Im going to try as quickly as I can :) to sum up this past weekends beach trip. I didn’t realize how busy this week following the trip would be & I know if I wait much longer to jot things down, ill forget to do it all together.
So heres how it started.
The week before I prepped a menu for my husband.
I tried my best to get every bit of laundry done, including the cloth diapers.
I typed up a schedule for my husband, so he could keep Owen in check.
I also had recipes together that were fairly easy for him to cook the kids as well.
I knew going into this I had to make it as easy as possible for my husband :) – after all, this was something he had never done before. At least not for that length of time.
At noon-ish on Thursday my friend Shannon came by to hitch a ride with me to the beach :-) – my house was on the way so this worked out well. We loaded up my husbands small altima that has 250,000 miles, no working locks on the drivers side, broken radio and no working drivers side window. Lets just say we were driving in a full paid style mobile HEHE – I love his altima btw, but it is definitely showing its age :) – It was pretty funny how each time we’d get out id have to open Shannon’s door for her, as if we were on a 1st date. The Passanger side door was the only way into the car. We found humor in it, but our 1st date-ness wore off pretty quick and I just began to hand Shannon the keys.
The trip to the beach took us about an hour and 45 minutes. Not bad at all! We talked the entire way and the “no radio” thing didnt even come to mind. We didnt need it!
When we got to the beach we decided we’d go ahead and hit up the outlets and even stopped by a TJMaxx. It by far was the most awesome TJMaxx. It was so organized and we thought it was really fun and eco-chic that the stores all used paper bags with cute handles.
We then made our way to go Grocery Shopping with Laurie Crutchfield and Katie Pietrowski, two awesome photographers & very funny & sweet friends.
Our evening that night consisted of preparing a yummy meal with the rest of the photographers.
A game of Catch Phrase (so funny – Shannon really got into it!!)
& then a late (past 3am!) night of laughs & giggles.
Laurie, Shannon and I shared a room… and at one point Shannon was squeezed into my bunk because she was scared some RING lady from the closet was going to grab her… Im sure the rest of the house thought us “moms” with all the kids were out of our minds. Between Laurie, Shannon and I we have 9 children & out of all the ladies in the house I think we stayed up the latest and then got up the earliest. Except Laurie, she slept in until like 2pm. :)
- Oh and ill go ahead and apologize to Shannon for posting that photo to the left :)
She did not like it, but it was to funny not to put on here. Shannon you can get me back some how later.
On friday we spent a good portion of our time just hanging out, going to a few shops, eating amazing pizza & then after scouting for locations – we took all the photographers and split up, making rounds taking each others portraits. It was a lot of fun despite the COLD, rain, burst of sunshine, cactus pods and crazy weather.
Below are a few I loved.
These btw were all over the location we photographed at… they stuck in everyones shoes!
Not the most pleasant little things.
& now a few favs of mine of the other photographers…
& again, another shot of the cactus pod things.
After finishing up we took a few group pictures before heading back to the condo.
Shannon, Katie & I were so cold by the time we got home,
that we decided to visit the hot tub. It was so soothing!
We had more yummy food as well :)
That evening we spent most of our time editing the pictures from the day.
I think at one point someone said “we’re such geeks” :)
And a great advertiser for MAC
The next day the sun came out and around 2pm we made our way out to take some model pictures.
Laurie called in some favors and organized an amazing set of people to model for us.
This was a great time for those new to photography to build their portfolio as well as watch other photographers with a little bit more experience do their thing. I had a great time and all the models were great. Although I think I could of done without the down pour we got stuck in with our gear a half mile it seemed away from the car. It was worth it though for the shots we got :)
The image above btw was taken with a 24mm TILT SHIFT lens.
It was so fun to play with, but definitely takes a lot of concentration and technique.
& for fun… heres some photos of people shooting…
Lots of pics :)
You can see the rest HERE
I had a great time though.
It was great spending time with all these ladies.
I know I really loved getting to know them better.
Shannon and I really clicked too and share a lot more in common than I think most do :)
Which is really cool.
Im not sure this made total sense. I did it inbetween painting sea shells and cleaning the house.. but hopefully it helps to share the experience I had this weekend.
Travis btw did awesome with the boys… and I was so happy to see all 4 of them.
I would encourage any mom out there to take some time for herself. I know that when you become a mom the thought of leaving your kids is hard… and you will miss them… but it was just really good to clear my mind, enjoy some uninterrupted adult conversations… and to just spend some time on myself. I think the time my husband had with the kids alone was great for him too. It gave him a glimpse into how hard being a SAHM is. He told me monday when he was gone at work most of the day, how much he missed the boys though & that it felt weird not being there with them all day. Despite it being a lot of work, it is so rewarding… and you cant help but miss it :)
But trips are good too ;-)
