Margaret Evans Photography

Nate and Aprill {Engagements}

2012-02-13T10:54:00.001-07:00

This week my oldest son Nate is getting married to Aprill, a wonderful, amazing girl! We are so happy for them.

When we were in Arizona at Christmastime, I did their engagement portraits. And now....here they are!! :)

And I also posted on my Margaret Says blog about how it feels to have a son getting married this week. :)

Baby Brooklyn

2012-02-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

My cousin Wendy had a baby right before Christmas. Brooklyn is as cute as can be. Here are some shots we did a few weeks ago.

Smith Family

2012-01-30T10:49:00.002-07:00

Still playing catch-up here. I did this family's portraits before Christmas. It was a freezing cold, windy day, but between gusts we managed to get some good shots. :)

Oh, and by the way, I also posted on my Margaret Says blog today. (I actually did TWO posts there....wow!) Stop by if you have a minute. :)

Viva Mexico! {Elder Evans....the Sequel}

2012-01-22T16:46:00.005-07:00

For those of you who are faithful followers of my blog (c'mon raise your hands...I know there are one or two...), you may remember when my oldest son Nate served a mission in Edmonton, Canada.

Well, last week, my second son Parker received his call to serve in the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission! He leaves May 23 and will serve for two years.

The build-up to receiving a mission call is unlike anything else. It involves doctor and dentist appointments, wisdom tooth extraction, and in Parker's case meniscus surgery following an incident involving running and slipping on wet grass. Add to that interviews with his ecclesiastical leaders and a bunch of paperwork...and there you have a mission application.

Once a prospective missionary submits his or her papers, the wait begins for the call to arrive. In our area, mission calls arrive in the mail on Wednesdays, so it was pins and needles time for our family as I set up a vigil by the living room window waiting for the mailman to arrive. In recent months, our mail has been arriving much later than it used to. Last Tuesday, it wasn't delivered until 5 p.m.! There was no way any of us could wait that long on Wednesday!

Parker is currently a student at BYU, about an hour from our home, so I was instructed to text him AS SOON as the mail came. Luckily, it arrived earlier than it had on Tuesday-- around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The envelope we were so eagerly awaiting was there! I texted Parker immediately. He said he would drive up as soon as his next class was over.

We set a time for family to gather at 6 p.m. for the opening of the call. It was so nervewracking, and so exciting all at once. We were lucky to have our Arizona relatives be there with us via Skype, as well. Parker was a bundle of nerves, and I thought he just might explode as we waited for everyone to arrive so he could open the most important envelope of his life to this point.

Here are some shots I captured from that evening!!! Smiles all around.

Talk about an anxious man!! Yes, he was sooooo nervous!! (I must have been nervous too...a little camera shake made this one kind of blurry...but I had to include it!)

Opening the envelope!

Here it comes!!!

Dad's looking a little anxious as Parker begins..."Dear Elder Evans......

"Mexico Cuervnavaca!! Yes!!"

Map of the mission

Consulting the atlas for more information.

The Elders Evans study the atlas while Dad talks to the AZ relatives on Skype

Does he look like a happy boy or what?

Ready to be a missionary mom again!!! (And man, I look short in this picture! How did my boys grow up so much? Parker's definitely grown a foot or two. :)

Davis Family

2012-01-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I did family portraits for this cute family right before Christmas.
Finally getting around to posting!

:)

Brahm and Company

2011-12-15T12:46:00.002-07:00

My friend Krista had her adorable grandson.....and his parents....:) in town for Thanksgiving, and she asked me to take some pictures for her.

Brahm is just about the cutest, most huggable baby I've ever seen.

From these shots, you can probably tell his grandma and his mom and dad feel the same way about him!

:)

The Dress {Aprill Says Yes}

2011-12-13T10:11:00.001-07:00

Aprill's mom was in town over Thanksgiving, so after Nate proposed, (refer to previous post if you missed the big news!) Aprill was able to go dress shopping before her mom went back to Arizona.

