Temple Square, Salt Lake City

Today, Tyler has started his second semester of school today. It is a bitter-sweet day. We have loved having three weeks of sleeping in, being lazy and having fun. But he's back at school and now it's just me and Patrick. Just the two of us. He is back to the books and we are back to days filled with random activities.

Well, so long Tyler. It was nice knowing you. See you in May (when our baby comes)!

 

Family Session | Utah Family Photographer

This was one of my favorite sessions from 2013!

 

 

 

Charlotte One Year Photos

Crazy how time seems to go by so fast! It feels like I just did this little cute little family's maternity session in Hawaii, but it has been a whole year later. You can view that session, here.

Look at how cute this little girl is!

weekend getaway | utah

Since it was President's Day on Monday, Tyler had the day off so we drove to Park City, one of my favorite places to go. All we did was relaxed. We swam in the pool, did a little shopping, ate at some really good restaurants and caught up on some sleep. It was nice to spend some quality time with my little family since I will be gone in Washington next week, leaving Tyler behind in Rexburg. sad:(

10 best tips when traveling with toddlers

In the 1 and 1/2 years of Patrick's life, he has been on more plane rides and road trips than most. His first road trip was to Utah when he was no more then a week old. We have driven the long journey to and from Washington several times. Utah at least once a month and to go see my in-laws several times a month (only an hour away but still can be challenge).  Patrick and I have been on several long plane rides to and from Hawaii, as well as Ohio. And yes! Most of the time it is just me and him.

By now, we have it down to the science. One of my proudest moment, is when a women commented how fast we got through the security gate at the airport! Don't get me wrong it has been filled with ups and downs and pretty messy and stinky situations. And while there will always be challenges, it doesn't have to be miserable. But preparation is key!

It is so important and easiest to travel with absolute smallest amount possible. Anything in excess will be hard to carry and keep track of.

Diapers and Wipes: Take double what you usually use and definitely bring the whole bag of wipes. You'll use them for everything.

Always bring an extra set of clothes for you and your little one. You never knew when you will be desperate for a clean shirt. My little guy has puked and pooped all over me and luckily I had a change of clothes. There is nothing more embarrassing then smelling like your child's poop.

It is also important to bring little trash bags for dirty diapers and clothes. Theses are the ones we like, it keeps the smell contained.

Plenty of snacks! Pack snacks that are easy and no mess. We love plum organic snacks because they are easy to travel with, Patrick can eat them with little or no mess at all and they are healthy. We also try to only bring one or two sippy cups for him. We might have to rinse out his cup more, but its worth not carrying the extra stuff.

I know that you can't and shouldn't worry about all those crazy germs. It is especially important for us to wipe Patrick's hands because he is a thumb sucker.  I also can count several times when he stinks up the car with one of his dirty diapers and a little thing of Lysol can make that stench go away. Making the car ride that more enjoyable.

Sometimes it is hard for me to limit the amount of toys to bring. But only bring 1 or 2 toys. Everything is just extra "stuff" and it gets so hard. I have found that I have a lot of fun and interesting things in my purse that will keep him entertained, like a brush or a mirror. These are things I already have, I just need to use my imagination.

A blanket is something we often forget and it is a huge regret. It not only keeps them warm but it smells like home and that will provide much needed comfort.

If all else fails use technology! An ipad or iphone are great distractions. Yo Gabba Gabba is our favorite. It doesn't keep Patrick's attention for too long but even 15 minutes of him not moving around is enough time for me to catch my breath.

Most important is to have patience. Things are not going to go the way you planned. Your little one will throw the toy and hit someone in the head or spill milk all over the backseat of the car. Patience will keep the tough situations a little easier. And remember, it might not be funny in the moment but it will be something to laugh at later.

I know there are a lot of frequent flyer and traveling moms out there, what are your tips and must-haves? Check out this blog for more tips and good ideas.

home sweet home

Home. We are finally home...and I am so happy to be back. Over the summer my husband applied to dental school and now we are busy with the interviews. Two weekends ago, we were in Arizona and this weekend we were in Utah. Now the only thing I want to do all week is stay home and catch up on some much needed playtime with Patrick. 

Error Family Video | South Jordan Photographer

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to everybody that said such nice things about the photos that I posted on facebook. My number one goal is to create work that families will love and it is the greatest compliment when so many other people love it too. I really appreciate it!

I wanted to do something a little different, so I put together a little video of the photos from that session. I think it really adds emotion and that little something extra. 

 I hope you enjoy!

Best locations in rexburg to take pictures

One part of being a photographer is deciding on the location to take photos. There are a lot of things to consider such as the style and feel of the photos, the lighting and if it will provide a variety for your photos. Parks are a very common place to have a photo session because it is filled with different back drops all in one location. I put together a list of some of my favorite places in Rexburg and a few in Utah. 

This is the place that is behind a church building in Rexburg, right off of W. 7th S. It is just down the hill and it has a cute wooden fence and lots of trees. 

Have you been to the apple orchards on campus? This makes a perfect place to take photos, especially if it is in the fall.  All of the trees look beautiful. 

This place is a little outside of Rexburg, towards Rigby. It is just a place right off the freeway and its right on the river. The street name is River Bridge rd. It is a beautiful place to have your photos taken.

We all have been to the Nature Park in Rexburg a thousand times, but it makes a great place. It has lots of green grass and a few cute wooden bridges. 

With this couple, we drove all the way down Poleline rd. and found an old potato cellar off the side of the road. It also had an open field filled with snow. 

This place is right off of Henderson and S. 5th W. It is a old green building that will give your photos a cute and rustic look. 

A few places in Utah:

Memory Grove Park is the perfect spot in Salt Lake City for any photo session.  I was there for family photos but it would be perfect for bridal and engagement as well. It is filled with colorful blossoms and a stream of water running through the middle of the park. 

A little further away from Salt Lake City is Draper Park. It is filled with cute wooden fences, railroad tracks, barns and much more to give your photos a lot or variety.