I Love Love

It was beautiful and magical and special and he let me be a part of it.

We knew back in June at her college graduation party and he asked if I would take pictures without her knowing I was there. Are you kidding me? Dream. Come. True.
What better timing than in Maui, on their one and half year anniversary on the very beach that holds so many wonderful memories for her? She was six months old the first time she came here and now here she is 23 years old and getting married.
He's everything I could ever hope for in a husband for Lizzie. I couldn't have made a better list and I'm really good at making lists.
I love our family and I love that its growing. It's always good when you love the newcomers. What's even more important is that they love us. We're big, we're loud, we're opinionated but we love deeply, protect one another, care for one another and need one another.
I'm so grateful that they let me be a part of something so special. What a gift.

Beach Bonfire

Beach Bonfire....who doesn't want to travel in a heat wave, in traffic, on a Saturday morning to the beach? Oh wait, I don't. But I did and I'm glad I did. We made memories and I'm grateful to live in a state where the beach is just a drive away. We didn't have our usual trio but Sihaya is awesome and we love her.

This boy. I can't say it enough. I will miss him when he's off to college. We are so proud of him and I'm looking forward to watching him grow and thrive in his new environment, but man, I'm going to miss him. I know a few others who will too.

This one is just as amazing and I'm glad we get a few more years with him around. He makes a nice additional big brother for my girl. He's also willing to pose as soon as he sees my camera.

I love this kid and as he grows into his own, I love him even more. He's funny, talented, creative, smart and fun to be around. I'm glad he's mine.

This one always amazes us. He met with his film mentor on the way to the beach and we're excited to see what will come of it. A great film project and career, I'm sure.

We love this kid and the set would not be complete without him. He's entertaining, imaginative, and very talented too. He makes me smile.

And this is what we came for, a beach bonfire and a bonfire wouldn't be complete without the ooey, gooey, marshmallowy goodness of smores.
My girl had a fun day too. She hung out with the older girls, her favorite thing these days, rode the rides, ate the carnival food, and didn't even wear a bow while doing it. She's growing up and I'm surprisingly okay with that.

So, we did it. We went to the beach and had a bonfire. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. Pretty much, life in a nutshell.