Shortly after Little T was born, I told Big T that I was thinking of starting my own business. He said if anyone could do it, he knew I could. Since the moment the idea popped into my head, he’s been my biggest supporter. 

Anyone who has started their own business knows it’s kind of like having another child. You put so much of your heart, energy, and life into it. The first two years were a blur. I don’t remember much, but I do know that somehow Big T took  care of our little family, even with a full time job of his own. Big T never complained about having to pick up the slack when I worked 60+ hour weeks, and has been cheering me on since day 1. While I dont remember a lot from those two years, I do have a vivid memory of Little T watching the movie Brave with Big T. There’s this part where Merida is being shown potential suitors. One of them was a big burly man who turned out to be standing in front of a thin skinny guy who was her real suitor.

 When Little T saw this burly hunky man, he looked at Big T and with the utmost sincerity said, “Daddy, that man looks just like you!” In Little T’s mind, Big T was/is nothing short of a superhero. 🙂 Big T and I have our fair share of highs and lows, but he’s a super hero in my eyes too, always there supporting us in everything we do. I’ve loved discovering what wonderful dad he is, and I know that he will always have a beautiful and strong bond with Little T. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is, Happy Father’s Day Big T! Thank you for steaming my rice every week, thank you for always making sure I don’t fall asleep on the couch, and thank you for making pancakes for Little T every Saturday, and doing all those amazing little things that Dads just do. You really are a super dad, and I’m so grateful to be going through life with you at my side. ❤️

So many things happening in our household, it’s really been a great couple of weeks!

Big T and I went to Italy, it was an amazing trip and traveling definitely gave us a sense of what a small part of this big planet we are. It’s always interesting to see how other people live, and I can’t say enough good things about all the people we met on our Italy adventure. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end. When I walked into the Sistine Chapel, I looked up and tears started rolling down my face. I couldn’t believe I was actually in such a magical place where art is everywhere.

The only hard part of the trip, was that we missed Little T a lot. Every time I would see something amazing I’d wish he was there next to me. He really would have loved it. I would call him and my mom through Facebook every day, and every day I felt like I was counting down the hours until I’d get to say hi to him and tell him about everything that we did. 🙂

When we got home, he was so happy. I came in after Big T, and heard him run up to Big T and say, “Daddy! It’s really you! It’s not a dream!” 🙂 He wanted to know everything about our trip. Big T and I had travelled for over 24 hours straight without any sleep, so we were having a hard time staying awake. Little T was so excited to see us that he couldn’t sleep, so my mom gave him the Italy books we brought home for him and gave him a flashlight, so he could stay up and look at the books until he fell asleep.

Every once in a while- I catch myself walking on our sidewalks and thinking about those cobblestone steps in Italy and how they felt on my feet as I walked. It all feels so far away from here.

Big T and I have started planning another trip, a little further down the line so we can be sure to take Little T next time. But for now, we’ll always have Italy. 🙂

You know how sometimes the world tilts a bit and disrupts the balance of your already-kind-of-topsy-turvy- life? We had one of those weeks over here. But we’re at the end of it now and hope is on the horizon (as in, a grandparent is visiting tomorrow-hooray) and when all is said and done, I’m feeling thankful that it happened.

Last week my little man was sick, but I wasn’t worried because I like to think of myself as the kind of person who never gets sick. He crawled into my lap with a fever and I comforted him, and I turned on his favorite movies, and made him soup, and I helped him get better.

By Friday night, I knew something was wrong. Kind of like the calm before the storm. Like any wedding photographer would, even though I didn’t feel well-I worked a ten hour wedding shift that pushed me a bit over the edge the next day. I got really sick after that with what turned out to be bronchitis and couldn’t move. But the wedding turned out really beautiful and I wouldn’t have done it any differently.

