Cheeseburger In Paradise

Shawn and I have talked a lot in the past about all the things we want to do.  Sort of like our bucket list.  One of the items on the list was a Jimmy Buffet concert!  Finally we got our chance.  The concert was held at Ashley Homestore Pavillion (formely known as Cricket Pavillion) We had such a great time and the weather was perfect!  I was introduced to Jimmy Buffet for the first time years and years ago by my Dad.  Every summer and every other winter I would visit him and my brother in beautiful Oregon.  I remember it so well.  There was not one day that went by in which we spent with all the windows and doors wide open, something on the bbq cookin', me and my brother running in and out of the house, and of course Jimmy Buffet (or Bob Marley) blarring in and out of the house.  My favorite song growing up by Jimmy was Cheeseburger in Paradise.  When I heard the song live it brought a wirl wind of emotions.  I'm happy to say that I didn't cry.  Not that crying is bad, but I am finally at a good place in life.  I have learned to cherish the memories and good things that I have and believe that everything happens for a reason even if its the most painful experience of life.  For so many years I buried my emotions.  Shawn has helped me to face them and really move on.  It almost seemed as though seeing Jimmy Buffet live was the closure that I needed.  It helped that we had a great time! 

gotta have some Landshark

It was such an amazing experience.  I could not be happier I shared it with Shawn!

Victoria turns 14!

Being a 15 year age difference between my sister and I.  I remember all of her childhood.  It has been such a blessing watching her grow up.  Seems like just yesterday I was changing her poopey diapers and soon I'll be teaching her how to drive a car!  How time goes!  Due to the fact that she is a teenager, she had two parties!  One with her friends and one with the fam. This year my Mom planned a picnic in the park (for the fam party).  We all had a great time and I got to cuddle with my nephew Brock!

Happy Birthday Victoria!

Annual Pumpkin Festival

Once again this year we took the girls to Scnepf Farm's Pumpkin and Chili Festival.  We had a great time!  This year it was just the four of us.  Excited to take them again next year!



We brought blankets for the girls just in case.  Well they insisted cuddling with them.



Face Painting

Getting a better view of the pig races!

of course we couldn't resist the petting zoo area

The girls and Shawn trying to pick out the best pumpkin

Adisyn LOVED her pumpkin!

So did Ava!

enjoying the fire from afar

 One of the best things about festivals... The yummy food!


Funnel Cake



Kettle corn that was as tall as the girls!  YUM-O!

September Photo Extravaganza

Instead of making a new blog entry for every picture I take I've decided to do a photo extravaganza!  I recently took a photography class and learned a lot!  I now know so much more about my cameras and the basics for what it takes to make a good photo a great photo.  Photography has become one of my newest passions.  I did realize that I have some shopping to do!  Eventually I need to invest in a few more items.

My Wish List:

50mm lens which I want to use for getting close up pictures with blur background (just one of the many things you can do with this lens)



70-300 lens
When Shawn and I took the girls to California we saw dolphins way out in the distance.  If you look squint or get the magnify glass out, you can see a blackish blob in the water.  Well with this lens that same photo would look like we're right next to them.  Mega zoom capabilites with this bad boy!



Flash! 
Who wants to take a photo with the flash beaming in your eyes.  Well this flash has some really cool features that allows you to capture light in your photo without seeing white spots for a few minutes. 

And... last but not least.  I learned about a new photo editing program that is much more user friendly then the current elements that we have.  Which is really exciting! 




Okay enough about that now back to the extravaganza...

Cardinal Pride

The most amazing homemade breakfast Shawn and I have ever made!  Biscuits and Gravy, fresh fruit, and french toast sandwich with eggs, bacon, drizzle of syrup and cheese.  This sandwich hit the spot.  It has the saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the syrup!  Uh-mazing!!!!!!!!!

just before we left Adisyn decided to bury her feet in the sand! LOL so cute!

Watching Dumbo