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Week 25 "Celebrating Teens" Photo Challenge

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Week 23 • Play Photo Challenge

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Graduation Pictures

I find it very strange here in Hanford, CA that they have a cap and gown ceremony for 8th grade graduation. Nevertheless it was a nice ceremony, short and sweet, it was a hot evening, and the young kids looked so grown up!!!


He was so excited to be there.
One handsome dude!

8th grade graduation photos

Our oldest son, Jacob is graduating from the 8th grade

His awesome, beautiful saxophone.

Jacob and Jenny, two good friends!

Just a little glimpse of some of our May actvities

Jacob and JD at the 8th grade banquet

Jacob after he received "Band student of the Year" award.

Jacob dressed up for 8th grade banquet

Aaron on his last day of preschool, enjoying ice cream and doughnuts

His spot on the mat the "monkey", a perfect place for him.

May Day.... May Day!!!

Life has been crazy, busy and hectic lately, I have thought about the above way to often these last couple of days and wishing I was there instead of here.

Oh, the crazy month of May!!

So much to write about, so little time.

Some highlights of the month so far, and it's only the 11th.

Weekend alone with my hubby at Harris Ranch

Weekend girls trip to Las Vegas

Scholastic Book Fair

Getting our computer repaired and back

Mother's Day

And I even forgot to pick up my son today from his Saxophone lessons --nice! (just a highlight of one of the things I've forgotten lately).

Spring Break Part #1

After our Hawaii trip, we were home for three days and then headed to Utah for Spring Break, which was March 29th-April 5th. The day after we got back from Hawaii I picked up my Mom at the Fresno airport. She was our special guest speaker for the adults in our ward. Her topic was "Living in Truth and Avoiding the Pit of Illusion" For more info visit her blog at www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com. As always, she did an awesome job. On Sunday we headed out of CA for the drive to Utah. It was my mom, and I and the four kids and our friends caravaned behind us. Poor Daddy had to stay home and work. We missed him terribly! Here are a few shots from our vacation.
This is Tyler, our second oldest, he is 11. He is sitting in one of my Mom's beautiful green leather chairs. The natural sunlight is coming through the open window. I LOVE his freckles.


It was so awesome to return to the beautiful sight of the Salt Lake Temple. Our youngest wasn't with us, (thanks Mom, for watching him that day). They were so excited to get their pciture taken. It was also a little cold for us Californians.

"I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday......". This is our oldest Jacob, who is looking out the window of the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

And it SNOWED, while we were there. It has been YEARS since I have witnessed snow falling, it was so beautiful. I think the Utahans were sick of it by then. I thought it was absolutely beautiful.

And we were actually able to go to a 'cousin' birthday party. It was a blast. It was an alien birthday themed party. This is our youngest Aaron (4), with his cousin Eli, who turned six while we were there. Thanks family and friends for all the good times!!

Change of Command

Last Tues. the 13th I had the awesome oppurtunity to photograph my friend's husbands change of command ceremony. He has served our country for 20 plus years in the United States Navy.
He was promoted to Commanding Officer. And I had the special honor and privilege of attending the ceremony. There was a special reverent and sacred feeling there. His parents were there (from Kansas) and ny freinds mother was also there, (from Florida). Here are a few images from the day. I shot 198 images for her and her family. I LOVED it!
This is absolutely my most favorite shot of the whole day (below). Mr. R. mothers hands holding the program.

His beautiful wife was able to put on his 'pin'.

Giving his boy a hug after the ceremony

And this is why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE photography. I was able to capture this moment in time when both parents/grandparents are together (this was the first time since they were all together since Mr. R. and Mrs. D were married).

I am grateful for these special friends!

Day #5 Dole Plantation and going home :(.

I never knew there were so many varities of pineapples.

Saying goodbye to this wonderful view, was very hard.

The flowers there were exquisite.

Banana tree.

We were able to tour the Dole Plantation by riding on a small train, 2 mile trip around the Plantation.

Good bye Hawaii, we LOVED you, hopefully we can visit again some other time.

Day #4 Beach Day

Abigail loved using the boagie board.

Aaron taking a break to eat his lunch.

The view was spectacular

Our family on the shores of Hawaii!

This was interesting to watch-the famous blowhole. The water would come up between the rocks and 'blow out'.

Day #3 in Hawaii, Rest Day.

Playing cards outside on the deck.

I loved the RANDOM assortment of dishes we had at the rental house.

Playing on the beach, Abigail and Aaron.

A view from our backyard.

It was pure JOY to watch our four year old play in the waves.

Day #2 in Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center.

The views were spectacular!

At the Luau, the food was delicous!

Our family in front of the Hawaii LDS Temple

A Samoan climbing a coconut tree.

So beautiful!