{7.15.14} Snapshot

//because some nights were made for worship.

{8.10.14} Snapshot

//because being inches away from a sea lion was a rather new experience for the wee one ;)

{7.26.14} Snapshot

//because after a long day of transporting, lifting, and unpacking, this wee family is finally installed in their new home :)

Elsa's Graduation Celebration :)

My goodness.  Do I sound horribly sentimental if I say that time flies by so fast?  It seems like just yesterday that Karolina, Elsa, and I were dressing up to match our American Girl dolls, playing "Farmer In the Dell" after church, painting our faces with oil pastels to look like Indians on the warpath, taking turns on the swing hanging from the oak tree, and seeing who could do the most impressive jump from the diving board.  Now Karolina will be a junior at Grove City, I'll be a sophomore at PHC, and Elsa will be a freshman at Hillsdale.  My goodness.  

All memories aside, today was the day that this dear sister graduated high school.  Needless to say, we had quite the party :)

(yes aren't we attractive?)

There were lots of spirited badminton games....

....and don't even get me started on the food.

Elsa is a ridiculously talented artist (hence her art major at Hillsdale) so it was lovely to see some of her work displayed :)

(she was rather excited about the hanging lanterns.)

Can you tell they're sisters? :)

All the Grove City attendees...

...yeah they were a little crazy :D

Elsa, thanks so much for asking me to take pictures today!!  It has been such an honor to grow up with you, and I can't wait to see where the Lord leads you in these coming years :)

{7.6.14} Snapshot

//because picnics and outdoor symphonies with friends make summer nights all that much better.

 

{7.5.14} Snapshot

//because summer weddings with my favorite people are pretty much the best thing ever.

{Sneak Peek}

I got to spend some time with this lovely today - we had a blast adventuring around the Strip District!  Lots more in the works...these are just a few favs :)

Bex <3

A very {Ally} weekend :)

So you might remember that I went to Colorado for a photography class last September...it was an amazing few weeks filled with awesome friends, over-priced food, and of course lots of pictures :)  I didn't know anyone going into the class, but was able to leave feeling like I'd known everyone for a lifetime.  One such amazing person was Ally (be sure to check out her photography blog!!), and even though oceans were between us for a few months, we kept in touch via Facebook chat.  Ever since Colorado, we've talked about getting together and SHE FINALLY CAME LAST WEEKEND!!!! :D :D :D  It was so much fun to explore Pittsburgh together...from the Strip District, to Phipps Conservatory, to mall hopping - we got it all covered!!  Now I'm already counting down the days until I get to go to New Hampshire and visit her...

(isn't she the cutest??!! :D)

The Strip District was our first stop on Saturday morning - we had a blast walking around and exploring all the shops!! (although I think I gained about 3 pounds with all the food we ate :P)

Yup - they're real.

Bacon and cheese!  My favorite ;)

My favorite store - Penzeys!!  This place has every spice you could possibly imagine..we had fun walking around and smelling all the flavors of the world :)

Oh yes....Kitchen Aid mixers!!  These are a few of my favorite things :D

We tried a gyro from a Mediterranean street vendor, and it was amazing!!  The picture really doesn't do it justice...slow roasted lamb meat with tomatoes, lettuce, and onion sauce...now I want to go back ;)

Our final stop was my absolute FAVORITE place ever :D  Normally I am not a doughnut fan, but this little hole-in-the-wall bakery makes mini doughnuts that are to. die. for. (I told you I gained about 3 pounds from this trip!! :D)

Another excursion we took was to Phipps Conservatory - this is one of my absolute favorite places to go, especially in the winter!  Not a whole lot was in bloom the day we went, but their orchid display was gorgeous...

(my favorite flower!)

These odd little white men are always exciting...

Oh Ally, it was so amazing to see you again!! (although I officially hate you for getting me addicted to shamrock shakes ;P)  Thanks so much for making this past weekend so special - I can't wait to see you again soon!!

Bex <3

PS I am ALWAYS looking to gain photo experience, so if you or someone you know would like a family session, senior portraits, etc, just drop me an email at simply.joyfully.his@gmail.com and we can set something up!