And lucky me! I got invited along!

I was excited, not only to see Aprill choose a dress, but to take pictures, of course!

The owners at the first bridal shop were fine with photography. Others didn't allow pictures, but luckily I snapped a bunch at the first store.

Aprill found the dress of her dreams at the last shop we went to. By that time, Mallory had joined us on the search. (She was at school earlier that day). So, Mallory was especially thrilled to be there to see THE dress. (I'm not posting shots of the winning dress today...I'll save those for the official bridal post).

But...without further ado....a day in the life of an upcoming bride on her quest for the perfect dress!

Aprill Says YES!!

2011-12-12T12:01:00.001-07:00

I'm very late in posting about this. Life has been a bit crazy! No. Life has been A LOT crazy!

But...drumroll please!!!!

My firstborn is engaged!!!

Yes, it's true!

Nate proposed to his girlfriend Aprill on Thanksgiving weekend and she said YES! (YAY!!)

The timing was perfect. Aprill's mom was visiting us for Thanksgiving weekend, so we were all together for the big announcement.

The wedding will be February 18, 2012 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

We couldn't be happier!

Here are some pictures from the big proposal day!

I don't think I've ever before had this many exclamation points in one blog post!! How about one more for good measure?!

:)

The happy couple

Nate sharing the good news with Grandma and Grandpa via Skype

The bling! :)

Nate puts the ring on again....after I made Aprill take it off so I could take a picture. :)

Aprill texts the good news to friends near and far.

California Dreamin' {Newport Beach}

2011-11-21T13:14:00.002-07:00

The colder it gets here in Utah, the more I find myself thinking back to a couple of weeks ago when we were on a family vacation in California. Couldn't resist posting one more batch of shots from the beach. Even though it was a cloudy day when I took these, you still gotta love the beach -- rain or shine!

:)

Cali Alex {Newport Beach}

2011-11-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of my Alex at Newport Beach.

Fun times!!

Day 5 {Cali Mally}

2011-11-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Found some time on our vacation to do some portraits of my beautiful daughter. She's most at home by the ocean, so these express her personality perfectly.

:)

California Day 4 {Newport Beach}

2011-11-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

We spent a day at Newport Beach. It turned out to be a rainy, chilly day. First we went to see the Newport Beach Temple. Then we headed to the ocean and enjoyed some time searching for shells, watching the waves and walking out onto the pier. We had the whole beach pretty much to ourselves.

Here are some shots from the day.

California Day 3 {Surfin' Safari}

2011-11-09T10:59:00.003-07:00

Mallory and Alex took surf lessons two of the days we were in California -- Saturday and Tuesday. The first day, the tide was pretty high and there were some strong waves, so they didn't have much success in getting up on the boards.

The next lesson, however, they did much better.

Mallory has wanted to learn to surf for quite some time, especially after seeing the movie Soul Surfer. Soul Surfer is the story of Bethany Hamilton, a world-class surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack. A movie detailing her inspiring life and her return to surfing came out last spring. I think Mallory has seen it at least a dozen times. Probably more. She dreams of being Bethany Hamilton. Well, minus the shark attack.

I'm pretty sure Mallory's dream would be to live in San Diego -- or Hawaii -- where she could live on the beach and surf every day. Now that she's had a taste of really surfing, I know she can't wait to go back.

It was so fun to watch Mallory and Alex surf. Especially thrilling was seeing the look of complete joy on Mallory's face when she stood up on the surfboard for the first time.

We had a fabulous surf instructor -- Surfer Dude Kevin. Well, that's the name I gave him..I think he really just goes by Kevin...but he was great. He worked so hard with my kids and was very positive and encouraging. We plan to look him up again next time we're in California for more surf lessons.

Here are some shots of Mallory and Alex's two days of surfing.

