Family. Mom. Dad. Brother. Sister. Grandparents. My family is why I've made the choices that have brought us to this little tiny northern California town. Having MORE time to spend with them mainly. Don't think I'm mislead to think I actually HAVE more time now. I still only have 24 hours in each day. However, I now get to spend MORE of that time with my family than ever before.
And, I vow to make the most of each moment!
About 8 years ago, I met my husband... at work of all places. A year later we eloped to Reno & tied the knot. Another year later and we "did it right" and made sure that all of our children were part of the to-do. (All except Dale's daughter, but that's a story for another day.)
Back when we both worked for a "Fortune 500" company, we spent our days in drab surroundings....
This is from our "Family Ceremony" when we were able to have all the children with us at the same time.
Sometimes you think you have things all figured out. You've got it all planned. Then life happens, and you realize that despite your best efforts to plan things out, there are multiple factors beyond your control.
What you think "should" happen often ends up being the complete opposite of what DOES happen. And no matter how hard you try to make sure that the people you love make smart choices, sometimes they just don't seem to be able, or willing, to do the right thing.
That's what is so great about pictures. They nearly always show life's perfectly planned out moments - even when they're "candid" shots.
These were taken at the B&B where we had the reception. A year or so back the place had a "suspicious" fire in the kitchen... and then was up for sale. We really wished we'd been able to buy it. What a great story that would have been. But we couldn't. And I'm not sorry. Sometimes memories are better left as memories!
I just love this picture. Not to mention it's one of the very few where Dale's actually smiling :-)
Left: My mom & step-dad with Beth & LD. This was taken right before Beth moved to San Diego with her dad.Below Right: G'pa Bill and LD watching Spongebob.
LD used to call him "Gampa F**K".... seriously... I can't make this up!
This one was taken in the back yard of the last house we rented. It was January, and cold, and the sun was REALLY bright. And it was taken with my little Cannon point & shoot.
Here, Dale is showing Beth how to stand REALLY close to the edge of the cliff. What you cant't see is that it's about a 15 foot drop to ROCKS below them. She wanted NOTHING to do with that edge.
I really love this shot of Dale. When we went to Ft. Bragg for our anniversary in March (and our first family vacation in nearly FOUR years) we spent a lot of time walking. During our hikes he'd often take off down some little path, or out on the rocks, like he did here. Then, he'd stand there for a bit, I'd like to think pondering the great mysteries of life...
My new camera has a self-timer feature, which is really nice if we ALL want to be in a picture together. Do you see that? There in the right hand shot? How Beth is almost as tall as me?? I think I'm going to have to invest in some heels that can be worn hiking. Do they even make such a thing?
Ahhh Family..... and I suppose you've by now noticed that my dad is absent from these pics... well he's not a big fan of having his picture taken. So I have to sneak them when he's not paying attention, which is NOT often... I need to brush up on my sneaking skills.....
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