A Father's Love...

My Dad and I have always been close... he was always the one I went to when I had problems, always the one that talked me out of the deep end, always the one with the solid advice.  It is today that I am reminded of how grateful I am for that friendship.  It was a very hard thing for me to leave my parent's house and join the one of my husband's.... there wouldn't be anymore breakfast's around the kitchen table, no more early morning coffee when just Dad and the dog were up, no more eggs at 1am.

But something has evolved in this phase of my life... a deep gratitude and appreciation.  My Dad is a selfless man, a man with a huge heart and deep conviction.  A man that would give anything for his family, and a resolve to protect them against all odds.  He is never without a hug, coming or going - which is probably why I hug so much.  He's never without time for the important things - which is probably why all my meetings go long.  He's never without a sound word in a time when I need it most - something I may never have, but consistently try.  He is my hero.

Dad, while I can't be with you on this all important day to show you my gratitude, appreciation and love; you know my heart is there.  I owe much of my common sense and strong convictions to you.  Thank you for always being patient, taking the time for what was important, and being as always... an example of what a Dad should be... an example of what our Heavenly Father is.  I love you.

Megan & Andrew Engaged!

I love my family... I really do.  So when I got a phone call from my little brother telling me that he'd just proposed, the first thing out of my mouth was "Congratulations!!!" the second thing was "I'm SO shooting your engagement pics!"

Megan is Andrew's adorable little firecracker of a finace, and believe it or not, had never owned a hair dryer up until this shoot.  Thanks to my sister Beth and my best friend Dani we dolled her up, and sent her on her way (you may remember Dani from my website... she's the gorgeous blonde by the big oak tree in the "true love" section).

I love these guys!  They were romantic, fun, and let me try out any ideas that popped into my head... even standing in traffic.  Welcome to the family Meg!  Hope the rest of you enjoy!

And of course... my favorite.  This just felt like an old school black and white movie...

Visit to LA... Louisiana that is...

When I was growing up my Aunt Kari would come visit every Christmas and over the summer.  Kari and my mom are 18 years apart, and my Mom had me when Kari was 10... so we've always been super close.  Kari has been like the big sister I never had, and even though we're 850 miles apart we're on the phone constantly.

So now Kari is married to Vance and lives in Louisiana with her two kids... Lydia and Caedmon.  Lydia and I are just about as far apart as Kari and I are... so the cycle begins again... Earlier this year Ryan and I went down to visit while my grandparents were here from Australia.  I just now finished going through all the pictures... and decided to share :). 

One afternoon I took Lydia into downtown Lafayette, and had the best time.  We had wardrobe changes and everything!  Later that same day we took the whole family out for pics... here are my favorites from the week.

All pictures of me were taken by Ryan Fesko (the hubby)

Some of the pics with Lydia at the historic house next door and in downtown Lafayette...

The family pics that night and the next day...

And my favorite...