the way we were

celebrating.

five years ago today I received a phone call from our social worker telling me our daughter had been born.  

i frantically called Donald, who was in Seattle on business.  he quickly caught a plane the next morning back to Boise, where we were living at the time.  together we made the 5 hour drive to Utah, got Brig settled with Donald's parents, and were on a plane that next morning headed to Oklahoma.   

(placement day)

that evening we held our sweet, little girl for the very first time.  she was just 2 days old.  it was a bitter sweet time as we visited with her amazing, beautiful birthmother.  my heart ached as we witnessed her do something so entirely selfless.  there were many tears and many hugs.  it's difficult to find words to describe those few hours that were ours together.  it was humbling knowing how many people loved this little girl. 

(at our hotel in Oklahoma City)

we have the most love and respect for M.  she brought Reese into our family and I love her dearly for that.

(this summer in Boise)

i can't imagine life without this little girl.  she adds drama and laughter and tears and joy.  she's the perfect fit into our imperfect family.

(first day of preschool)

we think of M everyday.  but today we think of her more.

today we celebrate.

my heart is in Ghana.

i'm in Utah.

she's half way across the world.  in Ghana.

i wouldn't have thought it possible that a small photo of a little 3 year old girl could capture my heart completely.  

every corner of it.

and yet, that's exactly what happened.  in a matter of seconds I knew that she was mine.

do you want to see a picture?

isn't she beautiful?

summer can't come quick enough. 

 

{re}evaluating.

                       

     (timpanogos on a monday night)

It seems I've made and unmade this decision a thousand times over the last year.  I knew what needed to be done, but didn't want to do it.  But now I must.  It's the right decision.  My family needs to be my number one focus. 

And so I'll be taking a little break from the photography biz.  

I'm sad to leave it behind.  I'll miss interacting with all of those wonderful families.  That was my favorite part.  I won't miss all of the hours spent in front of my computer screen.   

thank you, thank you to those of you who let me and my camera catch a little glimpse into your life.  I'm grateful for it!

(P.S.  Shana & Laura, your sessions are almost done)   

the other side of the lens.

julie is my super duper talented photographer friend.  her images carry emotion.  they make me feel something.  i want to be her when i grow up.  she lives in canada.  but she came to utah to visit.  and she took some awesome family photos for me.  you can check them out here.

thank you, julie!

a sunday drive & a monday bonfire.

Our scenic drive up the canyon last Sunday:

And our yummy hot dog roast last Monday:

A little side note:

To those of you patiently waiting for your proofs, you will have them really soon. 

 

I promise.

 










   

kyle + stephanie.

This last weekend we visited Boise for the 3rd time in one month.  It's been the summer of weddings for my family, which translates into lots of editing & proofing for me :)

On Saturday my little brother tied the knot.  I'll have shots of the beautiful bride and groom to share later.  But for now here are a few from their engagement session at the Star Mill:

 

one of my favorite little people.

paradise found.

I fell in love with this island.  

Hands down, my favorite.

So unlike anywhere I've ever been.  

I'm counting the days until I can go back.  

You can't go to Kauai and NOT take a helicopter tour. 

It's simply AMAZING!!!

My birds-eye view . . .

 

Tunnels Beach.  Our favorite beach.  This enormous reef makes for perfect snorkeling. . .   

See why I'm counting the days?!!!

tournament champs and a polka dot dance.

Holy cow, June came and went in the blink of an eye!  Thanks to a nasty case of influenza, a couple of family vacations and an eventful pioneer trek, I have been MIA from blogworld for longer than I intended to be.  

So, now to back track.  

Here is a little of June revisited.

The Tigers were tourney champs of the Rookie Division.

And it was recital time for this dolled-up diva.

she's not the daintiest of dancers . . .

. . . but I think she's the cutest.  Last year on recital day I forgot to bring the ever important flower, to give her after the show was done.  Boy, it might as well have been the end of the world.  I thought she would never forgive me.  I did not make the same mistake twice.  This year she was all smiles . . .

 

  

notice anything new?

She is patiently waiting for her invitation to the next earring club get-together!