:)

California Day 2 {Point Loma, Tidepools, San Diego Temple}

2011-11-08T10:21:00.001-07:00

More fun in the California sun. Sunday, we went to church, then headed over to see the lighthouse, Cabrillo National Monument and tidepools at Point Loma, then over to the San Diego Temple and Mormon Batallion Monument.

We went to a lecture about life in the 1500s, and Alex was thrilled to be able to dress up in chain mail and other armor/weapons from that time period.

California Day 1 {San Diego}

2011-11-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

We just got back Saturday from a weeklong vacation in California. Nate and Parker weren't able to go with us....busy studying at BYU....but Mallory and Alex were none too sad to trade a few days in school for some fun in the California sun.

Our first few days we stayed in San Diego. Here are some shots from the first day. More to come!

:)

YW {Photo Shoot Fun}

2011-10-26T13:11:00.003-06:00

I only have one daughter of my own, but am proud to claim all these girls in a way. (And one of them just happens to be my daughter.) They are the young women from my church, and I am lucky enough to be one of their leaders. Never shy in front of the camera, these girls and I had lots of fun at this recent photo shoot.

:)

****Oh and FYI....I updated the Margaret Says blog today, too. So head on over. Let me know what you think. I love comments. :)***

Anderson Family {Fun at the Ferris Wheel}

2011-10-24T13:12:00.001-06:00

My nephew Jason's wife Kate always has the best ideas for their family pictures. This year, she wanted me to do the session at a local ferris wheel. Couldn't have been more perfect. Kate's outfit selection for everyone was perfect and we had a blast!

Definitely one of my favorite sessions ever!

Here are some of my faves.

:)

Hayden {Senior Pictures}

2011-10-14T17:05:00.002-06:00

This handsome young man is Hayden, my friend Laura's son. He was a good sport to put up with some silliness from his mom and me as we embarked on this senior portrait session. Laura scoped out these locations beforehand. I think she did a marvelous job, and I may have to pay her extra. ;)

Roundy Kids

2011-09-27T10:33:00.000-06:00

I've known this family since Parker was in 2nd grade with Ana. I took these shots recently before Ana headed off to college.

Chicago Part 4 {Lots of Stuff}

2011-09-19T15:30:00.003-06:00

On the Saturday we were in Chicago, we took Nate to the city with us because he didn't have to work. We rode the train from Lombard, which was an adventure in itself.
First, when we arrived at the Lombard station we learned that the train was delayed and some nice lady told us the announcement had said it was going to be an hour late. Well bummer, that wasn't going to work for us because we had tickets for an architectural cruise that we would miss if we waited for that late train. We decided we would have to brave the traffic and drive.
As we were walking back to our car, I heard bells and whistles.
"It's the train!" I yelled. We started running back to the station, but ended up on the wrong side of the tracks as the train pulled in. The doors only opened on the opposite side of the train, so there we stood, huffing and puffing...me with my flip flops in my hand (they're really hard to run in, you know)...sadly watching the train pull away.
That's the last time we listen to a nice "helpful" lady at the Lombard train station. :)
But lo and behold, in just a couple of minutes another train pulled in. Apparently they were sending extra trains that day because of the big Air and Water Show that was going on at Lake Michigan.
Lucky us.
We hopped on the train and made it to the architectural cruise appointment with time to spare.
Whew!
The architectural cruise was a great way to see all the city buildings, despite the torrential rains we endured for most of it. After the cruise, we ate lunch at a restaurant in the mall on the Magnificent Mile. Then we took the "L" to Wrigley Field to get a look at the stadium. We got there just as game was about to begin, but decided to go do a few other things instead of watching it.
We then headed back over to the other side of town to watch some of the Air and Water Show. Those Air Force jets are simply amazing. Wow!
Then we walked around some more, visited The Bean and then took another ride on the "L" just because I"m wild about trains.
Our ride back on the train to Lombard was eventful, also. A group of people got on at one stop and a few minutes later, one of them passed out, so there was a big hullabaloo about that. There was a doctor sitting right in front of us, so he went up in the car where the passed out passenger was, then came back and said to his seatmate that it looked like the guy was fine. He was conscious and alert. In spite of that, we had to wait for the ambulance to come and give him a more exciting ride home.
We finally arrived back in Lombard, drove home from the train station to the hotel and went to sleep, exhausted and full of fascinating stories to tell.
We said goodbye to Nate early Sunday (4:30 a.m.) and flew home. Nate worked his last day (Monday), then drove back to Utah, arriving on Wednesday.
Quite an adventure!!