Now that I’m on the mend, I’m feeling grateful today for the people I work with who helped make my job easier when I wasn’t feeling well. I’m glad for my parents, in laws, step sister, M and my meow town friends for keeping my spirits high. And for my work friend in FL who knew I was sick and took the time to brighten my day with a phone call. And for Big T, who I’m now indebted to for life for taking such good care of me and getting me Hot and Sour Soup from One World Vegetarian every day because it’s the only thing that I felt like eating.

I discovered that the things I usually think are important weren’t so important this week. I was so sick that I couldn’t say anything to Big T about the mix matched outfits he sent Little T to school in, or what he packed for his lunches, or that he didn’t go over his sight words, or that the house was kind of messy. I just watched it all unfold and was grateful that someone was taking care of me and Little T.  The room mom at Theo’s school and I had planned a lot of things for teacher appreciation week, and Big T had to do all of them for us because she also had an emergency. It may not have been what we’d planned, but it happened and everyone was happy. Little T was happy and Big T was happy and Little T’s teacher was happy, and maybe certain things don’t matter as much as I think they do sometimes. It just made me so glad to have Big T by my side.

And today, I woke up feeling better like I’d survived, and I went and picked out an outfit that matched for Little T. Little T held my hand all morning because he was glad I was up and feeling better and he had missed me. I helped pack lunch and discovered there was nothing to pack because we needed to go to the grocery store, but we made it work anyway. Big T gave me a hug and said it was easier when I’m feeling well and he’s glad I’m back, and that made me happy too.

But also, Little T and Big T took the extra time this week to build this incredible tower. Pretty impressive, my two T’s. Imagine if I’d been sick a little longer, we could have had a theme park in our living room. 😉

So that’s the update from over here. Be well, my friends! So glad we’re all feeling better.

Please excuse my typos, I write this all from my iPhone. 🙂 Have I mentioned how much I love Little T’s school? Yesterday the principal and his teacher came up to me to let me know how great Little T is doing. I’m so proud of that kid, and grateful that the school has been so encouraging and supportive of our little guy.

Here’s a few of our spring break adventures.

Little T and I went to see the pirate show by Knotts Berry Farm. We wound up parking too far and had to walk by Medieval Times. I don’t really have a lot of photos of the Pirate Show, because Little T was terrified. Sometimes I forget how little he is, but the Pirates came out and they were loud and his sensory stuff was acting up, and tears started streaming down his eyes, poor little guy. I asked if he wanted to leave and he insisted on staying, but let’s just say we probably won’t go back soon. So, here is a photo of Little T before the terrifying pirate show! 🙂 

We also made it to the Harry Potter Wizarding World preview! It was a sun kissed day full of magic, friends, and butterbeer. ❤️

We ran into this Gryffindor Head Boy, who made Little T a prefect. It kind of made Little T’s day. :p Watch out, Hogwarts students, these two aren’t going to let anything slide. 😉

And we had a great time running around with Mindy!

  
  
By the end of the day, this kid was worn out!

We also got to see a gym friend perform in the stunt show, Little T was nervous but excited to see him afterward. I was amused because little T started telling him all about how awesome Big T was. he’s so proud of his dad, lol.

We also went to an indoor skydiving party for M. We weren’t sure if Little T would do it because he doesn’t like loud noises, but we got him so good ear plugs and he actually did it! He could have gone twice but said it was too loud to go again, but I was proud of him for going in at all. I was so excited he picked out the astronaut uniform, so cute. 🙂

  

I also had the honor of photographing the wedding reception for Little T’s occupational therapist. It was the best night, so much love.

And M had her baby shower! I can’t wait for M’s baby to come into the world, I feel like her pregnancy has gone by so fast!

We also got to spend a lot of time with The grandparents over the break, it’s always great when Big T’s mom comes to visit. And Papa G took this crew to Lego Land. Super brave, Papa G! :p

Big T and I went to DL without Little T for our anniversary. We wore disguises so Little T wouldn’t know anything was up. I don’t think he suspected anything. 😉

And that’s about it, it was a great break! Now it’s back to school. 🙂 see you later, friends!

