So today is that special Saturday of the year when all the men in my life disappear into the waterways and treelines of Brown and Nemaha County.

That leaves me PLENTY of time to update you all on what I have been up to! 

First off, since my last major update, was CEK Kennels Field Trial Day.  I had SO much fun!  I got on a horse for the first time since early high school and road for a solid three hours.  Needless to say my feelings weren't the same the next day...ouch!  Along with all my horse riding, I got to hang out with my favorite kiddos!!

To start the holiday photo season, on Sunday after the field trial, I had the pleasure of doing two engagement sessions in one day!  You can only imagine what Joseph heard about for the rest of the evening - Joe, if you're reading this, hint hint ;)

The first was Seth, Robin, and her two adorable kids!!  These pictures don't need words!!

After Robin and Seth's session I went straight into another adorable couple:  Nick, Brianna, and Brianna's daughter.

Both were such great sessions, and the kids did great! 

Next on the agenda was a trip to Chicago!  I had the opportunity to head north for the week to take a class in Infant Massage!  After the week long class, I now have 4 months to finish up a test, several readings and essays, and a practicum, but it is totally worth it!!  We had a great time!!

Our training dolls: Laila (after one of our taxi driver's daughter), Artie (mine after my dad), and Tabitha (after her "witch" name)

Part of the class practicing the strokes.

It was a great week, but I was definitely ready to be home and out of the city!  I am much more comfortable on the streets of Fairview versus the streets of Chicago!

No rest, however.  Saturday morning after arriving home late Friday night we headed to Tonganoxie for some skeet shooting!  We spent a little time shooting with my dad and his girlfriend's family before heading down to Cabelas:  our favorite store!!  After two hours (yes two) and our hands full of goodies, we headed over to Granite City for dinner before finishing up at Cavendar's for some shopping.  It was a GREAT day topped off with duetting with the radio all the way home!  Joe and I don't venture too far from Fairview very often, but it was totally worth it!!

The clay stacker for the day, Miss Grace!

Well after coming home from a long day, we went to some friends' house for a shop party.  Rest on Sunday?  Hardly!!  I then did three different family shots on Sunday, but all were a lot of fun!

But I think you've read enough for now!  I'll catch you up on that in another post!

 

My Best Friend

FRIENDS

As we walk our path of life,

We meet people everyday.

Most are simply met by chance.

But, some are sent our way.

These become special friends

Whose bond we can't explain;

The ones who understand us

And share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries.

So, when we are apart,

Their presence enhances us

With a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway,

When even the miles disappear.

And so, these friends, God sends our way,

Remain forever near.

~Unknown

I grew up with a mom who had a best friend.  They knew each other's thoughts from the first day they met.  They spent countless hours sitting around our counter drinking their coffee, watching Oprah, and helping each other through all of their hard times. 

I didn't know if I would ever find a friend I could relate to like that until I met my best friend two years ago.  I often feel like I've known her my whole life rather than such a short time.  She knows when I'm having a hard time by one look, and I like to think I do the same with her.  I thank God everyday for bringing me such an awesome friend when I needed one the most.

This post isn't just a thank you to her for being such a great friend, though.  I got to "shoot" her yesterday!  I've gotten lots of snap shots of her and her husband over the last couple years, but yesterday was all about them!!  They let me do goofy things with them and played right along with whatever I suggested.

Thank you, Amanda, for being my best friend.

Work Work Work

I have been so fortunate this year to have so many families, kids, and seniors to shoot lately!  I am working on about 10 different sessions, so it's SUPER hard to pick the perfect pics to blog.  However, I have been making a list, so watch for that post soon, but in the mean time, I couldn't resist posting this handsome boy and his two main ladies in his life.  You can definitely see the love in this pic!