southern california, orange county family, senior, newborn, commercial photographer
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My sister Julia and her hubby moved to Big Bear a few weeks ago. And Big Bear got epic snow 2 weeks ago. And we decided to brave the roads and get up there.
We got through the police baracades and made our way up the mountain. And once we got our chains on (we don’t normally drive in snow like this!) we were moving through the most beautiful mountain scenes I have ever seen. And because we were moving like snails I got some pretty neat shots I want to share with you.
I only purchase two things when I found out I was having a girl. The first thing was a cute dress that I couldn’t resist. And the other was a pair of ruby slippers, size 7.5. I figured it would be when she was a little over 2 to enjoy the pair but be it that she is the daughter of a 6′5″ daddy, she’s 18 months and is wearing them for the first time!
I think she’s going to be tall!
So, today we went to visit her Uncle Roger and Noni (my dad) to take photos of their new sour, sour, sourdough breads. And while we were there she was into holding the beautiful breads so I thought let’s put her up on the mock up and take a couple.
And she loves the bread and she especially loves her new fancy ruby slippers.
Maybe the saying should be when eating this new sour, sourdough, “there’s no place like eating sourdough at home”?
I love reflecting on images from the date it is today to what I was doing a year ago. Today, Juliet was self feeding and drinking out of a cup like a “big girl”. Last year, January 2009, she was being spoon fed. And got happier as the meal wore on. Well, she gets happier like that now too. But she’s definitely a lot neater.
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Our sitter Chelsea (who’s off limits and only for us btw!) got this amazing new puppy, black lab, beauty, Jacc. And she asked if she could bring him over. Of course, I would love to “borrow” Jack with the kids and let them play. Who knew a puppy would be so much fun and then we could just give him back. 
On a sidenote, I have been reflecting a lot this week about being a mom and about our little family. And big decisions and the little ones, the daily ones too. And especially today… for an honest post, about today having the mom-guilts. And I know, if you are a mom, you can relate. I end my days mostly satisfied. Happy that I got the kids up and dressed and practically on time to school. Everyone is fed, clothed and doing well in school. They are happy (most the time when not arguing over the wii or other silly things) and they are flurishing. Why could a mom feel guilty over that? Well, let me tell you. I think it’s because my time is so split up with 4 kiddos. And then on top of it, I attempt doing my passion, photography. Couple that with our family struggling right now, a house to clean constantly, baseball starting and a toddler that wants to put everything in her mouth, well, I guess it is a time juggling thing. I get the mom-guilts somedays and today was at one of it’s worst. Did I cuddle with them in bed long enough (so hard to do with 4 so they get to switch off with me and their dad)? Did I tell them I love them enough even though tonight I lost my cool real bad? Ugh, not so good tonight, but most days/nights this does happen? Am I doing right by them? Yep, I think so…..but could I have done more? Listened more? Yes.
And then I dig in my photo archives. I have so many things on my list but sometimes a little archive dipping is good. Good for the soul and good for the mom-guilts. And I found these.
and I feel a little better. And I know for sure tomorrow, all afternoon, they have me and my full attention with no time splitting going on. And so, every Friday afternoon from here on out it’s going to be a mom-free-guilt day. And a kid fun day too. Because that’s what Fridays are for sure for!
I have watched this family grow up right before my eyes. The little guy in the family, Landon, is bff’s with my little guy Evan. And they have been hanging out together the last almost 3 years and are best buds in kindergarten right now. We trade playdates once a week and they want to really have them everyday because they get along so well. Landon’s older brother has grown up with our twins and are also in the same class together. They all love playing and running around and having that many boys all in one group makes for a lot of laughter, burps and mud!
I had the pleasure of updating their family photos. You see, it’s a busy life with 4 (I am guilty of not hiring someone myself for 4 years!) and they haven’t had family photos done since Merrill was barely 1-year-old. And Landon wasn’t even in any of the family portraits. Well, the official, pro kind of portraits.
And I am the one that got to take their photos of them! And I love them and their love together and of course that most of them have freckles and beautiful red hair. And don’t forget the beauty, oldest daughter that is on her way to high school and just a spitten image of her mom!
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