Little T’s basketball season came to an end.

What have we learned this season? Well, for one thing, Little T is quite the entertainer. Not in the way that you might expect for a basketball team, but in a “oh wow, he just turned into a robot in the middle of an intense game” kind of way.

Boss move, Little T. Trying to distract the other team like that.

What have we learned this season? For one thing, Big T is a nervous wreck when he watches Little T play sports. Just wait until they actually start keeping score, Big T! :p We’ve also learned that our community is great, and so incredibly supportive. I’ll never forget the time Little T dribbled and attempted a basket for the first time. You would have thought he’d made a winning goal, with how much they cheered for him. 🙂 Weve also learned that Little T’s best moves come out on the basketball court-heehee.

Little T was sweet when he got his trophy, he really wanted to give a trophy to his coach, who had to be the most patient person I’ve ever met. He did deserve a trophy!

Great season, Little T! Your robot moves are legendary. 🙂

Wedding season is wrapping up over here, which means I have a few months where life returns to normal, I see my family and friends again (you all remember me, right?), and spend some quality time with the two guys in my life. ❤️When I wrapped up a few huge projects last week, on Saturday morning-I decided to celebrate by having a fancy date with Little T. Big T helped Little T get all dressed up, and Little T was super excited when it came time for the big reveal.  😂

I know, we’re the dorkiest. :p

We went to dinner theater at the Candlelight Pavilion to see Guys and Dolls together because he loves watching musicals. I didn’t know how he’d do, so we sat in the back by the door just in case it was too long for Little T and we needed to make a quick exit, but he absolutely loved it. He was so quiet, that at one point the ladies sitting at our table thought we left, because they couldn’t believe how quiet he was for the whole show.

The thing he loved the most though, was lunch.

  
The Candlelight Pavilion is beautiful, and his eyes grew wide when we walked in the doors. He was fascinated with how pretty the butter looked in the butter tray, and he loved that they gave him juice in a goblet. It made a big impression on him, and he’s mentioned the butter and the cups a few times since then. I had to laugh, because the server listed off the drinks and Little T confidently said that he wanted the champagne. It must have sounded the fanciest to him, sweet little guy. When he couldn’t have champagne, he ordered the next fanciest sounding thing-cranberry juice. 😉 they made us both a great vegan meal (baked potato, black beans, veggies, and they even added a side of rice for Little T. It was a great way to spend the day. 🙂

My favorite little basketball player. ❤️ He may not be the best player, but his dance skills on the court would give Troy Bolton a run for his money. 😉 

Holy Moly, a date night for real!!!!! 

  
Future Little Big T:

Dads are the best, amiright?

Boba dates with my little man.  
When you try to take a photo and they’re like…..just let us eat our ice cream….. 😉

When your phone gets stolen at pub trivia.  
So proud of this kid. Did I mention he moved up a level in reading this week? I know, he’s totally a genius. I blame the parents. ;p
Piggy Play Date!  
And some beautiful decor. 💖

A while ago, I photographed the sweetest group of girls at Disneyland for their senior photos. We’ve stayed in touch through social media, and when their mom contacted me about senior pics for her youngest daughter, I jumped at the chance. “But it will be in Carmel!?!” she said. Always being up for an adventure- I responded with, “Even better!” And a work vacation was born.

On the way up to Carmel, we stopped in Cambria to pick up Nana, and then traveled to Carmel where we had never visited before. It was a beautiful city, and I hope to see it again someday.

On the first day, we went to Monteray Bay Aquarium. These dogs were having a meetup, there were so many of this breed hanging around! I wish I remembered what kind! 