Chicago Part 3 {Downers Grove Car Show}

2011-09-16T11:34:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Nate's birthday while we were in Chicago by doing what Nate likes best -- going to a car show.

This one was in Downers Grove, which is near Lombard where Nate lived during his internship.

Lots of great cars to look at and drool over.

Believe it or not, Nate chose the car show over seeing Mary Poppins in Chicago. Hard to believe, I know. ;)

Chicago Part 2

2011-09-14T11:24:00.001-06:00

More from our fun Chicago trip. Derek and I headed to the city a second time while Nate was at work. I promise my next pictures will include him when he was able to tour around with us on his day off.

We walked and walked and walked. The Riverwalk. The Magnificent Mile. We walked it all. We ate Chicago-style hot dogs by the river. We walked some more.

We walked over to Lake Michigan.....now that is one big lake! They weren't kidding when they named it a Great Lake. We saw some jets practicing for the upcoming air and water show. Very impressive.

It was a good day. My feet were tired. Lots of walking. My blistered feet screamed in pain by the end of the day. But it was a fun day, blisters and all.

Chicago {Part 1}

2011-09-13T16:54:00.004-06:00

Over the summer, Nate did an internship in Chicago. Toward the end of his internship -- and in time to celebrate Nate's birthday -- Derek and I travelled to the Windy City to spend a few days.

Nate had to work for a couple of the days we were there, but we somehow managed to have fun without him. He lived in Lombard, which is about 40 minutes outside of Chicago. Derek and I took the train to the big city and did some sightseeing.

It was lovely to receive this heartfelt welcome when we arrived at the airport! (Thanks, Rahm.)

The next day, as we were headed into the city on the train, I noticed this guy reading his newspaper. Maybe it's just me....but does that really look like a fun place to set up your lawn chair and shirtlessly read the paper? Hmmmmmmm.

From the train window -- my first view of Chicago. The tallest building is the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

I loved this old-fashioned ice cream truck sitting on this very modern street.

Another view of the Willis Tower as we were walking downtown.

A view along the riverwalk.

Outside the Willis Tower.

The view from the Sky Deck in the Willis Tower

Yes, it's a long way down!

The happy tourists!

Sitting on top of the world!

Fisheye view from the top of the Willis Tower.

Derek ready to board the train back to Lombard.

That evening, we met up with Nate for dinner and then headed to see the Chicago Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I loved the unique fountain out front.

Two of my favorite guys!

Another view of the temple.

Moreno Kids {Part 2}

2011-09-08T09:28:00.000-06:00

More of the Moreno kids from our recent session.

Moreno Kids {Part 1}

2011-09-07T12:37:00.001-06:00

Cute Kids. Fun location. What could be better?

:)

Smith Family

2011-09-06T10:39:00.001-06:00

Recent session with my cousin and her family.

Spencer Family

2011-08-31T07:49:00.001-06:00

This was a fun family to photograph. One of the family members is Laura, who was my best friend in high school. Even though we don't live that far away from each other, we don't get together very often. It was fun to hang out with her, as well as her husband's family for this photo shoot.

Luke + Katie {Reception}

2011-08-30T11:04:00.001-06:00

Now some shots from Luke and Katie's reception.

Luke + Katie {Part 2.....Finally!}

2011-08-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

My blog has been neglected lately.

Time to play catch-up!!

Some more from Luke and Katie's beautiful wedding day!

