I’ve always loved Thanksgiving. I think it’s due to the wonderful memories I have growing up and going to my grandparent’s house on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, making homemade apple cider, getting dressed up for dinner (in a stretchy skirt of course), and spending time with my cousins and aunt and uncles around a huge fire made by my grandpa.

Though we were not with MY aunts, uncles and cousins this year, my kids were with THEIRS. I’d like to think they are starting to love the holiday as much as I do and they’ll look back on these years spent with family fondly.

While I did not get pictures on Thanksgiving, I did the day after when we met up with my brother, sister, grandparents and their spouses, and cousin Sofia of course. We took the kids to Wheeler farm to see the farm animals, had a yummy lunch, games, naps and out to dinner for birthday celebration for my younger sister Laura. It was a wonderful day for all. I’m thankful for ALL my family!

Lucy and Sofia.

No animals were injured in the taking of this picture. In fact, this animal was not even aware Isaac was on him. Thanks Uncle Matt for putting my son on this ridiculously huge animal!

I thought we had moved past this smile. Apparently not.

100% at home, not quite as good out and about. We’ll get it though.

They welcomed another sweet baby girl 6 weeks ago and oh my is she darling! Just as sweet as can be, and not a cry to be heard. I was drooling from the moment I walked in their house as the mamma is an amazing interior designer, drop dead gorgeous and such a pleasure to be around. What a treat to take pictures of the newest member of this family!

Big sister.

15 minute session with my six beautiful nieces and their parents…easiest shoot ever.

I LOVE this picture. It’s so…them. Each of their personalities are oozing out in this shot.

We had limited time and too much sun, but when it went down, we got the best ones of the evening. I love this family, even though I’m mad that Amy wouldn’t let me post my favorite one.

If you’re interested in pictures for your Christmas cards, book right away! I will not be taking clients after December 19th, till the second week in January so that I can enjoy the holidays with my family.

Many of you have asked me to keep posting updates on the house. If you weren’t one of those people, skip over this.

Things are moving at lightening speed I am SO pleased to report. While I still am trying to not get my hopes up, word is there is a small miracle of a chance we might make it in around Christmas or shortly after. Send your prayers up to the construction faries for us.

The following pictures were taken the day I left for NY (Wednesday). The basement was beginning to be framed. Isaac loves to go out and work at his “job” as he calls it. The men are so cute to him and let him hammer away at things. Apparently he was a little put-out later that day when he told Geoff that he hadn’t been paid yet. Wow.

We’ve been eating our lunch at the new “house” on good weather days. It’s so fun to see the progress along the way.

And this picture of the back of the house was taken today. Top floor is just starting to be framed. That’s a total of 3 weeks since ground breaking people.

I got home in the wee hours of the morning last night from a whirl-wind trip to New York. It was my sweet friend (and old roommate) Kamilah’s birthday. What better excuse to have a girls trip? She is just starting her own line of clothing, KGrace Designs, so I did a shoot for her while I was out there with a model. It was so much fun, and so hilarious of course. I’ll post some pictures after I get her approval…I don’t want to ruin the surprise! We did loads of shopping, walking, laughing, a memorable trip to the Manhattan temple, eating, karaoke and me making a fool of myself. I managed to have the worst of luck on this trip. I got locked in a bathroom, got my arm stuck in the Subway, nearly manhandled by an angry cab driver, and the list goes on. Sooo many funny memories. Here’s a few pictures from the trip. Can’t wait to go back with Geoff and do all the touristy things!

The birthday girl!

Despite this picture, she was real happy I was there. Promise.

The ladies waiting for the Subway.

Kelly, also mistaken for Courtney Cox.

Jen.

All the ladies on our way to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Closeup of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Amberli, Kelly and I. Amberli was such a trooper. She walked everywhere and stayed up till crazy hours of the night with the wee one in the belly.

Can you spot the Statue of Liberty? Was really wishing I had a telephoto lens!

My miracle worker of a friend, Kiera, took pictures of our family several weeks ago. It was a nightmare to say the least. Lucy was screaming most of the time due to some constipation issues (I know you wanted to know that), Isaac and Geoff got their hair cut that morning and I thought they had decided to join the Army, and the list goes on and on. So, you can imagine my surprise when she posted these on her blog, utter shock and amazement I tell you. I love them. I love her for working miracles. I love that we took pictures on what was a large mound of dirt at the time, but now looks almost like a house (pictures of that to come as well). And most importantly, I love my family!

Click here to see some more.

I had a whole shoot in mind for these costumes, but alas, I had to stifle the photographer in me and just be a mom and pull off the side of the road for a few quick shots on the way to Amy’s. We ate a delicious dinner and then headed out for some trick-or-treating around her new neighborhood. Lucy would open a new candy the second she got it and shove it into her mouth. Needless to stay, we didn’t keep her out very long. Isaac, Livi and Ethan had a blast together, running from one house to the next. I’ll have to get those pictures from Amy as I forgot my flash-dang it! Hope you all had a wonderfully fun and candy-filled day!

Hansel and Gretel. Please note the bread in Isaac’s hand that he insisted on bringing with him so he could drop crumbs.

Hansel being upset because his dad left him in the woods. (Have you read the story lately, it’s actually pretty disturbing!)

I found Lucy’s dress at Goodwill a while ago and altered and changed it a bit. Isaac’s lederhosen were from my parent’s dress up box, they’re the real deal! Everything else was stuff I already had.

This is one of my good friend’s beautiful little girl. She let us come play at her house for most of the day today so we could get out of our apartment and find some sanity. You should have seen Lucy and her frolicking around holding hands.