Sometimes in life you just need to stop and live a little. We were in need of a break. Big time. We have been more busy than EVER with photography, and the word “FUN” has been gone from our vocabulary for a while. If you needed proof, you could just ask any of my 4 kids. They would gladly share their thoughts. :)

A couple weeks ago Brett’s brother Jason came in from LA, and stayed with us for 10 days. Whenever he comes to town our kids go insane, having so much fun they can hardly see straight. Brett and I enjoy ourselves too doing things that we normally do like, going out to dinner at fun new places, or a night on the town….all that stuff rare with 4 kids.

One thing I love is we try out new and unique places to eat when Brett’s brother is in town. Although we are not nearly as hip and cool as those LA-er’s :), we have some pretty interesting places around Cincinnati, from the small mom and pop’s, to the unique eclectic bistros. One place I introduced him to is Yorkstreet Cafe. We LOVE that place, which has an atmosphere like none other!

This visit, we went for something new.

A friend of mine had told me about a small breakfast/lunch place called Half Day Cafe, but it wasn’t until we drove by it after a shoot that I remembered it because it is in a part of town where we rarely travel. Brett, Jason and I tried it out and loved it! Definitely a place we will be going back to. Unfortunately we didn’t get pictures, but if you ever go, get the mango butter rum french toast. **YUM** We also tried a new dinner place. I had heard rave reviews of Slim’s in Northside, but had yet to try it until last Friday night. WINNER. Very good, very unique food- with southern American and Puerto Rican influences. Here of some shots taken that night…..

Jason checking out the menu.

which looks something like this.

so we went a little overboard. (Jason was so madly in love with the watermelon gazpacho that he nearly proposed.)

My baby sister Ash shows us some yumminess. And I just made up a new word. :)

Ok, so another fun time. We had a mini-birthday celebration for 2 of my boys (photos coming), and after the party we all went rollerblading. Yes, I am from the 90’s, and I still love to roller blade. So does my sister who is on the roller train with us. Yes, dorky, but fun. :)

Brett holding Riah, Me, Ashley, Priya and Adin.

Then my 3 year old Riah decided to try it for the first time…

and he tried…

but he got tired of us holding on to him.

Then he decided to go on his own.

but not for long. :) (Photo props to Uncle J for these.)

Here is Brett and his big brother with some angry storm clouds coming in.

Here is the whole gang….

Good times. Good times. :)

Happy 4th of July to everyone!!!

Chloe and Kaylee are cousins. This was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Kaylee, and she was a ball of energy! She reminded me so much of my daughter. Never a second going by without a new face, sound, or dance. :) Chloe on the other hand, I have been documenting her life since her first breath- literally. What a pleasure it has been to see this little beauty grow. I may be biased, but I just can’t seem to get over how cute she is!!!

We started out the session with the two girls playing. Kaylee was trying to get Chloe to sit still…it didn’t work so well- until she laid down on the ground. :) Plop!!

Then they went for a walk…..

But Chloe didn’t like that idea. I love Kaylee’s face here. :)

Kaylee decided to show me some dance moves instead….

While Chloe had an outfit change. :)

I decided to get some photos of Kaylee….

My FAVORITE.

Chloe was ONLY wanting to be with Mama, and was getting really tired.

If you only knew the stunts I had to pull to get some smiles :)

Then she found my receipt book in my bag, and she was just happy as could be.

It was a beautiful morning with two beautiful girls. :)