Do you ever experience something when you were young and remember it as being way better than it actually was? I have this vivid memory of a ride at Knotts Berry Farm, where you have to push the car to make it work, and in my mind it went on and on for miles. Later in my adulthood, I went back and discovered it was just a little circle we went around. My memory was so different! I was worried I’d have that experience with Monteray bay Aquarium because it had been so long since I’d been there, but it was just as amazing as I had remembered it. It was even better, actually-and we had such a fun day. Little T loved it. He liked the open sea feeding and the Penguins the best.  

I’ve decided swimming around in an aquarium tank is my dream job.

When we were done, we found the best little Thai restaurant I’ve ever been to for lunch, and they served Theo’s pineapple fried rice in a pineapple. At night, we went with our host family to Benihanas for dinner, and then went to watch these little raccoons that lived in the rocks near the restaurant. Little T stayed out way past his bedtime, which was all a part of the excitement for him. He also talked the girl’s ears off at dinner and they said he mentioned the word samurai at least 200 times. He had such a wonderful time.

The next morning, we had a great time exploring and taking senior pics. Little T might have even snuck into a photo or two…..or three. 😉

    

We stopped for lunch at a nice little restaurant that had a cozy couch in front of a fireplace, and a giant tv that was playing the Broncos/Steelers game. I decided I could live there forever.

During lunch, Little T continued to enjoy all the attention he was getting from the ladies. He loves people so much, such a cutie pie.

That evening, we sadly said our goodbyes, and began the road trip on the 1 back to Cambria. The road was beautiful and it was great seeing Bug Sur, but we didn’t realize how horrifically frightening that road was after dark. We are happy to be alive after dealing with fog, rain, darkness, and windy cliff roads with no road reflectors. Thankfully, I couldn’t see the cliffs because of the fog, because it might have done me in. Big T could see out of his window, and was silently having panic attacks from the passenger seat. O_O We were so glad when we made it home safely.

The next day, we got up early to make our way home from Cambria, but the car wouldn’t start. What started out as a frustrating thing, turned out to be awesome because Little T was in heaven visiting with the mechanic. He even got to hold his tools and “help” him with the car. Little T talked about the mechanic for half the ride home, he really made an impression on him. So much, that Little T asked the mechanic what his favorite transformer was, and promised to give it to him for Christmas. :p

Since we were stuck for a bit, we went to the Cambria Roasting Company and visited their roasting room. The lady working there explained everything to little T from start to finish, and when little T left he shouted, “I learned something today!” Heehee

   The finished product. :p

 The ride home was gorgeous, and we stopped to take a few photos. Sometimes I can’t believe how beautiful this planet is, it takes my breath away.  

And now we’re home, and it’s back to editing and preparing for the week, and thinking about what a nice time we had.  We’re sad it’s over, but alway thankful that it happened at all. 🙂

A few years ago on an ordinary day, we came home and opened the door of our house, to discover that a white and friendly cat had decided to move in. He was sprawled out on our couch with his belly facing towards the ceiling, resting and looking like he belonged there, and so he did. We eventually started calling him Brutus.

This is kind of a weird story to tell-so please forgive me, but Brutus decided to make things official one day when Little T was having a tough time. I took Little T into his bedroom and started rocking him and singing, “Baby Mine”. It was one of those beautiful moments in parenthood where you’ll never quite forget how wonderful it feels to be able to soothe and comfort another little person with nothing but yourself. Brutus agreed, and towards the end of the song, took it upon himself to mark his territory all over us. At the time, we were horrified and upset and had to sanitize everything, including ourselves-but now I look back at that moment in time and realize that it was the moment when Brutus decided we were his family, even if he was kicked out of the house for a little while. 😉

Brutus was the most relaxed cat I’ve ever seen. He didn’t even mind when Little T would run around the house like a crazy person. No matter what was going on, Brutus was just content to be there.
The life of a photographer can be a little lonely. When you aren’t shooting, you’re spending days staring at a computer screen with nobody else around. I can’t concentrate with music or the t.v. on, so these days seem even lonelier to me because it’s always so quiet in my house. Once Brutus learned the restroom rules and was allowed back in, he sat next to me every day. His spot was right next to my legs where I’d sit criss-cross and stare at a computer screen for hours on end. I’d often find myself talking to him, absentmindedly reaching down to give him a pet, and getting him cat nip when I’d get a little bored or lonely. It’s like the song in My Fair Lady, I grew accustomed to his face. It’s going to be a long time before I stop reaching down, expecting him to be there.

