Lilliana: Senior

It seems strange to think of her as a senior. I mean, obviously the day would come where she would graduate high school and wander out to college and life beyond, but I can't believe that day is nearly here. I can still remember her in her silly poofy hats, strands of beads, playing dress up and making mud pies. Crying on her mother's wedding day (as another cousin stealthily told her that her mom would die after she got married. Nice thing to tell a five-year-old, PR), screaming as we scared her in creepy masks outside her bedroom window (still sorry about that misguided decision), laughing as only a person can laugh when they are completely content just being in the moment.
She's always had that.

And now here she is, all growed up. She still cries alot-like at Hallmark commercials and the movies like The Time Traveler's Wife where sobbing would be a more appropriate description, but she still goofs off and laughs like it's the only thing on her mind.

Dear cousin: Thank you for some fantastically memorable times. I wish you nothing but the best in your Waldorf adventures and can't wait to come visit you there (perhaps even catch a game or three). You are the best at being just who you are, I hope you never forget that.

Love much, me.

Okay, I'm not sure what it is, but I just love this one.

All you need is love

Okay, I know I promise more of Lil, but I'm having a bit too much fun editing them thus it's taking me a wee bit longer than expected! Lots to post next week for sure!!

I was backing up all my photos last night when I came across these-I can't believe I forgot to post them!!

A perk of shooting with Shauna Younge Dessert Tables is...you guessed it...tasting the treats afterward! That and Shauna is just plain awesome. ;-) Her creativity amazes me: the silhouettes are hand cut and the framed words are Shauna exclusive as are the cupcake towers and all the labels on the variety of goodies. She even designed the cookies on paper and her baker recreated them perfectly. Girls got skills!!!

These popcorn bags, with custom labels, boasted delicious Chicago mix, caramel or crunch.

Ok, this was my fav. These are chocolate covered strawberries. When Shauna told me that I had to have one, I was super skeptical. I was thinking somewhere along the lines of nasty grainy fake strawberry jell encrusted in crumbly chocolate. Obviously, I should have known better. It was like an authentic chocolate/strawberry explosion in my mouth! Real strawberry, smooth melty chocolate, crisp outer shell...I'm drooling just recalling the memory...

Aren't these super sweet!? And delicious to boot!!

Custom printed/created labels

Who's hungry?! 

;-)

teeny tid bit

Yep, I'm so lame that I'm blogging at 1:22 a.m. on a Saturday night. This after I have spent the last 4 hours staring my computer in the fizzace -it's a word- rehashing all expeditures from 2009 in preparation for my tax man.

Yeah, I'm that cool that I can spend my Saturday night blogging and preparing tax documents.

Don't hate.

Since I am about the worst when it comes to waiting, here's a little nugget from earlier today. Chicken nuggets sound delectable. This is another cousin of mine (I have many). Seriously, we come from the same tree people. In some wrong twist of fate, my apple rolled oh-so-far away. Poor lonely apple.

(It's late, cut me some slack.)

Just one for now...plenty more to come soon...promise, promise (say it twice you really mean it, mean it!)!!

St. Patty's and birthday wishes

I don't remember the exact moment you were brought home, but I do recall stories that I was mad because I wanted a brother. After a while, I must have conceded and thought a little sister was alright, too. Someone to play barbies and 'Mommies' with (why the heck was that the name of that game?). Someone to make endless treasure hunts for and a student to sit in my play classroom. A forgiving and patient model for all my photography endeavors. A talk show guest. An enemy in 4-wheeler hide-and-go-seek-tag. Someone to ride bikes with and read stories to. A fellow co-hort to jump in the rain puddles with and to drink hot cocoa with later. A friend to have lunch with (whether it be on top of the little house at the end of the driveway or a more established Hogan Brothers) or to call simply to shoot the breeze. Yes, a sister is alright. Sure, there may be a hole in my door from where you stabbed it with a butcher knife and a cut under your eye from one of the many brother adventures, but that's just a part of normal childhood wear and tear. As you finally come into the 20-something world, I have to say that I'm so proud and happy to have you as my sister. Who would have thunk it?! I'm so happy for the person you are turning out to be and feel so blessed to have a sister who I can also call one of my best friends.

Happy birthday, Cletus. You're alright.

Courtney and Chad :: Engagement

All three of us were 'just getting over' some stage of late-winter sickness as we headed out into the woods. Makes for the most of romantic times, right?! The day was fair, as far as Saturdays in March go, and we actually lucked out as it could have been much cooler, windier, rainier (it's March. One never knows!). Courtney and Chad were super easy-going and we had a good time getting to know each other over laughs and sniffles. I'm super excited for their July wedding (bring on the warmth and sunshine!)!!

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday: (n) The glorious holiday at the end of every week to celebrate the end of a long and tiring 6 days. On this day, its observers are to completely relax in whichever way they see fit. Most events start in the early afternoon, and end in time for all participants to get to bed at a reasonable hour to prepare for the beginning to yet another long week.

Snowmoboarding: (n) A newly developed sport influenced by wakeboarding and snowboarding - a snowboarder is pulled behind a snowmobile with a pull rope like a wakeboarder, but on a snowboard. The snowboarder can be towed into jumps, rails, or cruise on flat land. Can also be used with skiers.

Let the games begin!

Setting the scene:

Can you tell what's obviously going to happen next...?

There were a few spills...tee hee...

 :-) He's so darn cute!

Brit opted for flips. Then sat around in bare feet. In the snow. Yep.

Catalina & Curt::Engagement

Ok...I meant with Cat and Curt nearly a month ago and we picked the first Saturday that worked for the three of us. Amazing luck would have it, it was a beautiful Minnesota winter day with temperatures in the balmy low 30s!! Catalina and Curt were super easy-going and we made our venture short and sweet. And how sweet it is! I'm very much excited to photograph their wedding in July-bring on the summertime!!!

Oh....rraaaawwwwrrrrrr! Quite possibly, my fav.