11-24, Thankful

I knew when I took this self-portrait of my family in June during a trip back to my hometown, that I would forever value it.  This Thanksgiving, this image holds a special place in my heart.  As my Grandmother prepares to leave this world and enter the next, I can't help but think how thankful I am not only for this photo but for my family.  I am thankful to have been raised by such caring and kind people.  I am thankful for the values they not only instilled in me but modeled for me time and again.  I am thankful for their unconditional love and support.  I am thankful for the treasure chest of memories that I will carry with me through all of my days.  I am thankful for my own family and the opportunity to extend all of these virtues to them.  

I wish Grandma didn't have to go, but I know she will never truly leave us.  She will be watching from above, hand in hand, with my Grandpa.  They'll be sitting in their lawn chairs and looking down on us with a smile.  They will be guiding this family that they created, and their love will always surround us.  I pray for a peaceful transition for her and that she will leave this earth knowing the depth of our love and gratitude.  

11-23, With a little help....

We've been so fortunate to have Sven's dad with us this past week.  As I eluded to previously, things have been 'a little challenging' and it's been a gift to have dad here to lend us a helping hand.  We're so used to 'being an island' that we have never really known what life would be like otherwise if we were able to live closer to family.  Now I know-- it would be easier.  It would be a lot easier.  But, our life is established  the way it is, and all we can do is be thankful for the love of family and friends and the support that we can give each other whenever there is a need.  Thank you, dad.  Your selflessness has made the difference between 'sink or swim', and your love and concern have meant more than you will ever know.  And as a wonderful perk, seeing the bond that you and Emalie are creating is priceless!

11-16, These Kids!

We've had an incredible fall here in Colorado.  So much so, that I am beginning to dread a forecast that calls for anything below 68 degrees.  When winter does decide to make an appearance, it's going to be a dreadful shock.  I think I could skip winter all together and go straight into spring (am I right?!).  Not wanting to waste any of this gorgeous weather, Emalie and I have spent several afternoons wandering the open space up the road from our house.  The array of colored grasses up there is so pretty-- the perfect backdrop for some updated pics of the kids.  (Who am I kidding-- pics of the kids don't really have a chance to get outdated around here.....)  Nik still spends his spare time fishing at the lake, but I did bribe (yes, literally, he'll 'work' for lunch money...) him to go with me one afternoon so I could get comparable photos of him in the same setting.  Now, let's see if the snow holds off long enough for a client session next week in this location.  My fingers are crossed, but I'm not holding my breath!  

10-8, Balloons Up High

It's so much fun to be an honorary member of a ballooning crew (ha, do you like the title I gave ourselves?!).  We watch in awe and wonder as they do they their thing and make it all happen.  There really is nothing like being up in a hot air balloon.  As I told our friends, "Never invite anyone you don't want to see year after year, because once you go you're addicted!"  Yep-- we already have our reservations made for next year!  Just the thought gives me a smile and sense of anticipation.  Sven and I were so lucky to be able to go up with Leo in the balloon together this year.  A ride for the kids and a ride for us.  Yes, pretty lucky, I'd say!

10-8, Balloons Down Low

October is trending to be a busy photographic month for me, year after year.  I get my balloon fiesta images partially edited and sorted, then I have to put them on hold for my portrait sessions while the beautiful fall colors are out in full force.  Now, the portrait orders are off to the lab and I have some time to once again work on the fiesta photos.  This grouping of images shows what goes on behind the scenes on the ground, as well as the up-close-and-personal rides some of these balloonists get with it.  It's astounding how much work and how many hands are involved in making this activity possible.  It's definitely a group effort and the lines are not drawn in the sand between the balloon crews.  Literally, all hands on deck!

This is what I mean by up-close-and-personal.... see the road?  See the balloon?  Wow!

A new meaning for 'taking a dip'.

The balloon field during the morning ascension.

This is only a partial view of the camping available for the fiesta.  All of those vehicles are motorhomes or trailers.  This photo doesn't encompass the entire lot either.  LOTS of campers.  

10-8, The Flight of a Monarch

I thought we were crazy two years ago when we let Nikolas travel to China with his school....without us.  I had that very same feeling Sunday morning when I was told that Nikolas and Emalie had been invited to go up in Danielle's balloon.... without us.  Both Leo and Danielle are superb at their ballooning skills, but there is just something about sending your children 2,000' feet in the air and not being there to supervise them.  Heck, I won't let Emalie ride her bike in the driveway without one of us out there with her!    However, overprotective as I am in so many ways, there was no way I was going to come between our kids and such an amazing experience.  I had faith in Danielle and faith that our kids would 'step up to the bat' in this situation.  So with a hug and a smile, we sent our kids off to soar.  The smiles on their faces after the flight was well worth the trepidation I harbored at sending them off.  I guess that feeling will come again, in the future, as we prepare to send them each on their way into the real world.  My only hope is that somehow, someway, when that time comes they will have a pilot as safe and certain as Danielle.  Thank you, Danielle, for this once-in-a-lifetime experience for Nikolas and Emalie.  I know they will never forget it.  Thank you!

10-8, Fiesta Faces

We've just returned from another fabulous trip to Albuquerque and the balloon fiesta.  Despite the strong winds, cloudy skies and drenching rain, we had another amazing weekend with these awesome balloon fanatics (of which we are rapidly joining their ranks....).  Last year, I couldn't wait to post the amazing balloon photos.  This year, I'm eager to post the smiles of these wonderful people.  How lucky we are to call them friends.  It's been a rough patch for us lately, and the spirit of these beautiful people have lifted us up just as high as the balloons themselves.  Thanks, everyone, for again welcoming us with open arms and hearts.  We cherish each of you.

Emalie

Pat

Pat

Leo

Nikolas, Emalie and Michelle

Michelle and Pat

Tina and Andy

Pat, Michelle, Tina and Andy

Me, Michelle, Pat, Hannah, Tina and Andy

Nikolas, Emalie and Pat

Emalie, Danielle, Nikolas and Tina

Tina and Hannah

An anniversary keepsake for us!

Hannah and Leo.
"Smile Leo"..... "How about I fly?!"

 How perfect that the last image of Leo "flying" is the final image of our weekend at the fiesta.  And fly, we did!  

Thank you, Leo and Danielle!!!