May 30, 2010

Wow, life just gets faster and faster! This is my meager attempt to record a few of the happenings in my life. So much has happened since my last post when I got back from Ontario. I will record some highlights.

We had a BIG girls sleepover at my cousin Crystals house the weekend after, and a triple bridal shower for 3 of my cousins who were engaged. (I didn't take any photos unfortunately because I just didn't want to lug it around) So here's a pic I took out of an email from my Mom. Kaitlyn got to come with me as well, and had a blast. It was pretty cool having all of my cousins and Aunts from my Moms side, my mom, my Grandma and my daughter altogether like that. We had a very yummy breakfast of crepes. Who doesn't love crepes?!!!

I went down to Cardston the next weekend for my cousin Jennie's wedding. I stayed in a hotel overnight with my Mom and Dad and my youngest sister (18) Shawna. We had a fun drive down together. We scouted out the area for spots to shoot for the next day. We ordered pizza from a yummy pizza place called "Pizza's and Cream" or something. It was a 50's themed place, and was so awesome! We played with the juke box while we waited for our pizza. Shawna and I went into the pool area of the hotel after we ate, and relaxed in the hot tub.

(No my sister is not giving me goo goo eyes, haha...but that's how it looks in the pic)

We watched some tv in the hotel and then drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, my Mom and I decided to go to the temple for a session before the wedding. It was a nice opportunity.

Here is a pic I took of the Cardston Alberta temple:

Gorgeous isn't it?!

My cousin Jennie then got married here, and I took the photos afterwards. Here are a couple:

It was a beautiful day. We then went to my Grandma's house for lunch and headed back into Calgary to go to the open house reception. It was fun seeing all of the family and spending some time with them.

My daughter, Maiya, just recently turned 5 years old. We took this picture of her on her birthday.

She is growing up so fast. It was funny because her Nanny and Grandpa sent her a card with some b-day money in it. Grant took her out and asked her if she wanted to go to the toy section, but she said "no, the shoes". and these are the shoes she bought (she has good taste, I couldn't have chosen better myself)

My birthday is the day after hers. Grant took me out for lunch at a chinese buffet. It was really good. Grant and the kids also gave me some gifts. I got a book from a series that I like to watch called "Castle", a photoshop magazine, an acoustic guitar and hard case AND 3 months of guitar lessons. I was beyond excited!!! I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and now I have the chance. YAY!!! I will have to get a picture with me and my new guitar at some point. Grant is always so thoughtful. He really listens to the things that I want. I never ask him for things, he always just seems to know...

So I had my first guitar lesson. I didn't think I was nervous, but then as I walked into the room, I felt a tinge of inadequacy. I have no musical background, and had no idea how to play the guitar and then had that little thought in the back of my head that asked me "do I seem too old to be JUST starting out?....I quickly crushed those feelings that prevent you from progressing and was determined to do my best and have fun with it. My instructor was awesome!! He was extremely patient and encouraging, and it made me feel a whole lot better about the whole idea. I am excited for my next lesson and have tried to devote a little bit of time each day to practicing what I have learned.

I kind of let my photography business sleep over the winter, so I have been getting that going again. I had my first paid session of the new year recently. I actually brought my guitar along as a prop (I only did it this once, as I know it is risky to bring it along on shoots when I want to keep it in the best condition I can) Here is a sample of one of the photos with the sweet little guy and my guitar:

What a cute little guy.

We had Maiya's party on the Sunday. A BBQ with Grandma, Grandpa, uncles, aunts and cousins and even Great Grandma. She got some beautiful gifts. It seems as though there are a ton of family things going on these days, as my brother Seth just got home from his mission in Provo, Utah. As many of us that could, met him at the airport when he got off the plane. My Mom had given all of the kids Canadian pinwheels to wave around and we all "woohoo"ed when he came walking out. So exciting (and maybe a touch embarassing?? oh well) Here he is:

and here he is with all of the kids to greet him:

We went back to Charity's house for a dinner/get together to see Seth a little more. It was fun!

Anyways, I think that's enough catching up for now.