My attempt to be a photographer...

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking family photos for my sweet and beautiful friend, Nicole. In case you're wondering...I have absolutely ZERO experience doing anything like this, and I have only had my DSLR camera for three short months. So, PLEASE lower your expectations before you scroll down. (Thank you!) On the other hand, I really enjoy taking photos with my new camera and I just love this family to pieces...so I had to say yes when Nicole asked me for this little favor. Before the big day, I spent quite a bit of time scoping out potential locations and even more time researching photography tips online. Kevin was also a huge help in this effort because he willingly 'posed' in front of different backdrops for me so I could see what my practice photos would look like w/ a human in them. :)

I went into the photoshoot incredibly nervous and came out of it just as nervous about the results because it was one of the hardest things I've ever done! I knew that it was going to be difficult because photography is truly an art form and I am such a beginner, but I didn't realize how brief the moments would be when I had everyone's attention and happy faces! Fortunately for me, this family looks cute all the time no matter what they're doing...so I managed to capture some great shots while learning a LOT about photography. I would love to be great at this craft someday but I need much more practice if that is ever going to happen. Thank you, Nicole & Adam, for letting me take your family photos! I miss you guys already, and it still hasn't sunk in that you're living in Japan for the next three years. :(

Here are some of my favorites from the 500 or so I took.

A shout out to my MOM, our faithful visitor!

A couple of weeks ago, my wonderful mom came to visit! This is her third trip to see us in San Diego (her first trip was w/ my dad & brother and her second trip was w/ my dad), and we were ready for some girl time in this fabulous city! To sum up our week, we did most of the things we do best together...we shopped, we talked, we sunbathed, we baked, we ate and then we shopped a little more...okay, a lot more. It was SO much fun!!! Surprisingly, my mom and I (who are both photo fanatics) didn't take one photo together while she was here! :( Totally out of character for us...but we made some great memories and enjoyed quality girl time. Mom, thank you for making another trip to see us! We appreciate you and all that you do for us! Love you so much!

I will try to be a better blogger...

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in several weeks! Since I am new to the blogging world, I still feel a bit awkward posting things b/c I have no idea if anyone is reading them. :) Oh well, I'll just work on getting better and cross my fingers that friends and family who check our blog are enjoying the posts. Today I read some helpful tips on blogging by the one and only Pioneer Woman so I feel rather inspired to post. By the way, if you haven't been introduced to www.thepioneerwoman.com then let me tell you, her website is so informative and entertaining! The content on the website seems endless, and you can find everything from photography tutorials to her real-life love story to extremely tasty recipes (with detailed instructions and step-by-step photos!). If you aren't fully convinced to check her out, then you should be when I tell you this -- she's an Oklahoma girl! Yea!


A few weeks ago, Kevin and I went to Sea World San Diego for FREE! How generous is it for Sea World to give military families free admission once a year?! So nice. The weather was perfectly sunny, we had a great time seeing all of the exhibits and I really enjoyed taking photos with my new camera! The Shamu show was probably my favorite part of the day, because I was completely amazed by the tricks those whales could do...especially in unison. Here are some of the 600+ photos I took. (I just love my new camera!)