Happy Holidays!!

It's Christmas eve and we're thinking of all of those loved ones who we can't be with this holiday season, like my brother's family and Dick's parents.  We're also thinking of those who we love so much and have lost, like my Grandma Bobbie and Dick's Grandma Frannie, ladies who helped to make us who we are today, and who we still carry with us in everything we do.

We're so lucky to be able to spend this season with so much warmth, surrounded by so many people who we love - and for that I'm so truly thankful.

Be joyful.  And if Christmas isn't your thing... well, enjoy the time off.  :-)

Just for fun, here are a few shots of the boy-cat getting into a little holiday mischief.

Zoey takes Mom and Dad to Balboa Park

It seems like it was only yesterday that I took photos of Shannen when she was pregnant.  And not that much longer when Dad and I took more of Zoey toddling on the beach.  Now she's a big girl and she LOVEs the camera!  The weather was a bit gloomy that day, but we didn't miss the sun with that bright little smile.  Oh yeah - Chris and Shannen were fantastic too, and they sure do love that little girl.

Happy holidays Family!  :-)

Swimming in Idaho!

My nephew Nathan has been swimming for a year now and, according to his coach (not to mention a local news station!) he shows a lot of promise, especially considering the fact that he is relatively new to the sport.  We're so proud of him!  And now Caitlin, who is five years younger, wants a piece of the action and just started swimming herself.  Dick and I were excited to be there to see the two of them swim in the Boise Thanksgiving Invitational... and of course we brought our cameras.  This was Caitlin's first swim meet and she did a fantastic job.

Friday night Nathan swam his first 500 y freestyle.  Nicely done!

Saturday - Caitlin is all warmed up and ready for her first event ever.

Just about to swim freestyle as part of her relay team

Look at her go!

The team gets some coaching after their heat is done.

Way to go, girl!  :-)

Now for her first solo event - breast stroke

Taking a quick breath before finishing the lap

And now Nathan prepares for one of MANY events that he swam on Saturday

We don't know this kid, but I had to get the shot anyway

More photos of the swimmers on Sunday - Caitlin swimming freestyle

One of Caitlin's team mates prepares to start her lap

Just look at that determination!

And the result!  (Nathan checks out the score board)

Beautifully done!

At the end of an event filled weekend, we head back to the house.  Nathan and Caitlin demonstrate that they have the most mellow cats ever.

Dick and I had a great time with the family that weekend.  The kids are growing up so fast - we're so happy we were able to see them in action (quite literally).  Looking forward to doing it again really soon!

Krystle and Jeff's Fairy Tale Celebration

As soon as I passed through the doors of Krystle's hotel room at the Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego, I felt the warmth of her family and friends.  The kids played and watched TV, and the ladies laughed as they had their hair and makeup done.

Krystal wore the Belle dress, from Alfred Angelo's Disney Fairy Tale Bridal collection.  She looked gorgeous in it!

I've said it before and I'll say it again - few things move me as much as a sweet father and daughter relationship.  I love these next two.

Krystle and Jeff were married at Marina Village in San Diego.  They had originally planned to have the ceremony on the lawn, but it had rained the night before and it was still chilly so the venue was accommodating enough to let them move the ceremony inside.  With the marina as a back drop at sunset, it was every bit as beautiful.

I absolutely loved the flowers.  The warm, sunset colors were gorgeous.

Jeff and Krystle's little boy didn't want to let go of Dad's hand, so he stayed for most of the ceremony.  What a cutie this little guy was!

The reception was also held at Marina Village.  Krystal's choice of colors worked so well with the venue.  I love how pink and sparkly everything was - and it went so well with her fairy tale theme!

Mmmmm.... chocolate!

Takin' a little break to play some games.

And then the kids swarmed the dance floor.  They were pretty darn entertaining actually - just look at those moves!

Aww... at the end of a long night, my dad would have done the same thing.

Krystle and Jeff - it was great getting to know you and your families.  We had a great day with you and hope that your life together is as beautiful as your wedding day was.  Thank you for letting us be a part of it.