smiles, laughter and rain

This past weekend we did an outdoor family photo shoot with our dear sweet friend Nikki McLaughlin of Oliverblue Photography! The skies were blue all day and we were freshly cleaned up after a morning birthday party at Trampoline Nation.

Side note: I have been avoiding any photo shoots including me, due to some ridiculous insecurities related to my recent weight gain... get over it, right? I know! Life is about much more than how Mom looks and I didn't want to miss any more of these moments!

At this point I was optimistic that this photo session was going to be amazing.

...Then the clouds rolled in and disappointment and anxiety crept into my chest. As we pulled out of our driveway the rain started to come down in buckets. I know we live in Seattle but I did not bring an umbrella. My mind started to fill up with images of wet clothes and me with flat hair and running makeup. Come on God, I need an attitude adjustment here... where are my priorities!? 

Shortly after, we pulled up to the beautiful downtown Tacoma landscape where we were welcomed  by both the majestic brick pathways sprinkled with brightly colored fall leaves, and also by a sweet, backpack laden beauty named Nikki. If you have never had your photos taken by her, you need to. Nikki is so genuine, down to earth and relatable. She has amazing style and an incredible eye for just the right details. She knows what colors work well, what time of day is great and she knows how to get her shots regardless of the weather! I knew just getting out of the car and being met with her hugs that things were going to be okay.

And they were more than okay!

In these few sneak peak shots that she has emailed me thus far, you will see that she was able to capture our individual personalities and make this entire experience FUN! From the time we started shooting, we all felt at ease. Of course there was still the prodding and entertaining needed to keep the children in the frame but that is my everyday struggle:)

I hope you enjoy these and you can be certain that you will be receiving these and more on the face of our Christmas card!

Thank you again Nikki for these incredible images! - Love the Garcia Family!

Mr. & Mrs. Simon!!

My baby sister Morgan made the most beautiful bride ever last Saturday, August 11, 2012 when she wed her best friend and the most amazing Brother-In-Law ever - Preston Jacob Simon. Here are a few pics, mostly stolen from the completely amazing photographer and dearest of friends - Nikki McLaughlin of Oliverblue Photography!!!! Nik & her dad Richard did a perfect job of capturing this special moment while sharing in the joy of the special day. We were blessed to have you & your amazing talent at this gorgeous event! Morgan, you have spent 23 amazing years filling my life with joy. I love you sweetie and I am so proud to be a part of your incredible life. I am excited to watch you take on this very special role as a wife!!!!

Can't wait to hang these in my house!!!!

update update update

we are a blessed family

yes i am aware that i am a horriblly inconsistent blogger. here is yet another photo dump to update you all on how absolutely amazing our lives have been over the past few months. we have watched Rem graduate from kindergarten. enjoyed his 6th birthday, Morgan's bridal shower & bachelorette party. we have shopped, planned, designed and crafted our way closer to the much anticipated P&M wedding on august 11, 2012! here are a few pictures of our recent fun filled adventures... and they are all over the place - sorry!

nothin beats sitting in the backyard while daddy bbq's enjoying the family and the NW sunshine

finally got around to painting my kitchen cabinets and island a beautiful and bright white - it looks even better in the daylight!

about to stuff the ALL GREEN goodie bags for his birthday party

getting ready for morgan's bridal shower

rem during his kindergarten graduation ceremony

rem with his teacher mrs. craig

and great friends austin and addyson

with the book he donated to the library in honor of his 6th birthday

loving some mexican food and these sweet smiles

we weren't quite ready but this is a pic of the setup for morgan's shower

my love for designing paper crafts got the best of me in june. rem's birthday and morgan's shower/bach party gave me ample opportunities to craft

cant ever get them both to smile but i take what i can get

getting wedding ready

 preston and edward enjoying alki, such a sweet relationship - i love watching it develop

all grown up, potty trained, self sufficient, knows her complete alphabet and can count up to 20!

so sweet, she loves her mimi

my momma gave rem a snow cone machine for his birthday - it is a hit! 

 

had to include a snapshot of my fave jewelry!! bonnie you are amazing,

i love every piece you have ever made me!

edward and i enjoy some time together as we sweat it out during our insanity workouts

life is good, we are incredibly blessed with a faithful God and amazing relationships. love you

recent pictures of my loves

So proud of our little man!

We could not be more proud of our little 5 year old son for recieving the Respect Award from his teacher during yesterday's school assembly.

He is a pure delight! His manners and obedience have improved so much since entering the structured routine of all day kindergarten. He has been making friends left & right and really stepping up to the challenge of reading!

We love you Remington Shae!

Where does my time go?

These two are growing so fast! I need to get better at documenting their sweet faces and also getting their behavior and hilarious antics recorded... but when? They are always keeping me busy!