Can't Forget Rust-o-rino!

I forgot about these! It was so fun having Rusty join our family a couple days each week. He was like a bonus little brother for my boys, a favorite friend. I wish these photos were better but the one time all the kids were home at the same time with Sean able to snap a shot, it was raining so we huddled under the roof eaves. But at least we got something!

Goodbye, Minnesota

Moving has gotten the best of my blogging! With packing and driving and everyone getting sick and family reunioning, I've been busy! We're here in Colorado, though we'll move into our rental home in August. We're all super excited for this next chapter. But still, I sure do miss Minnesota. I miss my friends. I miss the familiarity. I miss our little but super convenient town. I miss my church family. I miss the midwestern-ness. I snapped some photos during our last days as Minnesotans.


We rented our house without even seeing it back in 2013. And while it has its quirks, it worked out so wonderfully for us.


The backyard had the most gigantic tree. While it did bring added work when the leaves fell and the mapleseeds descended, it provided the best shade, a place to coast on the tire swing, and the perfect support for our huge hammock. Plus, we'd find all sorts of natural treasures, like this caterpillar snacking on a fallen leaf.


Look at those little feet!


Lots of fun memories playing outside and on the porch. Wren was introduced to bubbles here!


The day before we moved, I made us all take some family photos. As if we didn't have enough to do. The things you do for memories. (Grey cracks me up)


The long, tree-lined streets were so deliciously beautiful in the colorful autumn and snow covered winter.


We moved to Minnesota when Grey was eight months old. Most of his life was as a Minnesotan.


My baby girl Wrenny was born in Minnesota!


Dash and Liam spent most of their memorable lives in Minnesota. They started school in Minnesota. Sean finished his medical training in Minnesota.


I could go on and on about all sorts of little delights that the state has brought us. A true gem of a place to live. Goodbye, Land of 10,000 Lakes, you'll forever have a special place in our hearts.

Gail + Devon; The Gardner Family

I've only done a couple photoshoots as we've been prepping for our move but they've been wonderful! Gail and Devon made a fun and beautiful couple and the Gardner family was a blast. Thanks for letting me take your photos, guys! It's always such an honor to capture all these relationships. Here's some of my favorites of each.

The sixth birthday

One very special day in May, Liam and Dash turned six years old. Sean happened to be off of work that day so we planned to all visit the twins at their school lunch, as well as bring treats for the class. As it turned out, their teacher was sick that day and rather than have a substitute, the class had been portioned out to the other kindergarten class. When we arrived, Liam was already finished eating so Sean joined him for recess (we were lucky to catch him!) and I joined Dash in the middle of his lunch. Treats were saved for the next day. Dash and Liam were good sports and rolled with it.

After school, we did some gift opening. They had splendid reactions to their presents, including new chalk, skip-its that don't stay on their ankles, swim lessons, and (the favorite) a hot wheels track.


They even enjoyed their cards; nothing goes to waste on them.


It's hard, though, watching brothers open presents. We even got him one, too, but still. Hard.


The present exchange was capped by a scavenger hunt for hula hoops! Then we scurried off to the hibachi grill for a birthday dinner.


As luck would have it, the school's carnival fell on their birthday, so what better way to celebrate? We liberally handed out tickets and let the kids try all sorts of activities.


The cake walk, man, that's a tough one. Lots of participants, big prize, but only one winner. They did add a dancing element, though, to make another winner, so my boys were all over that.


Wren, the sweet observer.


Just flipping some frogs. Watch out when you give Grey a mallet, though!


How good is your frisbee aim?


These guys could really fling this slingshot. Watch out.


Liam enjoying one of his prizes.


Cap off the night with a little birthday cake (decorated by Grey) at home and you've got yourself a good birthday! Happy day, boys!