I was so lucky to have my sister Clare visit last week! Not only was Clare great company, but she cooked, cleaned, organized my entire apartment, and took care of Ria. Understandably, when her plane flight out of here drew near, I was ready to lock her in the back room. Unfortunately my conscience got the better of me and I let her leave me to my old responsibilities. But before she left, we went out to downtown Dallas for a photo shoot! We had a great time stolling around the Dallas Museum of Art and Kylde Warren Park. Take a look at these photos and you will understand why Clare has been dubbed by me and my sisters “the pretty one”. Now if only I could convince her to move here….
x
Ria’s Birthday
My baby girl is one year old! The year that has gone by since we first met her has been one of the happiest in my life. When we first brought Ria home, she was so tiny and wrinkly, Zach called her a “fusticated old man”. I remember I would wake up in the middle of the night to look over at my sleeping baby, and would be overcome with joy. It felt like Christmas. I still get that feeling often when she gives me her huge scrunchy toothless grandma smile or when she babbles to herself nonchalantly as she gets a diaper change. I am so grateful for this past year. I am grateful for my family and friends who have been kind, supportive and loving to the three of us. I am grateful for my husband, who gets up early every morning(often sleep deprived) to go work a long day. He lives out Christ’s sacrificial love for us everyday. He always encourages me, and always lets me know that he loves me and Ria. Most of all I am grateful to God for the loved ones in my life, and the material and spiritual gifts he has given me. I am remarkably blessed. 
I can’t get over how cute her profile is.
A Day in Downtown Grapevine
Historic downtown Grapevine provided the setting for my Friday adventure with Anne and Ria last weekend. I love 1800’s architecture –my hometown, Helena, Montana, has tons of it, including a downtown walking mall–and so naturally when I heard Grapevine had a historic district, I had to check it out! Anne is always up for exploring with me and so off we went! We wandered down Main street, threading in and out of boutiques, and stopping for coffee at Main Street Bakery, as we took in the sights. Anne graciously modeled for me as I took pictures of anything and everything.
My goodness this girl is gorgeous!
Ria was a little trooper being pushed around in the umbrella stoller! Here are two pics of her from early and later in the day. Her face in the second picture cracks me up! Looks like in the end she was done putting up with our shenanigans! Here’s one for the super sleuths out there: what’s missing in the second picture?
Eric & Sarah Are Having a Baby!
There is so much I could say about Eric and Sarah! They are good friends of mine, and such a wonderful couple! I have been friends with Sarah since 9th grade, back when she went by “Smack” (short for “Smackanackapacky”…long story). All these years she has been my good friend, confidant, and work buddy–we’ve worked at four different jobs together. Eric is a man of many talents: a journalist, singer/songwriter and guitar player in a band, and a talented photographer. In fact, Eric is my photography mentor. He played a large part in encouraging me to become a photographer. It really meant a lot to me to take these photos while back home in Helena, Montana this Christmas.
Sarah and Eric, you two are great together! Thanks for your friendship, encouragement, and kindness. I can’t wait to meet your baby!
