Cesar and Crystal: Norwalk Everyday

When I was in high school, I had a binder with a clear cover. I remember changing the pictures inside the cover, and I always loved having new pictures. I wish I had had a photographer to follow me around and take pictures of me and my friends. So I love when I get the chance to do that for my family.

My niece asked me to take a few pictures of her and her boyfriend and I was happy to do so! It was a REALLY quick shoot but we got some great pictures :)

80 Years Young

80.

How does one even begin to sum up 80 years of life in only a few paragraphs? I've only known him for the 25 years I've been alive. And yet, I don't even know where to start.

Today my Gramps is 80 years young.
Not old.
Young.

Because at 80 years old, my Gramps is still as young as ever.

I can remember my Gramps and our adventures together from the time I was a very little girl. I don't always remember what was said, done, or taught... but I remember the way he always made me feel. Every memory with my Gramps is full of smiles, learning, laughter and love.





Even as a really little girl, my Gramps made a point to spend time with me. I was his only grandchild for 18 years, and I got lots of his attention :)





He read to me...



...Taught me to fish... in the grass!



...Took me across the country and showed me the sights...





One year, he dressed up as Santa Clause at Christmas time. I was only 3 years old, but I couldn't be fooled! I immediately knew it was my Gramps. Our family was shocked, but I knew my grandpa. I pulled on his beard, and sure enough!





Another time, he took me to the fair... carried me on his shoulders, lifted me up to see the animals, and bought me my very first cowboy hat.




I'm sure everyone thinks their grandpa is great. But mine is the very best. I am so grateful that today, on his 80th birthday, he is the same grandpa he's always been. He is still up and around and doing the things he loves to do. He is still hunting and fishing and camping and skiing and collecting rocks.

Today I went out in the front yard, and watched him work away on his boat. He's building some sort of contraption to attach to his boat. For catching crabs. He worked away, telling me step by step what he was doing and why it would work. And you know what? I think it will!



Gramps, I am so thankful for you. I am so glad that my childhood is filled with memories with you and that as an adult, I can do all kinds of fun things because you taught me. I am so glad that I know what a dredge is, and how to pan for gold, I am glad that I can fix anything with just a little super glue. I'm glad I can fly down a ski slope and not be afraid.. and that I can use a metal detector... you know, in case I ever lose something, or just want to hunt for treasures. Thank you for reading to me, and taking me to garage sales, and teaching me about rocks and animals. I am proud that you are MY Gramps. I love you!

Oregon Bound

I am in Oregon!

This is where I grew up, and where my family still lives. Next week is my grandpa's 80th birthday so my mom and I are here to celebrate! I will also be doing a couple of shoots, and hitting an antique show which I LOVE!

I'll be gone until July 24th, so blogs may be a little less regular while I'm out of the office. I'll be returning emails as I can and staying in touch as much as possible, but also enjoying this time with my family. Keep checking back on my blog, I anticipate quite a few personal blogs these next couple of weeks, but don't worry, there will be some fun shoots too!

Oh and did I mention how cool our airplane was? So cool.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Because of you I am alive.
Thank you for supporting me, for encouraging me, and for helping me follow my dreams.
Thank you for making me laugh, wiping away my tears, and and crying with me.
Thank you for loving me, for raising me right, and for showing me God's love.

I am so thankful that you are my mom.
Happy Birthday!

Everyday: Offringa Family

By now you should be very familiar with the Offringa family. I shot their maternity pictures, and I even got to be at the hospital when baby Jacob was born! I was totally honored to shoot his very first photos! It has been so fun to follow this family and their growth. It's so much fun when clients become friends. I am so grateful for the time I've been able to spend with Darrin and Jenn and their gorgeous family.

We had some fun shooting baby Jacob's newborn photos. He was so good for us, but he did NOT want to fall asleep! I believe he was only 12 days old when we shot these. Soooo precious! Sister Rylee wasn't having it too long... she was such a trooper, but so sleepy.

Darrin and Jennifer, thank you so much for letting me into your lives... thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey! I adore your kiddos and I am so blessed to call you friends! :)

Rylee giving her brother kisses.

I adore the photos of Darrin with his son.





Jenn you are gorgeous... and I love how happy you are being a mom!











"sloppy kisses"


I love Jacob's expression here!!





This is my favorite. Of all time. Seriously.





Baby feet are the best!











Tiny baby hands.

Wedding: Russell and Gina

She stood in the small bride's room laughing nervously and adjusting her veil. On the other side of the door, he waited excitedly. The intimate ceremony couldn't start soon enough. After 12 years and 2 beautiful children, they couldn't have been more ready to spend the rest of their lives together.

Gina and Russell's wedding was unlike any other I've photographed. It was small and family focused and fit them perfectly. Their son and daughter, and Gina's son all played a large part, and it was definitely a family affair. It is such an honor to be able to photograph a wedding, but especially for friends!

Here are a few of my favorites from their day.
(Bonus points if you recognize her teenage son, and Man of honor).



Her son, Javier Jr. You may remember him from some of my previous posts :)



I love the little girls waiting for the ceremony.


Yay!!! Married!


Russell had all kinds of great ideas for photos. I love that they incorporated Gina's son into these and his love of guitar.

Gina, you are beautiful! :)



Look at their cute coats...

These are my favorites.

Javier and his girlfriend, Tracy. You may recognize here too.
This sums up their family so well :)