Up, Up & Away!

These are from the Legend's Balloon Rally.

It might be the kid hidden deep inside me but there is just something magical about hot air balloons!!

I thought my kids would be really into seeing them, they were...for about 5 minutes. ; ) I don't blame them though...it was dinner time and the balloons were LATE!

My sons favorite..."because of the flags mommy!"

WINE!

I took this picture for my stepmom, she's a fan of Mad Housewife Wine, and now so am I. ; )

I told her I need to print this BIG so she can hang it in her kitchen. Fits her to a 'T'!! = )

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Back in June the kids and I traveled to Virginia with my Mom and Grandpa to visit my brother and sister-in-law.

My brother is also in the Marine Corps stationed at Quantico, VA. We spent Preston's first 5 years in the Marine Corps at Quantico, it was nice to visit again (six years later), to see how things have changed and to be back there again. We both miss it quite a bit.

We had the chance to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

It is truly a must-do when visiting Quantico.

Here are a few photots I snapped while at the museum.

The quote...
"The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight."
~Major General Frank E. Lowe, US Army

There is a wall filled with eagle, globe and anchor pins and Navy anchor pins representing the Marines and Sailors who lost their lives during the WWII battle of Iwo Jima. This was definitely one of the most touching memorials.

They have exhibits dedicated to each war.

The Korean War exhibit was the most interesting for us because my Grandpa was a Marine and fought in that war.

He has often told stories (stories that certainly are true and not 'stories') of how they survied on TOOTSIE ROLL candy. It was great to see even the tootsie-roll wrappers made their way into the exhibits. Something I certainly had to snap a picture of.

A *FIRST* Birthday

Baby Merrick turned ONE!

I know he's not a 'baby' anymore but we still refer to him as 'Baby Merrick' ; )

His party was a 'Carnival' theme...which I absolutely LOVED!

His cake was the cutest EVER!

Here's a few of the BIRTHDAY boy!

SMASH cake time!!!



He had a MESSY FUN time!!



I am so glad his mommy allowed me to capture these moments from his FIRST birthday party, he is one of the best subjects to snap pictures of.

2 weeks old

I had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful little girl. She was SO tiny. At the time of the session she was 2 weeks old and 6lbs!! Right at what my baby girl weighed when she was born...FIVE years ago!

Here are a few from her session, I absolutely LOVE these photos.

And the PROUD big brother!!