Luke + Katie {Eternity Begins Now}

2011-07-20T16:28:00.001-06:00

As promised, the first batch of many from Luke and Katie's wedding. We actually did these the night before when the weather was cooler and the lighting was better.

Luke + Katie {A Favorite Shot}

2011-07-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

Love this shot of all these handsome guys -- starring my brother Luke in the center on his wedding day.
More...many more...wedding shots to come! :)

London-- Age 2

2011-07-18T08:53:00.000-06:00

I've been taking pictures of this sweetie since she was a newborn.
I met up with her family recently for her 2-year-old photo shoot.
She's definitely getting cuter every time I see her!
:)

Cody + Leni {Happily Ever After}

2011-07-17T10:38:00.000-06:00

Cody + Leni {Getting Ready}

2011-07-13T18:03:00.000-06:00

I was the photographer for my friend's daughter's wedding recently.

Leni was an amazingly beautiful bride.

Here are some shots of her getting ready.

:)

Luke and Katie {Engagements Part 2}

2011-06-24T09:42:00.000-06:00

As promised, Part 2 of Luke and Katie's engagements. And in just a couple of weeks, it will be wedding time!!!

Luke and Katie {Engagements -- Part 1}

2011-06-23T12:17:00.000-06:00

My little brother Luke is getting married! We took a road trip to Idaho Falls recently for an engagement shoot. It was lots of fun spending time with Luke and his cute fiancee Katie.

Oh and just in case you need a tutorial on the workings of my family, here's how it goes. My dad has children from two different marriages. My sister Jan, brother Lance and I are from what we call the first litter. Later, my dad married Janee, who is mom to Cash, Luke, Carson and Faith. Those four are the second litter. It's a little confusing to outsiders who sometimes can't figure out how my kids have uncles and an aunt nearly their same age. But, hey, we're all one big happy family and it works for us. :)

Anyway, here is Part 1 of some of my favorites from Luke and Katie's engagement shoot.

:)

I Hope You Dance

2011-06-17T10:45:00.002-06:00

I've wanted to take some pictures of Mallory in her old, worn-out pointe shoes for quite some time now.

Finally! We did it!

I can't believe how grown-up she looks in these pictures! Wahhhhhh! (And when she's up on those pointe shoes, she's taller than me, too!) Yikes!!!

:)

Looks Like He Made It!!

2011-06-13T10:47:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Parker who graduated June 3 along with the rest of the Bountiful High School Class of 2011.

It was an exciting day/evening and I didn't even cry as much as I thought I would.

I think I got most of the tears out prior to the actual graduation.

Way to go, Parker!!

Next stop: BYU!!!

:)

Brooke + Sean {Together Forever} Part 3

2011-06-08T09:12:00.000-06:00

Sean and Brooke's wedding day was beautiful. Our spring weather had been very rainy, but that day, it was sunny and gorgeous. The flowers all over Temple Square were at the height of their beauty. The colors and varieties of flowers were breathtaking.

Add a happy, gorgeous couple to that and suddenly the photographer's job becomes very easy.
:)

Brooke + Sean {Together Forever} Part 2

2011-06-07T14:24:00.000-06:00

Here a few more of Brooke and Sean's wedding day.

:)

Crossing the Finish Line {Bountiful High Class of 2011}

2011-06-02T11:24:00.001-06:00

Parker graduates tomorrow.

I know. Hard for me to believe, too. How can this boy -- who it seems was in kindergarten just yesterday -- already be graduating?

It seemed only fitting that we head to the track to do some shots in his cap and gown. Believe me, he was thrilled. Luckily there were only a few people on the track, so he didn't have to be overly embarrassed.

I am so proud of this young man. He is amazing!!!

But excuse me while I go get a tissue. These moments are wonderful, but wow...they tug at my heartstrings like you can't imagine!!!

:)

This last shot is my favorite. I can't even begin to count the number of times he's crossed that finish line in his years on the track team.

