My Valentine's

I like to joke that the kids were being nice to me and gave me the best Valentine gift without even knowing it. Although on actual Valentine's Day I asked Zoe and Zayne if they were my Valentine and they both replied "nope." But, Andy was out of town a few days prior to Valentine's day and I was in survival mode with the 3. I was trying to find ways to pass time and keep them happy and occupied. I asked them one morning if they wanted to do a photo shoot (not prepared one bit) and their response was "yep!" Wait, what? Really?  Of course you want to when I don't have one thing ready. So, I made it fun and we did a fun little photo shoot and they (the twins) kept signing and saying "more." It was so fun and the pictures I got bring a smile to my face. The only problem is I showed Andy and he said no more paying for professional photos. We will see. So now I need more practice. Let me know if I can do some photos for you :)

Photography is a passion of mine, something I love, something that makes me happy. My family likes to joke and call me "June," that is my great-grandma. If that is one thing I got from her then I am grateful for that. It's hard though and has a big learning curve in my opinion. I am always open to your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. I am on the hunt for a new camera (I think), a good lens. And simplifying where my photos are stored, how I access them, and figuring out where I want to go with photography (my own hobby, or have a little fun doing photos for others). 

PS. This is my first blog from my phone. Hopefully that means it will be easier to keep up on my blogs. It's also just another to have this Damn screen in your face all the time. Now time for some catching up. 

"A photo is the pause button of life."

Such a handsome, sweet Boy!

Goodness!

She was being silly, I didn't think any of hers would turn out. And then I got this. 

I can't even handle the cutest. These pictures bring a smile too my face and heart and it's even better that it was fun and cost me nothing. 

Dashing through the Snow

Thanksgiving 2016 

Well here we go again. I haven't made a post since Halloween :/ I am not even sure I can remember thanksgiving to even make a post about it (insert another sad face). I know Thanksgiving was spent here, by ourselves which we really enjoy. Andy made an amazing thanksgiving dinner, the kids probably ate 2 bites each. I am sure I strived to get that wonderful family photo and came up with nothing, I am sure I tired to put on the cute holiday outfits only to be defeated by there choices of clothes for the day. Either way I know it was spent as a family, being thankful, and reflecting back on all that we are thankful and Grateful for.


Christmas is a different story. I definitely can remember that. I will say I am glad we made the journey home. But, we both agree it will be a long time before we make the trek again. It's so hard to go home and visit. It sounds crazy but it is. You are pulled in a million and one different directions, You need to go here, be here, see this family member, see that family member, drive an hour here, two hours there, four hours there. etc. etc. and at the end of the day I am not sure how much if any of it is spent relaxing and really enjoying the visit, and you get no time with friends. So... Just a FYI Bozeman is a cool place to visit :)

My attempt at getting a Christmas Photo = Fail!

And again. There always has to be one who isn't looking. 

Just to get to Billings took us nearly 4 hours. which is normally a 2 hour 2.5 hour trip max. The roads were awful the entire trip. I am not sure how we got so fortunate with the kids being such great travelers, but they were amazing. They deserve an award, and so does 'finding dory.' and 'frozen.'

Troopers! (Griswolds) 

We spent a few days at my Dads, a few days with my sister, a couple days in Fargo, surprised Lorraine, went to Duluth. Saw pretty much every single family member we could, missed out on a few. Traveled thousands of miles. Went to the MOA, build-a-bear, water park of America, and became pros at traveling like the Griswalds packed in our Minivan,


Christmas Eve was spent with my Dad. It was great. It was like a old fashioned Christmas just like he wanted. Everyone was there, minus a few. Troy and Jeanne made the trek back from Tennessee and I am sure they too could relate with this post. There were lots of laughs and memories made.

Snuck in a quick visit with Auntie Connie and Uncle John. 

Boy was this a win! Ranger time with Grandpa!

Family photo attempt. One is down for the count. 

My attempt at contributing to Christmas Dinner. Grinch hats!

He had such a cute outfit that lasted 2 secs. Bow tie and suspenders are MIA!

Aren't they the cutest!

He loves Grandpa's Bagpipes

Precious as can be. 

Whoa!

Can you tell they are related? Auntie Love!

Ahh! Sister Love!

Wish this photo was clear!

Helmets for the win!

I don't think he has taken this off yet!

Best gift ever!

Future best buds. I wish I could post a clearer picture with his most adorable face and cheeks. Sweetest ever!

Ahh! Be still my heart!

Been a long time since this happened. A few missing, many added. Family!

T'was the night before Christmas! One of my favorite photos. And who says they can't sleep with you!!

Best Buds!

Christmas Day we spent with my Mom at the water park of America. All of us got together there. This was our first time meeting Evee and their first time meeting our kiddos. This place was a ton of fun and the kids loved the water park. The next day we went to the MOA and went to build-a-bear. Although complete chaos. It was super sweet to do with the kids, actually it brought tears to my eyes.

Grandma taking Za-Za bear down the water slide!

A first! Family Christmas photo. After a day at build-a-bear! SO fun!

and  from there we started the trek towards home. We stopped in Fargo to celebrate yet another Christmas, meeting more cousins for the first time, and many family members meeting our 3 for the first time.

These two!

Cousins! One is missing!

Another family pic. 

Continuing on the trek, which required another hotel stay due to bad roads. We finally arrive back to Bozeman. Even though out house was not finished as it should of been (blog to come on that later) We were ever so happy to go home. I remember the last day in the hotel in Bismark or Dickenson. We took the kids to the pool swimming in the am. As I was getting Zoe dress she looked at me with sweetest little voice and said "Home!" I know, "me too sweety, me too!

We are happy we got to spend the time with family, have everyone meet the kiddos, make memories. We are even happier to be home.