WHOA! I've been away from photography work for almost a year now. I can't believe how long it's been. I also can't believe how fast it went by. Crazy, crazy!

I'm sure the picture above says it all. That's our little girl! We found out in September, 2013 that we were expecting our first child. It caught us a little off gaurd, but boy were we excited! And then, BOOM. The sickness hit. It was like someone turned on a light switch and I went from being overly excited to extrememly exhausted and sicker than a dog. If there is one thing I do not miss about being pregnant, it was the morning sickness. Which really shouldn't even be called that, because I had 24/7 sickness for 3 months straight. It was no joke. I felt like I had the stomach flu all day and all night. So between preparing for our unexpected surprise, being stuck in my bed from September - December, then trying to juggle my hormones, work, personal life and baby preparations, I had to take time away. As much as I like to think I'm Superwoman, the pregnancy Gods informed me I wasn't and that it was time to slow down. 

Although the little one keeps me very. very, busy, I must say it feels so good to be back in the swing of things and I'm super excited for all of the new opportunities coming my way.

Stay tuned for lots more to come!!

Just a few random photos over the last few months. 

In the photo above, I pass these silos every day on my way to the regular 8-5 job. I've also done a few photo sessions here as well. The scene just never gets old. On this particular day, a storm was heading our way. Though it made for a good photo op :) 

Below is our new little friend. He's a Green Heron. Very young still, but he has been hanging out at the new house, taking care of the 500,000 + toad and frog problem we have in the pond at the house. We aren't moved in yet (and probably won't be for several months still due to the amount of reconstruction being done), but while we work out there, it's nice to see some of the wildlife and know what we are in for! 

Lots has been going on in my life the last 6 months. From home revamps, to holidays, to a much busier schedule at my full time job, to just having a life. No excuse, I know, but I figure better late than never. So, that's that. 

This year, I opted to take the month of July off. It's the first time I've done that since starting my business in 2005 and let me tell you, I needed it. For the past 7 years, my summer months have been booked solid with photo sessions, and I hadn't had a true vacation since...well...it's been so long I can't even remember. And let me tell you, when you can't remember your last vacation, you have a problem.

So, alas, I gave myself a true vacation. And when I say true vacation, I'm talking about no cell phone service, cabin in the middle of the Hiawatha National Forest and nothing but nature surrounding me. Ahhhhhh. 

We started (and I say we because I enjoyed this amazing experience with my wonderful boyfriend, Jared. He's new to my blog, so welcome him with open arms. He's a keeper...) We started by visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I have never been, and it's an absolute MUST if you've never been there. It doesn't even feel like you're in Michigan. True beauty that pictures cannot even do justice for. 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. In reality, it looks like you're in Hawaii. 

Mosquito Falls is actually 3 waterfalls in one. Mesmerizing, to say the least! 

The UP is filled with secluded lakes, and this was one of them we fished on for the day. This is Chicago Lake. No houses on it at all - just us, our fishing poles and a little fishing boat! PERFECT date day! 

To our surprise, the lake had a small, private island, which we stopped and had lunch on...with wine, of course! Did I mention perfect date day???

And here's me with my trophy Brook Trout. Had no idea this thing was a keeper. Hey, I fish for Bass and Blue Gill, not river Trout. It was 14 1/2", which apparently is a winner! It's being mounted :) 

Yes, our dogs are spoiled. They had their own bedroom in the cabin! We stayed at the Ken Buck Resort, which I highly, highly recommend if you're planning a trip to the UP. There are only 5 cabins on the resort, and the hosts, Bill and Cindy, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It is in the Hiawatha National Forest, but you are literally within driving distance of everything beautiful about the UP.

My brother, sister in law and niece and nephew joined us also!! Cannot wait to vacation with them again! 

Our group, with Captain Jim on our boat, Miss Jackie.



Big catches for the day from Jared and his mom...

<3 Life has never felt more complete! And I am sooo incredibly thankful for a perfect July!