**This post contains affiliate links.** I love to take photos, just ask my kids. When we're on vacation, I'm usually behind the camera which means I have tons of pictures of my kids and Scott but very few of us all together. Two years ago, I discovered Flytographer just before our 20th wedding anniversary trip to Europe. We got the most spectacular pictures of us. I mean, like frame-worthy. So, when we decided to head to the east coast this summer for photos, I figured why not give them a try stateside? These Washington, D.C. photos speak for themselves. Our photographer, Elisenda, was just a delight. I had hopes of taking the photos at the Capitol, but with security (and the unpredictability of protesters), we decided to find a safer place to take them. As it turns out, that was right by the Library of Congress! We got the added bonus of the Capitol in the background, great light at the library and plenty of green space around it. The perfect trifecta. We arrived early in the morning, while the light was still warm and we were thrilled with the outcome. Our session … [Read More...]
My Friend Haley Wrote a Book & It’s More Than Good Enough
*This post contains affiliate links* When your friend writes a book and you're pretty darn proud of her, you want other people to know just how good it is. First, I want you to know a bit about Haley because I think it helps you understand her book a little better. She's the mama of four and she and her husband live in Waco, right up the road from me here in Austin. She has impeccable taste in … [Read More...]
East Coast Adventure: Sweet, Sweet North Carolina
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. … [Read More...]
Luke is officially NINE (and he has one request!)
Every year, I think this day will be easier. Every year, I think the strides Luke has made won't surprise me. Every year, I think I will fully comprehend how much he has changed us. And every year I am wrong. Luke, nine sure came fast. It was an honor to write this year's birthday letter. There is one small thing you've asked for your birthday and I hope everyone reading this can oblige. … [Read More...]
East Coast Adventure: (Not) Hotlanta
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. … [Read More...]
East Coast Adventure: Easy Living in NOLA
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. … [Read More...]
Be Our Guest! A Beauty & the Beast Birthday Feast
As the kids get older, the focus is starting to shift from games and favors, to food. Always the food. Clare waited ever so patiently for her mama to get her act together. Her actual birthday was in June and we celebrated in August. After lots of talking and scouring Pinterest, she finally decided on a Beauty and the Beast theme. I squealed, just a tiny bit. We had a small crew of five … [Read More...]
Dear First-Time Mama of a High School Senior
I know, I know. You looked at yourself in the mirror this morning and asked, "How, how do I have a senior in high school?" Then you either a) started hyperventilating, b) teared up, c) swelled with pride or d) all of the above. I'm sure moms who have gone before us are already smiling, reaching out their arms to embrace our conflicted hearts. But, I suspect while this letting go thing may … [Read More...]
