Sunday, August 30, 2009

When Pigs Fly...



Today, I photographed a wedding that was said to happen "when pigs fly." OK guys what's up with not wanting to tie the knot after being together for years on end? This couple was so sweet and so in love. Now, I guess I should put a warning out that there is a pig flying out and about because this man said "I DO!" Congrats to Rich and Amy:)

Oh yes I must add this "saying" was so true because the father of the bride wore a bow tie with pigs on it...So stinking cute!







Thursday, August 27, 2009

One More...

SUPER HERO...



For those of you who don't know what this means, Austin LOVES to pretend he is flying around like a super hero (i.e. the arms out and behind him). It's soooooooo cute to watch!

Pics for the Family...

So, I've been in trouble (not really) with my husband and mother in law these past couple of days for not posting new pictures of the little man, so for my love and best mother in law in the world, here you go:)

One of Austin's favorite things to do on vacation was play in the water and sand. I quickly found out that he loves the water and has NO fear around it. By the end of the two weeks, Austin was jumping in and acting like he owned the pool...seriously it was so funny to watch...hahaha! This set of pictures was taken at our last trip to the beach. I was always so afraid to take my camera around the sand, but I figured it was my last opportunity to take some photos of Austin loving the water. So here's a bit of a sneak peak...more pictures to come!









Oh yes, my sister took this photo of me while on a boat trip of the Napali Coast Line

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I did it...I DID IT...

Rocks, cliffs, river crossings and all I hiked the Napali Coast Line. For all of those who know me...including my husband...lol, know that I am very much a girly girly. My form of camping is staying in a cabin and maybe camping out in an RV. Well now I can know prove that I can do it...because I did:)

We started off on our hike at 10am to beat the heat and in the first mile going straight up a rocky cliff line, I thought maybe I couldn't do this and should just hang back, but I decided that I was going to concur this hike a 100%. After putting my mind to it, it seemed to get easier or so I told myself...lol! Anyhow, two miles in was a secluded beach which could only be reached by foot or boat. This beach was so beautiful with it's crystal clear water, rocky edges, and surrounding mountainsides. It was truly breathtaking. After hanging out at the beach for a bit, we headed back onto the trail for an additional two miles up to the grand finale. This hike was an epic adventure to say the least for me, but it was so worth it when we reached the waterfall. I have never stood so close to a waterfall so amazing. It was just like in the movies where you had a beautiful waterfall with a swimming hole underneath it. We did get in, but did not stay in for long...it was FREEZING! After our dip in the water, lunch, and a small break, we headed back for the four mile return home. This morning needless to say I am sore, bruised, and well nearly paralyzed from the eight mile adventure of the Napali coast line. Let's just say that I am super stoked for the catamaran trip today that we are taking today...Relaxation at it's best and views of the Napali coast to recap my victory I accomplished yesterday. Hope you all enjoy the pictures!!









This was our bathroom accommodations...Trust me I held it for the eight hours! YUCK!!







Friday, August 14, 2009

What a great day...

Today I was able to spend some quality time with my sisters. My sisters and I have been all over the map in the last couple of years and while we are still close, it's still sad to see that we spend more time apart then we do together...I suppose that's just part of growing up. Well anyhow separation aside, we had a great time exploring the island of Kauai together. My mom kept Austin which was so nice...thanks mom:) We started our afternoon with a small map of Kauai and basically closed our eyes and pointed in the direction we were going. Our first stop was the beautiful lighthouse that sits on the farthest point of the island. It was so breathtaking to see the water and mountains come together. It was also fun to see an active lighthouse in action!! Our second stop was a quiet beach near Princeville. It so awesome to be on an island where you can visit the beach and feel like you are on an excluded island. Kauai is not like any other island in Hawaii. It's not commercialized and the island is still maintained by the locals and family owned businesses...it truly feels like paradise! Well I will stop yapping and let you enjoy the pictures of my sisters and I together:)













So far, I have had a wonderful time with my family here in Hawaii, but even through all the fun, I am missing a huge part of me...my best friend and husband. It's so hard to think that this time last year we were vacationing in Alaska together with my family and without him, a large part of me is sad not to have him here. So sweetie, I took this picture for you...I love you and miss you to the sky!!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Got one of me...



As a photographer it's very hard to get your photo taken so when my sister captured this photo of me in front of the falls...I was so excited because normally I only get me head...lol!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Oh the life of a beach bum...



Here in beautiful Hawaii, Austin and I are enjoying the beach, swimming pool, and wonderful weather. Today we took a relaxing bike ride...so much Mr. Austin fell asleep in the trailer behind the bike. We also took a walk on the beach and played in the sand. AWWW the life of a beach bum...wish I could do this permanently:)













I had to post this picture...I asked him if I could have a bite of his cookie and he said NO:( LOL!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Finally in Paradise...



Austin and I are finally in Hawaii with my family. We flew into the island of Kauai last night and it was beautiful. I took this picture above as we were descending into the clouds. It was truly a beautiful sunset...I can't wait for many more to come! Any who, I am connected to the Internet so I will be blogging in the days to come with fun pictures and possibly more sunsets:) Hope you have had a wonderful weekend!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

My little sister is growing WAY too fast...

I remember when my little sister Mallory was born. I was ten years old and the thought of having another sister was wonderful. My other sister Christy who was eight and I were already joined at the hip so having a baby around was different but very fun at the same time. Changing diapers, feeding her bottles etc. made us feel like little mommys ourselves. We even taught her, her first words...it was so much fun! Well now that little baby is now entering her Senior year in a little over month. I can't believe that she will be graduating next year and going off to college. It's so weird to think that my little sister is now turning into an adult and making choices for herself....CRAZY how time flies.

Today, I had the privilege to take my sister's senior photos. Along with her friend Shelby we set out for my favorite field and began shooting. It was hard to think that I was once in her shoes entering my senior year...the last and final year of mandatory school. Oh man how life changed after that year...for the good I will say! Anyhow we had a blast laughing posing, and goofing off. It'll be another memory for me to put into my book...It's a bitter sweet moment! Enjoy:)

My no longer little sister Mallory...







Her best friend Shelby and loyal babysitter to my little man:)







Lastly the two of them together...Great friends forever!



Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Getting ready for flip flops and sun dresses...

Well my house is a wreck, but that's OK, I am leaving in three days for two weeks in paradise. My family and I are taking a trip to Kauai for two weeks to celebrate my father's 60th birthday and my parents 30th wedding anniversary. It's going to be a great time to relax and be together as a family. My sister Christy will be joining us from Australia which I am so excited for...I haven't seen her in a couple of months and I miss having her around. Another person who I miss having around is my husband. As excited as I am to get out of Washington and relax in paradise, there's a bit of sadness that I will not be able to share this time with my husband who is working so hard overseas. I promise though I will make it up to him...We are planning a little trip of our own for when he gets back in December...hehehe!

So with paradise comes flip flops, sun dresses, and bathing suites! Not to mention endless time on the beach and sunsets that will blow your mind! With all these elements combined, you know what this means? PICTURES, PICTURES, AND MORE PICTURES!! I can't wait to get there and start snapping away. I have been debating while organizing the mess if I should take my new camera and be forced to learn it or take both of them and feel like a pro...lol (not really)! I am thinking to save myself from a back ache that I will just take one and force myself to embrace my love hate relationship with my new camera...hahaha!

Well only three more days till we jet off, I suppose I should get off of here and focus on battling the laundry, suitcases, and picking out which color of flip flops to take!!!!

Stay tuned for pictures...this is going to be a GREAT trip!