This time last year we were soaking up some serious southern California sun and having such an adventure as a family! We flew out to photograph this amazing wedding, and then had a great week of vacation with Uncle Jason. Our dear friend and babysitter (a senior we photographed BACK in the day) also came to help with the kids, and we all had such a blast! We rented the most adorable 1940’s bungalow in Santa Monica, and took a stroll down to the beach almost daily. We got to see so many old friends that we haven’t seen in years, and made some new ones as well. We visited museums, beaches, and tried new fantastic restaurants. One of Jason’s dear friends set us up with a dinner that absolutely blew our minds–the best meal we’ve ever had (a couple courses shown below)!

I’m not sure how I skipped blogging these for so long, but going through them a year later I find myself so thankful for the times I pulled out the big camera, and kicking myself for the times we only used the iphone. In 2013, I’ve been working much harder to make sure I use the handy iphone less, and instead pull out the “big dog”. The quality is incomparable, and I know I will be so thankful 5 or 10 years from now. (Repeating this to myself daily.)

Having said that (ahem), this post begins with some shots from the iphone, and then moves on to the real deal.  ;)

And these are all from the big ol’ camera…

Can we go back, now?!

I just love taking road trips. I love them even more with my family in tow. Now that our kids are older and can go without naps it is so much easier. This new phase is quite nice! We’re finding that exploring new paths and places, trying new foods, and seeing more of our beautiful country makes us want to hit the road more and more.

A couple weekends ago we decided to do a semi-spontaneous trip down to visit my Aunt and Uncle in the hills of the Black Mountains of North Carolina. We’ve been wanting to visit them for years since they moved from Cincinnati, and we purposefully left a free fall weekend open in the hopes of getting away. Spending time with my Aunt & Uncle, and breathing in the fresh mountain air made for a great weekend, even if it did rain most of the time.

We took a day and explored around nearby Asheville, and also visited the “Old Timey Festival” in the town of Burnsville. We went to the town square and listened to Bluegrass music which included a 90 year old gentlemen playing the guitar! We drove up Mt. Mitchell and the kids made the quick hike up to the highest point East of the Mississippi. We got to see my Aunt’s art, and watch her work in her studio (post on this to follow!).

Here are some photos from our iphone (1st half) and then our bigger cameras: