Thanksgiving

A Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to all!
I spent the day out at Grandma's with family; a wonderful time!


We played with bubbles on the porch for a short while.






A lovely walk around the grounds to visit the ducks.




I was having fun shooting through the glass table while Violet was coloring.



To see the whole batch, click here.

Surprise party in Maine

Last weekend my siblings and I headed back east to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. Unbeknownst to him, there were also about 35 others waiting to celebrate with him! Most were local friends from work or church, but we also snuck in my Grandma, aunt, uncle, and two cousins from out of state. Along with the party, we also surprised him with a musical guest: The University of Southern Maine Chamber singers. My sister Becca was a member while she was a student and dad was always a big fan; he and my mom even went to Europe on one of their tours. It was a beautiful concert!



Dad's reaction when entering the church hall with my mom and brother. He had been out bike shopping with my brother while the rest of us were decorating and baking in time for the big event.


And here's when he spotted me with the camera.


My lovely sister Janna enjoying the party.


Baby Sebastian hanging out with all the grown-ups.




The birthday dad.


My sister Becca.


The brother Christon.


Janna again.


Details of the brother.


Many hours after the party all the family members headed back to the house for a grand meal. Here's my Aunt Deborah in from New York.


Ivan the cat helping Christon on the computer.


Ivan the cat resting on Becca and her boyfriend Jordan.


Zoe in one of her favorite spots: a shelf above the home computer.


This is Surry, a pregnant foster cat from the Animal Welfare Society. My mom is fostering her until her kittens are born and are big enough to be adopted. She spent much time in her room staring longingly out the window.

If you'd like to see the whole batch from the weekend, go here!

Vegas, baby!

I had my first Las Vegas experience last month; what a strange and amazing city! I was there for a women's barbershop convention with my chorus (where we placed second!). Along with lots of singing and performing, I had time to explore the strip with my dad.


Cool lamp outside the Wynn hotel


I was intrigued with the lights behind this sign


No, this is not a late-night skinny dipper. The Wynn hotel (which is a fabulous hotel!) had this statue in a pool of water that drinkers and diners could look out on. I snuck out onto the balcony and shot a few as the lights were changing colors.


I thought this one looked very wintry


The large streams of light were just plain cool


And now for the inside of the Wynn






Next stop was the famous Bellagio Fountains. I never knew water could look sexy. This show was fascinating!

Julie and Dan's engagement

What a fun couple! I met Julie and Dan in the Loop and we wandered through the city streets searching for fun backdrops. They had lots of great ideas and were up for anything. I love that in a couple!


Starting out with some cute moments near a train station.


Then off to explore the city!

Joanna and Matt

I flew down to DC for Joanna and Matt's wedding last month. The elegant reception was held on a boat cruise; I loved the idea! I had forgotten that I have a tendency to sea-sickness (no tragedies, though).


I got to combine two of my favorite subjects: weddings and cats! Joanna had two fabulous cats at the condo that loved to hang around while the girls were getting ready.








Joanna's dad was so cute throughout the day.




The lights on the boat were so pretty with the reflections.




More fun with reflections on the boat.


I love this dancing shot!