Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sunset with Daddy


The sunset was so beautiful tonight and I had an idea for a picture. I called Conrad outside with Cate and took one the most breath-taking photos. I love this man.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Bianca and Kevin, Tash and Ty and Portraits

I love taking pictures!! I'm taking a lighting class in mid-January, and my website will be published soon after! :-)


Bianca and Kevin








Bianca -she should be a model!



Natasha and Ty



Natasha -those eyes!!

Christmas Break 2010 Part One

It's the day after Christmas and I am already counting down the days until we can do it all again next year -that's how great this Christmas break has been!

With the girls out of school the week before Toymania, and Conrad still at work, I decided to load the ladies up and head down to Portland for a long stay.

Day 1: Bianca, Natasha, Bronwen, Ava, Cate and I went to my old boss's (from when I was in high school!) house for her annual Christmas party. She had no idea we were coming, and the look on her face was priceless! It felt so good to see her and some other familiar faces on such a fun occasion. To give you an idea of how much people love this lady, there was pretty much standing room only; the place was that packed! Bronwen and Ava were busy gathering all of her dancing stuffed animals, Cate was sleeping on me, and Natasha and Bianca were keeping us well fed. What I loved the most about the party was how much joy there was when she saw us. The comment of the night was, "Those Shedd genes sure do dominate!"

Day 2: Birthday party for my mom's boyfriend, Tom. Tash and I were busy making a fantabulous chicken enchilada dinner while Bianca made a cute black and white cake. My mom came up with a cute idea for a banner for his name. Tom looked very happy with his gifts.

Day 3: Engagement photos of my beautiful sister Bianca and her sweet fiance, Kevin. I swear, literally every picture of them was DARLING! Of course I was on cloud nine after this. :-D Then, my wonderful dad came over with the most delicious and mouth-watering homemade chicken wings and scalloped potatoes. They were perfect for holding us over for the Portland Zoo's Zoo Light Festival.

Bianca, Natasha and her charming boyfriend, Ty, and I took the girls to meet my sweet friend and her three daughters at the zoo. The displays were amazing! We got to ride a train that circled the park, then walked for about an hour looking at some animals. Bronwen's favorite display was one of an eagle swooping out of a tree to catch a salmon, then landing on another tree. Ava's was one of a crocodile that would open and close his mouth. I loved one where an elephant dipped his trunk into the water then sprayed himself. All the kids were squealing, laughing and running in delight, and let me say it, thank God for my sisters and Ty. They were a huge help in keeping the kids corralled! In all, the night had a very magical feel to it.

Day 4: Breakfast with my dad and his lovely girlfriend, Holly (Holly, I love you!!). This has become a tradition now, and the girls love it so much. I think they will always be fond of Shari's. Forever.

That afternoon I also got to meet up with one of my dear girlfriends and catch up.

Day 5: Load up and go home.

The girls love Portland so much that they never want to leave. I am also sad when we have to go. Every time I visit, it's like I get a breath of fresh air into my life. Besides getting awesome fashion advice (Bianca, I will buy that damn purple hat LOL!), I love the feeling of closeness with family. I know it's a bit personal, but one night when Tash was home and we were sharing the bed, I felt so happy and cozy in my heart. Almost like a little girl. I hope so much Bronwen, Ava and Cate feel as much love for each other as I do for my sisters.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Ornament Fun

Where's Michelle?

This picture definitely sets the tone for the holidays :-)


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas


Aren't the holidays magical?