weekend adventures {Seattle Children and Family Photographer}

We are getting ready to leave for Florida in the morning so our weekend was filled with packing, cleaning, and general organization.  It will technically be our first vacation longer than 3 days and traveling as a whole family.  We are beyond excited!!! The last time Dale and I had a week off together was in on our trip to Alaska almost 4 years ago!!!

While our weekend was busy, we saw some exciting things.  Saturday we were surprised by a steamboat caravan who were more than excited to toot their horns for us.  The kids loved the boats and waved bye to every boat that crossed our path.  Our dog also got into a quacking-barking match with a very agitated duck.  This white duck kept picking on our poor dog, Emma, before she finally snapped and the war began.  The boys thought all this was of course humorous and spent the next two days practicing their own version of dog vs duck. 

Of course, we were all excited with the super moon that made its appearance.  We are usually cloud covered and soggy in Seattle when this event happens so imagine my excitement when the night was crystal clear.  I grabbed my tripod and was very thankful for such clear skies.  Can you see the man in the moon?  

Kannon:: 30 months {Seattle Children's Photographer}

My oldest, Kannon, is becoming more of little man everyday.  It is so hard for me to believe that he is will be turning 3 this year.  He is so different than his younger brother and is typical of a first-born.  He is precise, particular, strong willed, well-balanced.  Kannon loves gymnastics, playing with his cars, helping me in the kitchen.  He loves his bike, walking with our dog, and is now holding us accountable for every last word we speak.  I love this little dude.  (Note, there are a few of Clark included in this too...I couldn't resist)

Clark:: 18 months {Seattle Children's Photographer}

 My little boy is 18 months old.  He will be 2 in October and it is quickly dawning on me that he is not a baby anymore.  This little guy has more determination and spunk than any other toddler I know.  I find myself negotiating with him over minor "issues" ie bedtime, milk, playing. 

While him and big brother, Kannon, are best of friends they have totally different personalities!!  Clark is stubborn, strong-willed, demands to get his way.  He has a temper and likes to bang his head on floor.  He demands milk and cuddles first thing in the morning and loves to read books.  Clark is clumsy, runs into door jams, trips over air, but he laughs it off.  He loves to draw, fingerpaint, and sneaks away to color on walls. 

In short: he is devious, sweet, and creative. Oh, enough with the details, here are the pictures.  So much cuteness!

Prepare to Launch!!!

I am so happy to announce that my new website is up and running!!! I am so proud of myself!!  It took a lot of late nights but it is finally done!!!  Enjoy!!!

www.happymamaphotography.com


Pssst.....The first 5 people who mention "LAUNCH" when booking a session will get a free session and free 8 x 10.

2012:: So far....

Okay, I have been a bad blogger.  I was so committed for all of 2011 for my 365 project that I just needed a break.  I needed time to simply live and forget about documenting every detail of our life.  While I know are faraway friends and family appreciate all the updates I think they will forgive me for choosing to live my life free of the internet handcuffs.

I am in awe.  I am constantly in awe of the family that we have created, the routine we have developed, the mountains we have conquered.  Everyday I find myself wanting to hug my boys tighter and tighter because they are growing up so fast.  It has felt so good being able to focus on family but while it has been wonderful I have missed the blogging world and being able to get my words out. But I haven't quite decided on my 2012 blogging challenge.  Forgive me, but I don't know if I can commit to a weekly or monthly post.  I haven't decided if I want to use photos, words, or written love letters to my children.  I am still searching for an idea but in the meantime, here are simply some updates.

1.) Kannon and Clark started preschool in January.  I sacrifice my entire paycheck to childcare every month but it feels wonderful knowing that they are downstairs, getting social experience, independence from each other, and learning. We take the bus to work which is always an adventure but they love it!

2.) We went to San Juan Island in February.  I will include some pics here but it was a wonderful, relaxing trip that allowed us time to breathe and recharge.

3.) Dalyn, Dale's sister, welcomed baby Asher John into the family.  We drove to Spokane to see them and had such a wonderful and amusing trip.  (Ask me about the poop on 1-90 story later)

4.) We are going to Florida in May!!!!

5.) Kannon graduated from the parent and tot gymnastics class and will be starting independent gymnastic classes next week!  I am so nervous as to how they will go!!!!

6.) Clark is a music man.  He has started dancing the two step and snaps his fingers and sings at the same time...seriously, adorable.

7.) Both kids are obsessed with eating blueberries and playing with the animals.

8.) Kannon thinks he is cat and crawls around the house meowing.  It is hysterical.

9.) Dale and I started going to bed at 8pm on Sunday nights and 12 hours of sleep has never felt so deserved.

10.) While I love winter, I am ready to say goodbye to this extended bi-polar weather.  I went to work this morning in snow and was sweating in sunshine by 4pm.

There you have it.  The simplified updates in our life.  Of course, so much more has taken place that can't be just an update.  Dale and I have moved mountains together in the last month.  No one tells you how hard adulthood, parenting, marriage can be and it is a constant struggle to maintain the present while working towards the future.  The coming of spring marks new beginnings and Dale and I are waiting to see what will unveil itself.  In the meantime, we will continue to love our family, enjoy our time together, and laugh each day.  

More to come soon....

Baby Asher {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

My sister in law delivered her first baby February 9.  We took the opportunity to visit over President's Day weekend and let me say he was worth the snowy roads! Baby Asher had perfect pouty lips and slept the whole way through our mini-session.  We are so excited that Kannon and Clark will have cousins.  We are so happy for Dalyn & Derek and their little one. 

{Sneak Peak} Sarah & Enrique

My cousin planned a wedding in a week and chose me as her photographer.  I was more than excited to jump a plane with my kids, best friend (and second shooter), to watch Sarah & Enrique exchange nuptials.  The wedding was beautiful, even with stormy clouds that missed the outdoor ceremony by 10 minutes.  We celebrated the two with plenty of cake and champagne watching the rain fall in sheets.  I still have a lot of photos to edit but I couldn't hide these few.  What a joy!  Congrats Sarah & Enrique!