Brooke + Sean {Together Forever}

2011-06-01T15:49:00.000-06:00

Just a sneak peek of a few from Brooke and Sean's recent wedding.

:)

Juno

2011-05-30T00:34:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I took these pictures of Juno in her blessing dress, but they are too cute not to post. She is the sweetest little thing. That cute little face is too much!

She didn't have very many smiles for me that day...and the ones she had were too quick to catch, but she was -- and is -- adorable anyway.

:)

O!Livia!

2011-05-11T08:45:00.000-06:00

Olivia came to town last week from Pennsylvania just so I could take her picture!

Well, not quite. She came to town with her mom and grandma (my niece and sister-in-law) for a family wedding.

The portrait session was an added bonus for me! I took Olivia's picture when she was a newborn and then her mom and dad swept her off to Pennsylvania so her dad can go to law school. It was so fun to see her again. I was amazed at how big she is. And she's adorable and looks so much like her mom did at this age it's unbelievable!

Patricia, Olivia's mom told me that lately Olivia has been very shy around strangers, but of course she loved me and was happy to smile for the camera. :) I think it also helped that Patricia and Sue Zan were there coaxing out the smiles!

Anyway....it was so fun to see you, Olivia!

Vaughn -- Age 5 {Memory Grove}

2011-05-10T16:05:00.001-06:00

I first met this little guy when I took his picture when he turned 3. Now he's 5 and getting more handsome all the time!

I met up with Vaughn and his parents at Memory Grove recently -- on one of the few non-rainy days we've had here lately.

Here are some of my favorites.

Tonight's Dream...Tomorrow's Memory {Parker's Last Dance} Bountiful High Prom

2011-04-26T16:53:00.000-06:00

  Doing these shots was very fun, but sad in a way, too, because they are from Parker's last high school dance. {Pass the tissues, please!}
  It's hard to believe how quickly this school year has flown! Back in September, Parker's school sent home information about graduation and I thought, "Why are you bothering me about that right now. It's FOREVER until graduation!" Well, forever certainly came way too quickly.
  But I'll save my tears for later and just smile as I look at these shots of these awesome kids!

:)

Brooke + Sean {Engagements} Part 2 -- Memory Grove...etc...

2011-04-25T10:36:00.000-06:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah...last week I said I needed to be busy blogging...but it seems I was busy doing other things, so I never got around to posting the rest of Brooke and Sean's engagement pictures.

Here they are!! Less than two weeks until the Big Day!
:)

Despicable Parker

2011-04-18T14:51:00.000-06:00

I am way behind in blogging.

Bountiful High's Senate Dance was more than a month ago. Prom was last weekend.

Figured I better post Senate Dance pictures before Prom pictures. Plus, I have more Sean and Brooke engagement shots to post.

Better be busy blogging this week.

For the Senate Dance, Parker and his date went as Despicable Me minions. Too cute, huh?

By the way, Parker told me he looks ridiculous in these photos. All the more reason to post them, right?

:)

Brooke + Sean {Engagements} Utah State Capitol

2011-04-12T16:01:00.001-06:00

Exciting news!
My nephew Sean is getting married.
More exciting news!
I get to be the photographer!!

Sean, his fiancee Brooke and I met at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City to do some of their engagement shots.
We got together another day for some outdoor shots, too. That was a little trickier because of our crazy snowy, rainy, windy Utah spring. But we finally did it.

For today...the indoor shots. Outdoor shots coming soon.

Janie and Jack Day 2

2011-04-11T14:27:00.001-06:00

Here are some more shots from the Janie and Jack portrait event at Fashion Place Mall in Salt Lake City. If you missed yesterday's post, scroll down to see some more cute kiddos. :)

Janie and Jack Salt Lake City Photography Event

2011-04-10T21:04:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity recently to be the photographer for a portrait event at specialty children's clothing store Janie and Jack in Salt Lake City.

I spent a couple of days there photographing really cute kids wearing really cute outfits.

