ESPENSHADE FAMILY [eastern state family mini session

EVY + FAMILY [mini newborn/family eastern state session]

current events>> NOVEMBER

We were in New Mexico for a little less than half of the month, then we headed to Missouri for a week, and then home for Thanksgiving. It has been a busy month full of many emotions and different things going on.

SWEITZER FAMILY [eastern state one year photos and family session]

current events >> OCTOBER

This past month has been spent out here in the west. My parents and I and a few other people from our church have been working at a church in New Mexico on various projects. I've worked with this church and some of the people in it for the past couple of years with BPS and it's always a joy to be out here and able to help with their ministry to reach the Navajo's. Things are going well and we'll start to wind down and head home in a few days. Thankful for friendships across the miles and like minded churches working towards the same goal!

current events >> SEPTEMBER

September went by the fastest out of all the months this year. I'd say it was because I was in the midst of a traveling season. Five trips all back to back in the span of about 2 months. I think my body is confused when it comes to knowing what time zone I'm in and I can assure that I am tired of unpacking and repacking right away, however I feel so blessed to be able to see so much and go so many places in just a short matter of time. This is something most people just dream about doing, so I am very grateful to be living this life! **I had this written up and ready to go at the beginning of October, but we've been on a missions trip working in New Mexico all month and I haven't had access to the internet. Sorry for the lateness.

SYDNIE [western state senior session]

You have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? 

Louisa May Alcott

SWEIZER FAMILY [eastern state sibling session]

The best gift our parents could give us is each other. 

current events >> AUGUST

I realize that we are now two weeks into the new month and I'm just now posting, but September is quickly rushing by. Normally I do most of my traveling in the summer and then stay at home for most of the fall, but this year is a little opposite. I stayed home most of the summer and now the fall seems like it's back to back trips!

current events >> JULY

If am not mistaken this was the first time I was home in the month of July in 5 years. It was a different kind of July, but good all the same. I must admit the end of July made me a little sad at the thought of summer coming to an end very quickly. Here's what went on this month...

Aaron + Ani [eastern state couple]

I LOVED YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE PERFECT. THEN I SAW YOU WERE IMPERFECT AND I LOVED YOU EVEN MORE. 

THOMAS [eastern state senior session]

You got time to breath,

you got time for music. 

{Briscoe Darling} 

If there's any person I know that believes this, it's Thomas. He's always playing an instrument of some sort. Our families were hanging out and this photo shoot happened last minute after we decided banjo pickin' down by the creek would make for some great pictures. Congrats, Thomas! 

Current Events >> JUNE

When I made plans for my 2017 June, 8 months ago, it was to be the month I was wed. Eight months, lots of tears, a book full of lessons learned, and boat loads of grace later, I can look back and say that I wouldn't have changed the way June 2017 turned out one bit. If you'd like to hear the story behind the last 8 months of my life, feel free to leave a comment, I'd be happy to share. Here's to a month of celebrating the beauty of shattered plans.

Ethan + Erin [eastern state engagement shoot]

 and even though i'm unsure about most things in life,

i am certain that i love you

and will you continue to love you

f o r e v e r .

JOSIAH [eastern state senior]

And so...

the adventure begins. 

I can't believe my baby brother is a 2017 high school graduate! 

This day came so fast! I'm so proud of the man he's becoming! I remember when he was just a dirty faced boy pushing his dump truck around. He wasn't just any boy though, he was our boy. My parents only boy.  The only brother to the three of us girls. He introduced our family to what boyhood was really like. We have so many childhood adventures together that I treasure. He's not the only boy in our growing family anymore + while he may not want to admit it, he's still our boy, just a little grown up. I often wish I could go back to those days being kids, but growing up and moving on to adulthood with Josiah trailing right behind me has been kinda fun! I'm glad I have this boy not only as a brother, but also as a best friend. 

