GETTING REACQUAINTED WITH A DEAR FRIEND....

In October I had the sweet opportunity to entertain some very special people from my childhood days.

Lynn and her family made the trek from her home 2 hours away for a portrait session and for a little visiting time. What a wonderful treat it was to share together and and to see our children interacting.

Here's a sneak peek at their gorgeous family:

Where in the world is Carmen..... uhhh, I mean Michelle Galyean?

RIGHT HERE!!!

Since July, there have been 2 computer crashes, an external hard drive crash, a few weddings, thousands of portrait shots, the beginning of school for a mother of: 1 highschooler, 1 middleschooler, 1 elementary schooler, and 1 preschooler~ALL of whom are homeschooled, and just LIFE in general. So, to get us back on an amiable foothold, I am posting a little slideshow of some recent work.

Meet Molly- quite possibly the world's most adorable little girl:

VIRGINIA STATE BAPTIST MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP

This past week was filled with fun, excitement, and hard work.

Our family traveled back to the mountains, specifically Lynchburg, Virginia, for a little quality time with our friends and our Lord.

THE VIRGINIA BAPTIST MISSIONS MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP AT EAGLE EYRIE

Over 375 folks came together to worship our Saviour and learn about making music.

There were strings.

Potential photographers.

Friends.


Incredibly talented musicians.


Band (and a really handsome band director - a.k.a. "my husband")

Breaks from all the practice.

Beautiful worship.

Goals to achieve.

African drumming to master.

Praying.

Babies learning to swim.

Laughing mothers.

Prepared swimmers.

Time to relax.

Undeniable praise.

Fine musicianship.

Best buddies.

And oh, so much more.

As the camp photographer, I got to see much of all those things and each one was so beautiful.

But, I will be the first to admit:

This was the most tiring and demanding photo job I have ever tackled.

Each day we would head back to the lodge and most of the time, I don't even remember how I got there. I would recall falling over into the bed, then not even stirring til the alarm clock said it was time to get back up, help fix food for 25 people, and do it all over again.

Now is the FUN part: editing all 856 photos that were taken.

WHEW!

Thanks for the opportunity, Charlotte!

It was an unforgettable week.

HEATHER AND JON LIVE AT HILTON HEAD

Formal congratulations are in order for

Jon and Heather.

They made it official last week during an absolutely gorgeous wedding at

Hilton Head Island, SC.

Fortunately, Barry and I were invited to bring the whole gang.

Not only did we get to frolic with many dear friends from the mountains, but we also got to have a fine romp in the surf.

When we finally settled down for some work, a lifetime of waiting for that one special person began unfolding before our eyes.

Heather made one of the most gorgeous brides I have ever seen.

And she has some very sweet little girls following in her footsteps....

I was simply amazed at the amount of detail that Heather and Jon had poured into this moment in their lives. Each small thing meant something and they all worked together to achieve an atmosphere that was almost heavenly.

Yes, those are their real rings and yes, they are in the Atlantic Ocean. Now, before you go all crazy on me (like Katie did), I hung onto them and even had a spotter to help watch for the all-dreaded wave surge.

Aren't they beautiful?

Best wishes, and more importantly, sincere prayers sent your way

Jon and Heather.

May God be the center of your marriage now and forever.

Congratulations.

MOON OVER WHITE LAKE

I finally got a chance to step out on our porch and freeze some time on digital film for you. This is what we see just about every night as we look over White Lake.

So, when can we expect a visit?

BEN IS 4!

Ben had a birthday last month, and in all of our activities I'm just now getting some birthday pics up.

What a stinker..........

And yes, he is still sucking that thumb.

We're working on it, but I love the fact that he can soothe himself, so I'm not pushing it too hard.

And the blanket? Well, a certain little guy from the mountains gave that to him (it was his previously) when he came home from Guatemala. I've cut it up a few times, just to make it a little smaller and in hopes of getting him to give it up a little at a time, but I declare it is so darn cute when he sticks that little finger in the hole of one corner and then pops the thumb from the other hand in his mouth.

These are times I'm sure I'll cherish forever.

Hopefully there will be photos from his beach party to view sometime soon.....

THROUGH MY SISTER'S EYES

My sister and my neice came to visit a few weeks ago. While here, we played around a little with photos, but not nearly like she wanted to. So, she left me a few that she took to mess with and send to her. Here's what she sees when she looks through the lens of her very nice Nikon.

Red Buds

A brand new grandson, Cyrus

This is my sister, known affectionately to her grandson as "Abby" (short for Abuelita) and her husband, Ronnie ("Grandaddy").

Isn't Cyrus a cutie?

Proud parents, Chris and Hollie

A little sight-seeing on Wilmington's Waterway downtown

Wrightsville Beach

Grandaddy babysitting

Little Cyrus