Paintball War

This is the Brunette crew and part of the Dale crew gearing up for paintball war in the desert.  They had so much fun this weekend I may actually JOIN them next time.

There's my little guy - fearless.  Despite being shot at repeatedly, he stood out in the open firing away - not once being hit.

 Dad - first one out every game.

Can you find them?  I sometimes had a difficult time spotting them while I watched from the safety of 'home base'.

Buggy was hit ONCE.  In the HAND.  Two fingers briefly swelled, but otherwise she was fine.

Authors Night at SIS

The family attended Bug's "Meet The Authors Night" last week.  This is a snapshot of her and her beloved 5th grade teacher, Mr. DeGroot.  Buggy's book is a detailed description of our family's adventurous spring holiday break in Scotland.  She dedicated the book "to her Daddy - for taking her amazing places."

We recently had a family discussion about the options available to Military Man as he is nearing the "could get orders at anytime" phase of this station.  One option would be a bold move from active duty to reserve and contract civilian employment, and another would be an over-seas assignment again.  It didn't surprise me that Buggy was the only child that wholeheartedly voted for the continuation of active-duty service and consistent moves around the world.  She LOVES the mystery and excitement that accompanies PCSes.  The good news is, we HAVE options - and that's a wonderful blessing.

Eva's Visit

My dearest friend's sweet hubby surprised her with tickets to fly out here to Arizona to visit me for a few days.  Sometimes talking on the phone is just not enough, and an actual hug-and-laughter filled visit is due!  We didn't do much more than hang out... although I did take her to my favorite spot, El Guero Canelo's,  for the best Sonoran Dogs in town.   We also did a little shopping, watched movies, ate junk food and forgot about all the stresses that sometimes weigh us down.

A couple of years ago Eva came up with the "B.E.E.S." for our small group of friends, "Bonded Eternally, England Sisters."  I took a trip with my "BEES" to New York last spring.  It was an amazing and extraordinary experience.  I know we won't be able to get together as often as we'd all like to - being miles, even oceans apart makes it quite impossible.  I do know that wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always be there for one another.  I am thankful for their love and support and friendships!

This Morning's Work Scene

This is the state of my 'office space' this week as I'm heading into that busy season of senior clients graduating and last minute design requests coming in. Boxes and papers stacked about, with me in my pajamas and my two tag-along nappers laying either ON me or UNDER my rolly chair.  I have rolled over ears, tails and whiskers before, but it's apparently not enough of a nuisance to deter them from doing it again ten minutes later!

A Snippet of Some Recent Sessions

Photographed this cute couple early morning the day of Prom.  See more session images here: GRADUATION.

This little guy turned ONE and enjoyed a day of smothering from his overly excited big sister (although I am sure she probably smothers him often - not just his special day)!  See more here:
BIRTHDAY BOY.

Miss Ally is also nearing her high school graduation and we were able to take a few pictures of her gorgeous PROM dress.  Check them out at: PROM PRINCESS.

Meggie also turned ONE and she had some adorable photographs taken for her big day too.  See her session images here: LEMONS & LIMES.

Got to spend a beautiful Saturday morning with this dear family.  I LOVE the pictures we got in this session, it's one of my favorites this year for sure.  See them at: SPRING FEVER.

I {heart} Popsicles

Geesh - it's been a short while since my last post, hasn't it?!  I've A LOT to blog about, but finding the time is a bit difficult lately. So, for now - and because it's been awfully HOT here this spring - I'm sharing some pics of the dogs enjoying this lime popsicle together.  I'll be back to the 'blogging scene' soon.  Happy Tuesday all!!!

And these last two - that's what they look like when the popsicle is all gone.  More?  Please?

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was a whirlwind of surprises and good, old-fashioned family fun.  Grandma flew down to spoil the kids and soak up some warm Arizona sunshine.  She also helped us get ready for Military Man's homecoming.  (I think they were trying to spell "DAD" with their hands - but I just wanted them to look at me and smile).

We stayed up late every night playing games, eating junk food and watching movies.  Grandma also helped watch five other little friends of ours while their parents got away for a little picnic date.  It was nice having the extra set of eyes and hands - I'm not sure what I would've done if I didn't have two extra adults around for that babysitting adventure.

This may actually be the first time his legs have seen the light of day since last fall... He does NOT enjoy wearing shorts unless it's basketball jersey shorts, and he can't wear those to school.

The weekend came and went all too quickly.  Now it's back to school, work, chores and preparing for our next guest who'll be visiting in just two days!  Yay!!!

April's Not-So-Boring Activities

 

I've been too busy to do much blogging lately, as I'm trying to wrap up a very successful photography event and manage three very active pre-teens, not to mention two intelligent but disgusting beasts that make nearly everyday a challenge... (I'm talking about Copper and Daisy - overly anxious to be into whatever it is I'm trying to accomplish). 

So anyone who knows us knows that April is our family's crazy-busy month.  In just a few short days the happy chaos begins with a visit from Grandma Hall and a mini-homecoming for Military Man (he's been TDY "down south").  Then there's the Easter holiday and our 14 year wedding anniversary.  My BFF is also coming for a stay, courtesy of her awesome husband who decided to surprise us both with airline tickets to come see me.  Freckle Face turns 12 and will be moving on up into Young Women's.  Monkey Boy will be turning 9 the week after that.  They both want birthday parties this year (they didn't get to have parties last year).  I haven't even started to think about how all of this is going to work out.  In fact, I'm still focused on my lengthy "to-do" list for the next two days - how can I possibly think about planning the rest of the month?!!

Oh well, I'll get it figured out soon... always do.  Happy Wednesday everyone, and an early Happy Easter as well, since I'm not sure when I'll get back to blogging for the time being.  Cheers!