While Brutus spent most of his time here, he was known to everyone in our neighborhood. He’d get breakfast here, then go across the street for second breakfast, then head to the corner for thirds. At a block party one night, we all sat around and told stories about Brutus, or “that white cat”, as everyone fondly called him.

When we’d leave the house, Brutus would leave too. We told Little T that Brutus was going off to have an adventure. When our car would pull into the driveway, we’d always see Brutus running home. Little T would say, “Mommy, Brutus goes on adventures, but he always comes back.”

The other day, Brutus didn’t come back after his adventure. We aren’t sure if a coyote found him, or if he was taken by one of the college kids who parks on our street to save parking money, or if he was sick and didn’t make it. He’s never disappeared for a day or a meal, so we knew something was wrong.

Every day when we drive home and he doesn’t come running towards the house, my heart sinks a little. Seeing Brutus rush home when we arrived was one of those little things I took for granted and didn’t realize made me happy until it was gone.

I might never know what happened to Brutus, but I do know, that our house feels empty without him here. We miss him so very much. Little T and I like to think he’s off on the ultimate adventure. One that involves pirates and wizards and castles in the sky. I know this doesn’t make sense to write it here, but I feel like I have to say it…I just wanted to say thank you Brutus, for bringing so much joy and love to our family over the past few years. I hope we brought love and happiness into your life as well, my furry friend. ❤

After I returned from San Francisco from my mini-trip, we made the drive to June Lake. It’s always a great trip for us because we found out we were going to be Little T’s parents when we were hiking in Rainbow Falls. 🙂 Little T actually does really well on long car rides. To make the 6+ hour trip easier, I went to the dollar section at Michaels and put a little treat in a brown bag. Every hour that he was good, he got a bag with the treat in it. Big T and I tried to plan the bags out so the treats were timed well with the trip. We had a glow necklace for when it would be dark, a bouncy ball around the time we went to the park, etc. We also downloaded books on tape, got some coloring scratch pads (perfect for him because he has trouble holding a crayon and coloring), and pre-planned a few car games. For part of the trip, I sat in the back with Little T. It was so smooth, it was one of his favorite things about the vacation. 🙂

One of the places we always stop is Schat’s Bakery to pick up Monkey Bread. Yum!

  On the first day there, we decided to see if Little T would be up for a hike. He did really well until the very end, and then Big T and I had to take turns carrying him on our back. Little T loved pretending he was an American Indian on the hiking trail and was picking out sticks for a bow and arrow. We tried to tell him that he should use a quieter voice to be an American Indian, but I think that concept may have been lost on him, haha.

The next day, Big T and I hiked together. I was so proud of myself, it’s the biggest hike I’ve ever done, and it was beautiful.

  
The coolest part of the hike was when we came across an old mine cart system with some of the mine carts there, it was used to bring supplies to the miners.

The next day, we went to Bodie, they were having a festival and it was fun seeing everyone dressed up. They had a lot of horses and mules walking around, Little T was nervous but he warned up quickly. 🙂

Little T took this pic, heehee. Not my favorite angle, little T!

  
 It was a fun trip, and it always feels a little too short. 🙂 Until next year, June Lake!

When we got back home, I had the D23 conference. I had the best time seeing familiar faces and taking pictures. I even got to take a few for myself this time. 🙂

  
I also photographed a gorgeous wedding!  

And then took photos for a former bride that beat cancer, that wound up on EOnline, so happy for her!

That was our summer, we had a great time and got to spend much needed time with family. ❤

Up next Little T’s bday party 🙂