Happy Graduation, Si! 

p.s. He's kind of a looker isn't he?!

current events >> MAY

May is one of my favorite months for several reasons. It's when the peonies bloom, summer starts, adventures get into full swing it seems, + it's my birth month! The month went by so fast + I'm kinda shocked it already over! Hello June!

LUKE [eastern state senior session]

Cello's 

+

Trucks

I love incorporating things that people love into their photo shoots and this was no exception. I even managed to snap a few pictures with Luke smiling!! YAY! Happy graduation, Luke!!  

Reuben [southwestern themed photoshoot]

 Happy Memorial Day, friends!! These pictures make my heart so happy... my adorable nephew, delicious watermelon that scream sweet summertime, and that flag- a picture of our great freedom. Today and everyday take a minute to celebrate this land we have called America, protected by hero's both active and past! I'm so thankful for those who gave all so that we can live free!

The Liebster Award

Hello readers! I was nominated by my sister over at Young Housewife for the Liebster Award. Honestly I have no idea what it means, other than I'm supposed to answer some questions about my blog and myself. So if you are wondering what Liebster means, ask her. Now for the questions.

SHIRK [southwestern family photoshoot]

family. where life begins and love never ends.

sunsets + this little family = happy me. 

ZACH [eastern state senior session]

This is just the beginning...

I have known Zach since he was born, he's more like a brother than he is anything else. So basically that means he complained about getting his pictures taken and expressed to me how much he wasn't into this. Regardless, we managed to get a few of him, in-between him trying to annoy me. Despite all of this, I'm pretty proud of this kid! 

current events >> APRIL

I think April was the fastest month this year! I spent all but a week of this month in Texas with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. While I was down there I was able to participate in a missions trip, make some new memories, and step back from everything for a bit. I'm thankful for that time + for the things I learned while away. I hope April was month of growth for all of us, because each day should be!! Here's April in a nutshell, friends. Happy May!

MICHAEL + ERIN [eastern state engagement session]

They've decided on forever...

...and I think it looks pretty good on them.

BARKER FAMILY [eastern state newborn session]

Tiny toes, cheeks of rose, that's our little baby.

I have so much joy + fun doing photography work + this in-home session was no different than the rest. Plus when you're dealing with cute babies, that just makes it even better! 

current events >> MARCH

current events >> FEBRUARY

Has February been strange for anyone else? This has seriously been one of the weirdest February's I've ever experienced. It was super busy, which is not your typical February and on top of that we had so many warm days- like t-shirt weather days.

It has been so crazy and I can't believe we're entering month three of a no longer "new" year!

Sweitzer sisters {eastern state mini session]

 Please hear me girl: the world has enough women who know how to do their hair. It needs women who now to do hard and holy things. [Ann Voskamp]

current events >> JANUARY

Hello readers! It's been a long time since I've actually posted about things going on around here. I'll admit, I've neglected the blog a bit lately.


2017 has been a good year so far. It's not been easy, but wow. I've learned so much lately. Something new I wanted to bring to the blog this year is a monthly current event post. So welcome to a new thing! My plan is to recap my month and share a little with you all. It's always good to take time and reflect on your life and whether you have a blog or not, I challenge you to do it in your own life as well.


If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw the eleven part series of “how to enjoy a saturday” last Saturday on my story. Basically it was me posting 10 pretty overlooked things that are so often a part of our daily lives. To wrap up that story, pt. 11 was me stating that there's soooooo much beauty in the ordinary. Because there is. Seriously people. Take a minute, look up from your phone, tablet, computer, whatever and see how many beautiful gifts are around you. #lifeisbeautyfull


Before I sound like a broken record, let me move on to the current events.

#11→ the summer series.

 The summer series is finally coming to a close. I apologize for the very loooong delay in getting this last post out. Anyways mountain pictures are always a good idea so enjoy.

Project 365 >> DECEMBER

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One year of pictures later! That was a fun challenge! I am actually still doing it this year but I'm not sure I'll be posting the pictures on here or not. Happy Saturday!!