Playing Catch Up

My oh my, how the time flies! The past few months have disappeared behind photoshoots, work, play and now snow days. SNOW DAYS!

A Day At The Kent County Youth Fair

Earlier this month, we spent a Saturday morning at the Kent County Youth Fair in Lowell. Earlier that day, I asked her if she wanted to go see some horses. She was so excited, the entire ride there she kept asking for the "horsies" and even had a special request to see some "chikkins!" We went early and even though we missed out on the carnival rides (which didn't start running until the early afternoon) we still had a blast. We did get to see a pony and a dog show. We explored all of the animal barns. Mila loved the chickens and bunnies but was unusually fond of the goats and kept yelling at them to kiss her. I'd say the trip was a success and we will be coming back for years to come!

(most of the photo cred goes to my husband!)

There's a bite in the air...

For the past few days the mornings have been chilly. I've had to throw on my zip-up and thick pajama pants. Honestly it makes me extremely excited. Fall is coming! I really can't wait for the rain, the crunchy leaves, the color, the coffee, the apple picking, the pumpkin picking, holidays and cozying up under a big blanket watching Halloween movies. What's not to love? It has always been my favorite time of year and always makes me feel inspired! Here's a few images to get you ready for the changing of the seasons!

(top right: Lindsey Ocker; bottom middle: Better Homes and Gardens; bottom right: Traverse City by Joey BLS Photography)

Now, come on, doesn't that make you just a little excited? Another thing that I always look forward to, like most girls, is the wardrobe change! However, this year I'm more excited about Mila's closet than my own. I would love to see her in plaids, florals, sweater dresses and of course, boots! If I could just blow a bunch of money on her, these are some things I would have to get...

(Everything is from Gap.. 1:Halloween Graphic Tee; 2: Checkered slub sweatshirt; 3:Gingham pocket shift dress; 4: Quilted floral sweatshirt dress; 5:Jersey-lined cords; 6: Jersey-lined 1969 straight jeans; 7: Utility parka; 8: Floral cat headband; 9: Tall boots)

Movies and Storms

This morning was a little rough for Miss Mila which resulted in spending most of the morning snuggled up on the couch watching movies. She is definitely an outdoors babe so I finally picked us up and got us outside. It was gloomy but cool, perfect for a little walk. We walked through the woods and then found a field. Once I told her she could go in, she dove right through the wildflowers. She kept calling out "Animals?", probably hoping to see a deer sleeping like we've seen before. We watched bugs and picked a handful of flowers. Once she was satisfied, we started our way back home. For some reason today the passing cars made her nervous. She would stop as soon as she saw one, spin around and slam into me, gripping my leg as tight as she could. Every time she would say "I scared. Cars!" I've never heard her say anything scared her so I was really taken aback at first. After the third time of her doing this, I just held her tight and told her that mommy would never let anything get her, especially those cars. Mila, you are the sweetest soul I've ever met and it is a gift to be your protector, your safe haven. I will protect you for always... except for when you are dancing on the porch, slip on your sippy and cut your eye open on the railing. Then I take you to the med center to get two, gaudy, blue stitches apparently.

A Shoot With: The DeYoung Family!

From now on, I'm going to be posting my sessions on here! The pictures look better and I can tell a story - win, win! And who better to feature on my first photo post than the best teacher I've ever known and his beautiful family? Meet Tim, Cindy, Sam and Ben. Tim was my band teacher in high school and I can honestly say that that was the only class everybody looked forward to. I mean, we all loved him so much we nicknamed him "Uncle Tim"! You won't find a cooler, more down to earth and fun loving guy. His family is even better. Cindy is just as easy going, super friendly and hello, absolutely gorgeous! And their boys are brave, wild and hilarious. Most of the time, they were finding huge rocks to jump off of or running off to the end of the park and back. I just want to say that it was so, so, so good seeing you guys again and catching up! I hope you enjoy your set!

On being a mother...

... the days go by so fast now. At night as she lays sleeping in between my husband and I, I'm suddenly aware of how much she's grown. She's no longer a little bundle of blanket tucked in the nook of my arm. She's all bed head and kicking legs and flailing arms.

The Zoo!

Our little family was in great need of some Daddy time and with word that the zoo was getting tigers, Josh took the day off of work and to the zoo we went! I have been going to our local zoo since before I can remember. I used to go every week when I was younger - that was the perk of only living a block away. John Ball Zoo has undergone many changes these past few years. They have expanded and improved their habitats, brought in a lot of fun, new animals and have thrown in a few hands-on experiences. If you've never been, John Ball is a smaller zoo that is perfect for younger children, although the rest of the family is bound to enjoy it as well.