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My last photo shoot of 2009 was of this sweet little 2 week old baby girl. Yesterday work for me was staring, holding and cooing over a wee babe.

I feel so fortunate and blessed to be able to make my living seeing the things I see and recording them for others. 2009 has a been a year of amazing growth....for my business and for me personally. Thank you family, friends and clients for helping to give me the life I have.

Here's to what I couldn't look away from this year and all the things that will surprise my eyes in 2010.

Kate & Jake Get Married

Here are a couple shots of the big day..

It was an interesting challenge to be the big sister AND the photographer. I think we found a balance....I just loved being around for every moment. Grant and I loved all of the time we got to have with just the two of you on such a memorable day. One of the best parts was de-thawing ourselves in the car on the way to the dinner. You two were champs in the cold.

More wedding story to come. xo.

Sisters

How was everyone's Christmas? Ours was eventful with all of the family together and then Kate's wedding on the 26th. Busy, busy.

As part Christmas gift and part wedding gift to my sisters I had these bracelets made for us. Since Anna had to miss the wedding since she is in the MTC we wanted to have something we could all wear on the wedding day to connect us. Mine read "1 of 3", Kate's, "2 of 3" and Ann's, "3 of 3". I love them SO much (my sisters and the bracelets).

I found the amazing Wire Lady on Etsy. Go here to order your own custom wire twisted jewelry!

For Unto Us...

I was involved in a project for my church that involved photographing a modern day take on the nativity. Click on the images to view them larger and hopefully large enough to be able to read the beautiful words inspired by the night of the Saviors birth.

Emily did a great job pulling the whole thing off and J. Arthur Purrington created the layout and design of the booklet. Thanks for both of them for making my job so easy.

So my dear bloggers this is my Christmas gift to you until the 28th. I take off to Texas today to be with my family and watch my sister be married on the 26th. For Christmas this year I am gaining a brother in law.

What an amazing year it's been. My business has blessed me in so many ways this year as well as the decision to live with a boy....permanently.

So now it's time to snuggle, sip hot cocoa and watch "It's a Wonderful Life"...we need to enjoy it while we can. The holiday hang over starts on Jan 2. xo.

Home For Christmas

I love all the parties people have in their homes during the holidays. It feels so much more intimate than just meeting at a restaurant (although the clean up is easier that way).

I photographed a simply amazing Christmas gathering and dinner at a home right on the Strand in Manhattan Beach. They invited a small gathering of friends for a formal dinner in honor of the season. The home was decked with all forms of merriment and the family was delightful.

Maybe when I get a house large enough to hold a table I will host my own formal party complete with Santa flying overhead.

Fresh Balsam

This season we bought a Noble pine tree but it never hurts to have a little extra piny help. Bath and Body Works has the BEST smelling "Fresh Balsam" scent. We have this candle and the antibacterial soap in our bathroom. I feel like I live in a Christmas forest.

Have a great weekend loves. What are your weekend before Christmas plans? I have a fun 60's photo shoot this morning and maybe going to Disneyland tonight. Early family Christmas party on Saturday and then teaching a lesson on Sunday on the TRUE reason we celebrate Christmas....then maybe a Sunday afternoon nap? xo.

Kauai- Part 3- Where to Stay

The north shore of Kauai is my location of choice, preferably in the Princeville community. I have stayed in many different condos/apartments/villas within the community but my favorite development by far as been the Villas of Kamalii. The one I found for Grant and I was my favorite unit within the villas. It Is unit #51 which the owners lovingly call "The Rainbow Connection" and once you check out the views from the lanai, you'll know why.

Coming from our humble 520 square feet abode, it really felt gigantic. The kitchen was beautiful and clean and equipped with a vita mix blender! There were two huge flat screen TV's, 30 second walk to the pool, hot tub and grill and the most amazing viewing from the lanai. Seriously we just sat out there and stared.

I am totally plugging this place, because if you ever need a place to stay on the north shore Adria and Louanne were great to work with and their villa beautiful.

You can find more information on renting this unit here.

Kauai- Part 2- How To Have Fun

1. Visit the Kiluea Lighthouse

2. Jump off sand cliffs

3. Watch the sunset at Ke'e beach, rain or shine.

4. Go kayaking and see what the humidity can do to your hair.

5. Gnaw on your lovers shoulder till he says ouch.

6. Stop off for another round of Banana Joe's.

7. Take photos of sun rays or rainbows from the Hanalei look out.

8. Take a horseback ride where you end at a swimming hole and waterfall and eat a picnic lunch with a rooster.

9. Go watch the sunset or look at the view of the Napalei coastline from the deck of the old Princeville Hotel (now St. Regis). (If you are already sick of sunset photos cover your eyes).

10. Leave your beloved north shore and spend your last few days at the Hyatt in Poipu. Swim in the pools, order drinks poolside and get your own private cabana with an ocean view. Act like the royalty you are.

11. Kick and scream as they drag you on your red eye flight home. Be a little bit mad at Kauai for being so perfect. Make up the next time you are reunited.

The End.