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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Happiest Place on Earth

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire 2 comments

We started planning our trip for Disney World two years ago. We wanted to go when the kids would both be able to enjoy it (and give ourselves some time to save up some cash. After many anxious months the trip has come and gone. We got to experience the magical world of Disney with one of the families who keep our kiddos while we are out shooting weddings. We have grown close to them over the years and are so blessed to have them in our lives. Our kids love them to pieces which makes this mommy and daddy very happy.

Below is a peek at our week. It went by fast leaving us somewhat tired and exhausted, but the memories will be with us forever. I now understand why people call it the happiest place on earth. Jeremy and I had never been there, so we didn’t know what to expect. The kids were beyond excited to be there (only a little hot) and we were amazed at how much there is to offer. We are so thankful that we took a break during our busy season to make these memories…wouldn’t trade this time for anything.

Gabe was excited to have his picture taken in front of the castle…

Claire, on the other hand, not so much. She did identify this castle as her castle, though…can you blame her?

We took Claire to meet the princesses. Obviously, she wanted to wear her princess dress. So, I did her hair and put a touch of makeup on her. She added a bit more eye shadow.

And, then there was the Disney parade…

Followed with fireworks…quite the display. I was so impressed by how they did their night time activities: parade, slideshow of the day on the castle, followed with fireworks.

Gabe’s favorite place, by far. I must say that this restaurant was unbelievable. However, most things at Disney are unbelievable…the detail that is put into their rides, restaurants, shows, etc is incredible. I guess most of you know that already…

Claire was in love with her Minnie and Mickey Mouse (bride and groom) that she picked out. She called them her prince and princess…

Our time by the pool was a must. We have two water bugs that would live in the pool if we would let them.

I guess you could say this was common during our stay. We were all worn out which left our kiddos looking like this. Thankfully, no one caught me sleeping…I’m sure that I looked much more exhausted and not near as cute.

That’s our trip in a nutshell. It is time to get back into my groove of our season. Hope your summer is bringing you lots of memories!

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire

2 comments

Jenni Hufford - AW love the pics!! Wow the night shot of the castle with fireworks is AWESOME! looks like you guys had a great time! so glad!August 2, 2011 – 3:47 pm

Tamara Ehrgott - One of MY favorite places!! I can’t wait till our kids are old enough to take. So glad you guys had some wonderful time off during your busy wedding season!July 29, 2011 – 2:15 pm

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Taking time…

Posted in Personal, Something to share 1 comment

This is our busy season (aka. crazy season). We’ve got weddings and portrait sessions and editing and designing and ordering and emailing and…and… It’s this time in the summer where I feel as though I may spin out of control. However, I also realize how important it is to stop and take in a breath. I don’t do this often enough, but today I did.

I had a newborn session this morning followed with an unexpected lunch date with my dear friend, Jennifer, who happened to be helping me with my session. We decided to eat lunch outside and sat next to an older couple. We exchanged a few words and then went on about our meal. As we were getting ready to leave, I realized how intrigued I was by them. I have this thing for older people…it’s in my blood. My mom worked at a retirement home for years, so I’m naturally drawn to them. I love to hear their hearts while they share their stories. Well, today I decided to act on my feelings and talk with them. We heard about their lives in their earlier days, talked about the community we live in, our children and enjoyed some laughs. After we said our good-byes, my friend, Jennifer, and I headed back to our cars. During that time we ran into another elderly man who was having a difficult time getting around. It was obvious he was looking for something, so once again, I stopped. This dear man was looking for his glasses so that he could drive home. We went from store to store looking for them and finally found them in the visor of his car. He told us how much he appreciated our help. As we were leaving I told him to have a good day. He smiled and said, “I will now.”

All of this happened within an hour of my busy day. I realize that this is our crazy, busy season and I’m usually only giving up my time for our kids/family. But, today…today was different. I gave up one hour of my day to have lunch with a friend, meet the sweet couple from the restaurant and help a man in need. It was enough for me to feel inspired…inspired to come back and work, inspired to meet new people that happen to walk by, inspired to make more time for me-my family-my friends, inspired to take my camera around with me more often. So, whether this inspires my work, my soul or both…it was worth it. All because I gave up an hour to live life.

Posted in Personal, Something to share

1 comment

Vangie Lindner - Aw, thanks, Melody!!That was precious! So glad you took time. . .I know it was and will continually be worth it. MomJuly 12, 2011 – 5:45 pm

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father’s Day

Posted in Personal 1 comment

I hope everyone is enjoying the celebration all of those special fathers! Click on the photo below to read my post from our photography blog regarding Father’s Day. Blessings to all!

Posted in Personal

1 comment

Susan Evans - These are SO adorable! I especially love the one where they’re all laughing and Claire has her hand over her face. Your family is just too cute!June 23, 2011 – 8:28 am

Friday, May 27, 2011

Tricks for Pics

Posted in Photo Tips No comments

Every time I look at this picture I laugh. Gabe has always tolerated my joy for taking pictures. Claire, however, not so much. I’m sure the tables will turn over time, but for now, I can’t help but laugh when I get these moments instead. Can you relate? Or am I the only one out there who struggles to capture moments of my own offspring. Well, I thought I would share a few tricks that I use when capturing children. Scroll down to see…

Tricks for taking pics:

1. Sing a song: As parents we sing all the time to our kiddos. You know what their favorites are…just start singing.

2. Whisper: This is one I grabbed from my teaching days. Children feed on high levels of energy. The more excited we get, the crazier they get. With that being said, if I’m trying to get their attention I start to whisper. I might tell them a story or ask them what their favorite things are. They will start to unwind when you whisper.

3. Sneezing: This is where I can be somewhat ridiculous. I pretend like I’m sneezing. It usually involves things being on top of my head while I’m doing it. I’ll let you visualize that one.

4. Stinky feet: Who’s got them? Mommy? Daddy? Grandpa? They get tickled every time.

5. Dance, peek-a-boo, tickling, in-between moments: These are the random go-to’s based on what I’m feeling with each child. Of course, these depend on the age of your child and the amount of energy that is flowing. Sometimes you just have to be crazy and go with it.

As we go into the holiday weekend, feel free to try out some of these tricks. Hopefully, they will bring results that are much different than the photo of Claire above. Good luck!

Posted in Photo Tips

no comments

Friday, May 20, 2011

My past few months…

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire, Personal No comments

It seems as though I have disappeared from this little place for quite some time. Well, all with good reason…for the most part. This spring has been extremely busy for me. For those of you who follow our photography blog, then you know I went to South Africa for a missions trip. Feel free to head over there to see more…such an incredible journey. On top of that, Claire and I also took a quick trip to visit my family in Washington. We have a new nephew that I wanted to meet and wanted to spend some time with my Grandpa and extended family. Since I was going during the school year, Jeremy and Gabe weren’t able to go, so it was just the girls. Next time, it will be a family adventure.On top of that, we have been prepping for our busiest season yet which means some things are taking the back-burner.

However, I had to share our past month or so. Between flowers blooming, kids playing and our trips here and there…it was time. I trust that this finds your spring in full swing. Looking forward to the next time…