It was exhausting, but lots of fun. Here are some of my favorite shots from the first day of the event. More to come tomorrow. :)

Cooper Family

2011-04-07T17:19:00.000-06:00

Love, love, love this cute family. Janae and Travis are fellow photographers, and I always have fun doing pictures of them and their adorable kiddos.

Their kids are hilarious and full of spunk, as you can see from these shots.

Here are some of my faves from their most recent family portrait session.

Eric + Amber -- In the Garden and Reception

2011-04-05T11:02:00.000-06:00

Eric and Amber were married at Thanksgiving Point, a location that boasts acres upon acres of beautiful gardens. After the ceremony we zoomed around the gardens on a six-seater golf cart, driven by one of the wedding coordinators. It was great. Made it possible for us to get to many different spots in a short amount of time. Not much was blooming yet that day, but it is still a gorgeous location.

After the garden shots, we headed back for the reception.

Eric + Amber -- Group Shots

2011-04-04T15:55:00.000-06:00

A few of Eric, Amber and their family and friends following the wedding ceremony.

Eric + Amber -- The Ceremony

2011-03-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorites of Eric and Amber's wedding ceremony.

Amber + Eric -- Getting Ready

2011-03-29T16:21:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Life has been crazy....

But finally I'm getting around to posting these getting ready shots from Amber and Eric's wedding, which I had the pleasure of photographing earlier this month.

Amber and Eric were great to work with. Amber was such a sweetie and very comfortable with my camera in her face all day. :) And little Mark, Eric's son from his first marriage, was as cute as can be and looked adorable in a tux. :)

Welcome Home, Elder Urry!

2011-03-10T09:17:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like the charged atmosphere at the airport when a missionary, who has been gone for two years, is coming home.

I got to share in that excitement -- and feel again the bubbling-over emotions I had when Nate came home 6 months ago. (yes...can you believe it's been that long?).

My friend Shantel and her family welcomed home Elder Urry yesterday. Such an exciting time.

I was there to capture the arrival, enabling Shantel, a fellow photographer, to just enjoy the moment without worrying about her camera. My awesome friends Janae and Tracy did the same for me when Nate came home, and it was wonderful. I was more than happy to be there for Shantel.

Happy tears all around.

Welcome home, Elder Urry!

Simplot -- Final Day

2011-02-23T15:19:00.001-07:00

Parker ran in one of three heats with the top 36 milers on Saturday. He ended up finishing in 4:37.14, which is just a fraction off his personal record of 4:36.90. He came in 19th overall.

:)

Simplot Games 2011 -- Day 1

2011-02-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

We had a fun road trip to Pocatello, Idaho last week. Parker participated in the Simplot Games, a national indoor track meet. This was his third and final (sniff) year. It's making me sad that we are coming to the end of Parker's high school track career. Simplot was the last indoor meet of the season. Outdoor track starts in just a few weeks.

I have to give a shout out to the nice media relations guy who let me wear a media badge and come right down near the track to photograph Parker. This guy saw me standing up in the public seating area with my big lens and asked me if I had someone running in the meet. I told him yes, and then he let me come down in the media-only area. I was so grateful. It gave me a much better vantage point.

He told me to find him on the day of finals, too, and he let me down there again on Saturday. So, hooray Idaho State University Media Relations. You rock!

Parker did well enough on Thursday to be able to compete with the top 36 mile runners on Saturday.

Way to go, my favorite runner!

:)

What I Do at Track Meets

2011-02-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

At the risk of scaring you away from ever reading my blog again, I'm sharing these photos.

This is what a 2 1/2-hour car ride, plus a couple of hours of waiting for Parker's race does to me at a track meet.

Something about that Idaho air, too.

Fisheye lenses are not that flattering, either.

:)

Which do you like better.....this crazy face?

Or this crazy face? I know...they're both equally attractive. :)

Alex enjoying the iPad.

Luckily, 10-year-olds don't get too horrified when their mothers act weird in public.

