Big Sur... and a whole lot of emotion

Amazing.....

Big Sur....

Was just Amazing....

Everything about it was big and surreal (did you get that? I am so lame). We were nestled in a beautiful forest surrounded by ever so tall red woods. The cabin was just one room with everything we needed. There was no phones or TV and that was perfect. The whole bathroom was outside on the deck surrounded by the forest. I have to say, it was the absolute best way to use the bathroom ever!! The Big Sur Coast line was right in front of the forest entrance. We really tried to embrace the forest and all it's beauty. We took lots of baths in our outdoor tub, BBQ's, lots of exploring, and running free. Our family time was the greatest gift of all. We needed it so bad. It felt exhilarating to be submerged in my family. I did not take my camera everywhere because I was so intentional with my time and it was not logical at certain times. Here are some of the pictures I took during our down time.....

We would like to come back soon!!!

Our next trip is for Silvio's 34th birthday. We are going to Joshua Tree. Just me and him! I am nervous to leave our kids for the very first time but I am excited to be a grown up for a few days!!

 

Happy FIRST Birthday Blace !!!

                       I know I sound so cliche when I say that I can not believe that my Blace is a year old! But I can't believe it! This year has been full of ups and downs, decisions and sacrifices, pain and love, tears and laughter. No matter what my Blacey always brought bliss! Even though this guy REALLY loves nursing and I REALLY miss sleep, I still love him to pieces!!
                        As always, life has been on straight hustle mode. I am in my second semester of college. There's more homework and harder tests. My little photography business has continued grow. I started to work out with a trainer in the wee hours of the morning. Then there's the most important role of all... being a mommy and wife. My number one goal for 2014 is stay focused and present in the moment. It has been a challenge being that I feel pulled in many many directions. I decided that we would try something different this year. We usually take 2 small trips a year and they nourish the belly of our families soul. This year we will trade our birthday's to add more trips to our year! No birthday parties and no birthday presents. Our first trip is for Blace's first birthday and we are going to Big Sur tomorrow!!! If you are planning on booking a session, lets get it on the calendar!!
                         So even though we didn't have a big celebration for Balce, it sure was special. I woke up early to capture his last moments of his first year. It was his last sleep before waking up a one year old. And it was still, quiet and beautiful.

A couple days before his birthday we had cookie cake and ice cream with a couple our close family people. I got some adorable pictures from his mini cupcake smash. He loved his first time ever chocolate sugar rush!

Can't wait for our sacred family time on trip tomorrow!!!

                    And it is time for my "Dear Child" letter so I thought I would write my Blacey a sweet                                                                             exclusive for his birthday.

My dear dear Blace.....

I just want to write you a little letter and tell you how much you blessed my / our life! Ever since you were first born you loved to snuggle. I could lay with you forever. I watched you sleep for so many hours, mesmerized by your beauty. You always have loved to nurse. You made nursing more then just a feeding time. We bonded deep through all the exclusive time we spent nursing. You were like lightning when you crawled!! And now you have the cutest little grandpa walk I have everrrr seen!!! You have the most contagious laugh !!! And your sweet little flirt eyes melt me EVERY single time. Thank you for all the glorious joy you bestow upon us. You are perfect and you are wonderful.....

Love always

Mommy

_________________________________________________________________________________To read more posts from our Dear Child Letter Circle Click below ....

http://mymoonandmystars.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/baby-dear-child-blog-circle/

Some good healthy smiles !

I didn't get to take my kids to the Christmas tree farm as I planned. They were sick for over a week and my plate was pretty heavy. Today I threw Samantha's Christmas dress on her and took them to the park for a mini photo session (literally it lasted max 10 minutes).

I did bribe Samantha with a strawberry milk shake :) But I have to say we had so much fun. 

Here are a few favorites....

These ducks were happy to have us visit ...

Mr. Blace Alexander has started standing and taking a couple of steps! He seems to really love this new trick of his. It's hard not to want him to slow down, then I also feel like a hyper teenage cheerleader when he starts to take his wee little steps.

My goal in life is to raise sweet genuine kindred spirits.... and they are doing mighty fine.

And my Samantha Ryan....Her spirit always speaks in her photographs.

And we got a couple of us hugging on them ...

After our quick little session, I got a couple of shots of the kids playing. Then I put the camera away to indulge in the play with them. I have to say, it was a great day.

I want wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!! I encourage all my mommas out there to take 10 minutes to freeze some of our babies moments in life. It is worth it <3