mountain home

So it finally came time for my reset trip. My Mom can still beat me in singles. But it was fun to spend time in these mountains that make me feel so at home.

We also played my favorite card game. I still ALWAYS lose. But I love spending time here with her and my favorite Grandpa Swallow.

Went to visit our baby girl when I was in Utah. Had to leave a little something in honor of her Daddy. We love and miss you every day. Because of you my life is rich and golden. I know that every day is a gift.#evielaree #stpattysday #santaclaracemetery #cantwaitforherstonetocome #hurryupindia #childloss #itsfierce #9monthsinheaven 

 I took a little present there. And I kept an exact replica for my mantle. This cute little bunny reminds me of how when I was first spending an hour or so at her grave, there were dozens of little cotton tails running around the cemetery. It was really quite magical. I love having this little white cottontail on my mantle too.

I also helped my Mom get prepared for the CUTEST harry Potter baby shower EVER! Seriously, I love that my SIL is obsessed with these characters. The most daunting task for my Mom was these pretzel wands. Although she had to remake them a little later, but we at least gave a dry run to making a ton of these and we learned a ton. I'm sure it was easier the second time around.

My friend @kalinab joined me for a jaunt across the country for a photography workshop. I learned a ton and can't wait to try it all out. Thanks to @n8pettit1 who gets the best husband award. And @_jillthomas for the fantastic workshop. #photosforlifeworkshop #hebercity #headsinclose #kalinasthebest #iwassonervous #haventbeentoaclasslikethisbefore #selfie #eviewaswithme

Here are the photos I took. I'm trying to think of something really clever to say, about all these beautiful pictures, but I'm grateful for the things I learned and how the digital trend is now to make it look like film, which is way different than the last time I investigated every youtube channel on the internet several years back. Now it's all about replicating film. So the editing on these is a little different than my normal, but I really love it.

She had someone there who was 26 weeks pregnant. Made me wish I had done some maternity shots of myself. The few that I have are not staged but I remember what it feels like to have this. Really freshly. I miss this fiercely and yet, Evie was so hard for me that I really don't want to do this again.

 We did another shoot where we did nothing but product styling. I'm not really sure how to do that, but I was definitely among some experts. I tried some dark ones/moody ones. It was fun to experiment a little in my post-processing.

And the trend right now which is all super light and bright.

This family was the cutest!

 

 

 

I couldn't help but catch this one of my perfectly in-atheletic nephew, playing catch with his Daddy. It was so cold. I don't think I was quite ready for the northern utah weather.

Just trying to appreciate all the little things around me - playing with perspective. Appreciating how each of these rocks is unique and special from the other.

Gotta love the pasture in American Fork.