Alex looks like he is ready for this experience to be over.

Back to the Future

2011-02-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

In my church, I am one of the leaders of the girls 12-18. We recently had a fun event for the girls and their parents. Our theme was Back to the Future and everyone was invited to dress according to their favorite decade. I chose the 50s. What's not to love about wearing a poodle skirt? :) Our evening included a 50s-style dinner, a program, and then the girls assembled time capsules to open in five years.

Here are some fun and sassy shots from that night.

:)

Me, Derek and Mallory

My buddy Ronda and me

Me enjoying a pretend soda at the pretend soda shop.

Tea Party at Grandma Jan's

2011-02-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Last week, my sister hosted a Valentine Tea Party for her granddaughters. I invited myself so I could take pictures. :)

It was a fun afternoon that included games, storytime, cardmaking, cookie decorating, a treasure hunt and, of course, treats!

Here are some of my favorite shots from the event. If you want to see more, you can view the slideshow in my blog sidebar.

:)

Cutest Couple BHS Class of 2011

2011-02-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Parker and Brianna were invited to participate in the Couples Challenge at the BHS Valentine's Assembly.

They competed against other couples answering questions to see who knew each other best.

It was entertaining and enlightening.....

There were two assemblies. In the first, Parker and Brianna took second place.

Recently the senior class voted on the class favorites. You know things like, "Most Likely to be Distracted by Something Shiny", "Most Likely to Live With His/Her Mother Until Age 35", "Best Smile", "Best Laugh", etc.

Parker and Brianna received the coveted distinction of being named Cutest Couple of the BHS Class of 2011.

All together now....

AWWWWWWWWWW.

Here are some shots of their intense competition at the assembly, so you can see for yourself just how cute they really are.

:)

Olympic Oval in Black and White

2011-02-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

One more post from the Olympic Oval. Parker has participated in two track meets there recently.

This time he ran the 800-meter and got his personal record. He ran it in 2:04. That's minutes.. :)

He also did the 2-mile. I can't remember his time. He wasn't as excited about that one because it wasn't a personal record. But he still did great, according to me, his mom.

I decided to post these shots in black and white. I like the documentary feel they have.

Yes, my dream would be to be a world-famous photojournalist, but I'll have to settle for documenting high school track meets for now. That's not such a bad gig either. :)

Hope Everybody's Thirsty....

2011-02-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

You know. Some things should just go without saying. This sign I saw the other day at the Olympic Oval when I was there for Parker's track meet is a good example.

Reading this, I thought to myself, "What has transpired here that made it necessary to post a sign about this?"

Well, I can probably guess.

And I probably do not EVER want to drink out of this drinking fountain.

EVER.

Or any other public drinking fountain, for that matter....because, really, who knows what's been going on in there when you weren't looking.

Have I thoroughly grossed you out?

Water, anyone?

I Am Feeling Very Olympic Today!

2011-02-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

Parker competed recently in an indoor track meet at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City, which is where the speed skating events took place during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

It's always fun to come to this venue. The running track is built around the outside of the ice rink. Usually when we are there, we see skaters practicing. Just when you think the runners are going fast, a speed skater on the inner rink will zip past at amazing speed.

Parker ran his season best at this meet. He's actually competing there again this weekend again in a different meet, so there may be some familiar looking pictures again in a few days.

:)

Down and Derby

2011-01-31T13:44:00.001-07:00

Alex (with help from Derek) spent a lot of time building his Pinewood Derby car over the last couple of weeks. The competition was last Thursday, and Alex's speedy hot rod won the 2nd place overall award.

Way to go, Alex!

:)

The pre-race weigh-in of the cars.

Alex and Derek eagerly anticipated the first race.

A close-up of the hot rod.

Ready to roll!

Placing the car carefully on the track.

Heading for the finish line.

Happily showing off his ribbon.

Tyler + Mykelle -- Wedded Bliss

2011-01-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

A few more from Tyler and Mykelle's wedding.