May Long

We had a busy but fun May long weekend. Friday the kids were all off school so I took the younger 4 kids down to Waterton for a little hike and then to Cardston to stay with Amelia and her family for the night. I'm not one for hiking, but it was a beautiful day so after a quick pit stop we decided to do Bears' Hump. We walked for only a couple minutes before we heard clapping and people talking about a bear!! WHAT?!! Sure enough there was a bear hanging out on the path. We took a quick picture and turned around quickly after that. I figured with all the other people trying to get closer we had a couple minutes haha

After escaping the bear we took a peek at the view from the Prince of Wales hotel. As we pulled up we found a herd of big horn sheep. Crazy how close people get to animals. So dangerous! My kids wanted to go close too, but this was as close as I'd let them. Too close for my comfort.

Love this view!! It never gets old!

By this point the kids were ready to go so we headed to Cardston. We stopped by the Cardston Temple. I love that they have a bench that says "I love to see the temple". Cute little spot with a great view.

The kids had so much fun with Amelia's kids. The weather was way nicer in Cardston too and they had a blast playing outside. Helps that Amelia's yard is amazing!! Ella kept sending videos and pictures to Jimmy haha. Justin, Amelia's husband, was awesome and made delicious BBQ for us and I helped Amelia get ready to take some maternity photos.  Then the two of us drove back into Waterton and did some fun photos.

While she was changing into the next dress a herd of mountain goats stood there watching.

I wasn't loving the lighting so we drove up toward Red Rock Canyon and it was totally worth the drive.

We had another outfit change and thankfully we were sitting in the van but a huge coyote strolled on past us.

The light was beautiful and we shot a little more. Can all my sessions be like this??

Driving back we passed ANOTHER bear that ran across the road! The wildlife was sure giving me a show!! The next morning we made waffles, the kids played, Amelia and I shopped (found cinnamon bears at the bookstore!!!) and then the kids and I packed up and headed home. Thanks so much Low family for being amazing hosts!  Jimmy and Austin had a productive day and had weeded the back flower bed and started sealing the fence.

Sunday we had a BBQ with half of the Robertson crew. Great company and good food, plus the weather was absolutely gorgeous! On Monday we decided to go explore Drumheller. We made a quick stop at Horseshoe Canyon, which I've never been to before. It's a great view. Then we went into town and explored the badlands. Not going to lie I was a little nervous, but it was beautiful. Finished with fries, poutine, and onion rings from Bernie and the Boys, with burgers from McD's and $1 pops  - kids were in heaven.

 All in all it was a wonderful weekend!! Loved our family time and the adventures we had.

new photos

These kids gave me a whole 5 minutes (twice) for photos. I really wanted to send out a Christmas card this year as I believe the last time I  sent one out we only had 4 kids... The card didn't happen, but a photo of the kids did thankfully!! They are growing up way too fast!! Time needs to slow down! I love these little rascals! Still wishing Austin wore the red shirt I had picked out for him... Oh well... 

Life is busy. I always thought when the kids were younger how busy I felt. Now... 10x worse! Never ending runs to and from 3 schools, never ending sports events, concerts or school events, to and from friends' houses, church activities, to here, there and all over. Let's just say I'm counting down the days til Austin can drive (284 days if you were wondering). All this craziness makes me want to put life on pause - no anything, just time with me. Thankfully the Christmas break is finally here and we have a couple weeks to do that!! 

JAMES

This kid. He kills me. I had to set up my lights to do headshots for some of the Young Women in our ward and after I had finished James wanted me to take some pictures of him. These are what he came up with! And I don't think he's taken this hat off ALL week, even at bed time. I know what he's getting for Christmas haha

Scottie the Brave

Meet little Scotland, aka Scottie. She is niece #8 for me. Sadly Will and I were both sick the day Katelyn was induced and I missed being at her birth :(  But I was able to do some newborn photos for her at 11 days new. She is the tiniest, sweetest thing ever!! She started out at a whopping 4 pounds 14 ounces and is now just over 5 pounds. I'm not a newborn photographer, so I struggle with photos like this, but I'm pretty happy with how these turned out. AND I caught a smile! 

James was pretty excited to hold Scottie, too. He kept saying "she's so cute!". He adores her!