Convention

Well, I’m at the point of being so far behind with blogging that I have no clue where to even begin. So much is going on right now, and I want to tell y’all all about it, because a TON of it has to do with the studio. But then I’m torn, because this is also my “baby book” and I need to record things that are going on with the kids too before I forget them. Sooo…I’m just going to start and hopefully get us all caught up by the end of the weekend. Sound good?

As I previously mentioned, we spent last weekend and the first part of this week in Myrtle Beach at a photography convention. It was so much fun for all of us, but all in different ways. Collin, of course, LOVED the classes. He learned a lot of great new stuff, about both the photography side and the “business” side of the studio, and has already put some things into practice. He’s looking forward to incorporating a lot more of it, so be on the look-out! He also spent time with other photographers in the state, meeting some new friends and catching up with old ones. Overall, it was a great, rejuvenating weekend for him!

We brought the kids with us to Convention, and my parents also joined us as “babysitters” for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The kids (and my parents too, I think) had a blast playing on the beach and just hanging out together. Reeves, Rebecca, and Tal; and Andrew and Erin came down for the day on Saturday, and everyone had a lot of fun playing in the sand and taking walks on the beach. The weather was perfect! I have to admit, Collin and I were really enjoying the classes we were attending, but we also would have welcomed a little bit of “chill time” on the beach with these nine people. It’s always just a FUN time. We are blessed to have such great family! Thanks, all of you, for taking care of our kids. They’re STILL talking about it!

I kind of feel like I lucked out and got the best of both worlds…I had a GREAT time in classes with Collin on Saturday and Sunday, but also got to enjoy the beach with my sweet babes on Monday and Tuesday! I truly love the art of photography, and I can’t wait to get more involved in the business when the kids are a little older. It’s so inspiring to see the incredible work of other photographers and to hear what’s worked for them in their business. I had a great time sitting in the classes and enjoying a little “alone time” with my amazing husband (even if we couldn’t really talk to each other and we were with 130 other people…it was still nice to just sit with him and not worry about who went potty last or breaking up arguments.) 🙂

Since my parents came for the weekend, Collin and I took the opportunity to go out on Friday night to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We went to the Melting Pot, and had a wonderfully romantic TWO HOUR LONG meal, full of conversation with NO interruptions! It was beyond wonderful! Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for watching Mak and CB!

The rest of the time was spent with me playing with the kids and Collin in classes. Then, on Tuesday, the kids and I met up with Rebecca and Tallon; Wendy, Aiden, and Elliot; and Hope and Claudia at the Aquarium. We were all so happy to spend time with our friends!

One evening, while Collin had a little break in his schedule, the four of us headed to the beach for a little play time, and of course Collin brought the camera. I fell in love with this cute little rain jacket/boots/umbrella set for Clara Beth, so she ran around in that while Mak terrorized the birds and, yes, splashed in the water. IN JANUARY. LOTS of fun.

I did a really poor job of taking pictures until we went to the Aquarium. Rebecca took some great ones of everyone on the beach on Saturday, so maybe I’ll get those from her and add them on later. Here are the few that I do have!

Snuggling with Li-Li after playing on the beach

Welcoming Daddy home from class

Just a funny Mak bath-time face

Racing to the elevator. I think pushing the elevator button was the highlight of the trip for these two.

My little monkeys…they would grab hold of the bar and hang on as soon as the elevator started moving. EVERY TIME!

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of our friends…

And they’re here!

Tal and Rebecca in the fish tank

Sweet CB was mesmerized by all of the fish!

Aiden and Mak looking for sharks

Finding Nemo and Dori

From there we made our way to the playground. We are going to miss these girls (and Edgard!) SOOOOO MUCH!!!

She’s so pretty!

Mak was all over the monkey bars. He just kept going and going. The boy may be little, but he’s STRONG!!!

Looks like Elliot ate a little bit of mulch,

And Miss CB had fun digging in it,

While Sweet T enjoyed throwing it on his cousin’s back!

Aunt Beba entertained the big boys while we enjoyed a little Starbucks. She’s SO FUN!!!

Sweet girls hugging bye-bye!

THANK-YOU so much, Ladies, for bringing your sweet babies to the beach for the day. We were ALL very happy to see each of you!