys to photograph. I’m not sure why exactly. It could be his eyes or his adorable smile.

He had just learned to walk when we did these. Of course by now, since it’s taken me so long to post this, he’s a pro!

Emily and Jim, you guys are great, and I love that you let me photograph Ben as he’s growing. Thanks for everything!!!!

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Just home from Arizona our bodies and minds seemed to be getting back on schedule with our own time zone. Now we’re headed to California to visit Nathan’s family….. where the time change will be the same as it was in Arizona…… This trip will be much shorter though, and we’re all really looking forward to it. This will be the kids first flight and my first time ever to visit California. I know that’s sad!

Hopefully when I get back, I will have time to share all the pictures I have been collecting. 

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Last month I was honored to photograph my cousin’s wedding. Brad and Marcie were lovely even though it was about 200 degrees out. 

We headed up the street for a quick picture in front of the church where Marcie’s grandmother was married.

Not only were Bradley and Marcie wonderful and beautiful, but their wedding party was super cool. 

Thanks Bradley and Marcie for a great day!

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Our summer hasn’t really slowed down at all like I’d hoped, but at least we’re making the most of it. One of my favorite ventures so far has been the blueberry fields by Warren’s house. He took us out to collect a couple gallons of these beautiful fresh berries. 

Despite Nathan’s look of contempt here, he was the fastest picker of our bunch. Toward the end of our picking, he showed me his moves so that I would speed things up. I was the slowest by the way.

When the kids got bored with picking, Warren took them fishing at a nearby pond.

So far, we’ve made blueberry gelato, and blueberry beer. Next up is blueberry jelly! Thanks Warren for a memorable day.

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I met Jana and her handsome son Grant last month for a quick session. 

Grant has such a great smile, and he took directions really well!

Thanks Jana and Grant!

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Before our brief encounter with the law, I met Crissy and her entourage for her bridal photos.  (who knew you can’t change out of a wedding dress on the side of the road?!!!) 

She’s so  lovely!

Thanks Crissy for an “eventful” evening!

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The kids found some simple joy last week in some new sprinklers we have. It was a little bright, but they were having so much fun,  I couldn’t help snapping a few photos.

Happy summer.

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Last month, Rachel and I headed down to Vilonia Arkansas for John and Betsy’s beautiful wedding. 

These were some of my favorites from Rachel.

The reception was perfect. I love bright receptions! Rachel took these too.

John and Besty, thanks for a fun day. You and your family were wonderful to work with!!!

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