Catching up!

Greetings family and friends! I'm sure you've probably thought that we've abandoned the blog...not so, just neglected it for a while! We're back and I would guess that during the next few months, will have plenty to post, if we can keep up with everything!

First, Josh, Miranda and Jayden have moved back to Washington State!!! Josh finished his term (4 years) in the Navy and they arrived here earlier this week. After a long 5+ days, they arrived, very tired of driving/riding in the car, but they did get to see many states as they drove WEST across the US!! They will be living with us until they find jobs and save enough to get something of their own. Naturally, we are very happy to have them close (really close!) and have an opportunity to bond with Jayden. She's 20 months old and cute as can be (we're not at all biased!!)...talks lots, loves to give hugs and kisses and really loves their dog, Ace. Ace is a mix (lab, shepherd and maybe chow - black spots on tongue) and is about 9 months old. They said he was a great traveler during their trip. He's very sweet and is quickly learning where he can and can't go in the yard and seems to mind well. Aussie (nearly 12 yrs. old) isn't so sure about him, though they did play the first night, but since then, Aussie prefers the front yard or garage over the back yard or inside where Ace usually is. For now, the bonus room is where they are staying...in about a week and a half, their things should arrive (via moving company) and they'll get some things out before it goes into storage to get them through till they move.

Other news...the wedding plans are coming along nicely and we're getting the major things taken care of with some of the smaller details left to work out. This past weekend we got the invitations put together and in the next week or two we'll get them in the mail. That day (August 11th) will be here before we know it!! Last month we took engagement photos of Jess and Sean and had a good time with them. We went to a local park and had some decent weather that day. Terri's friend, Kate, who is going to be the photography at the wedding came along so she could get to know Jess and Sean as well as help Terri with reflecting for some of the photos...Rick was the diffuser! Rick's parents were here at the time and also joined us for that session.

Jess will be finishing up her third quarter at Highline Community College in the next couple of weeks and has done very well this year. Besides keeping up (and getting excellent grades) with her classes, she's also been working at the bank, up to 30 (more at times) hours per week. We're very proud of how hard she's worked and balanced work, school and the planning of the wedding.

Next month we're going to Tennessee for a wedding in Tullahoma. It's Michael Swift's wedding, son of our friends, Allen and Brenda. Last summer we had the pleasure of photographing Michael and his fiance, Allison, as well as Allison and her family during a long weekend out there. We are shooting the wedding and really looking forward to it...Michael and Allison are a neat couple and we're excited to be part of their special day. Jess and Sean will be coming along with us for this trip (over 4th of July)...it'll be the first time Jess has been back to Tennessee since we moved 12 years ago!! And, Sean has never been there, so we'll take one day to see a few sights, including our old homes there.

After that wedding, we'll return home and less than two weeks later, we are leaving for a week long Alaskan cruise!! This is celebrating our 25th anniversary (this month) and we are very excited for the trip. Now, just so that you don't think we are crazy...we planned this before any weddings were planned...or any engagements!! Allen and Brenda Swift as well as another couple will also be joining us as they will also be celebrating their 25th anniversary. Five years ago we went on our first cruise with Allen and Brenda to celebrate our 20th...looks like we've got a pattern going! Naturally, we expect to take MANY photographs during that week!!!!

Terri has kept busy with her photography this spring and has had several portrait sessions...and many of them with young children. What fun they are - always expect the unexpected with children...and that's the beauty of photographing them, nothing is planned! She's been taking several online classes this year as well, so has kept quite busy with it all.

Rick's been busy with work...although this is the quieter season for the company. November thru February tends to keep them busy, mostly due to weather. Next week he's going to Houston for some meetings, but really doesn't travel much at all. Last week he had an unfortunate accident while doing yard work and broke his foot, so has been slowed down considerably! He's down to just "hobbling" with his cute little boot, after abandoning the crutches. It's no fun for him, but could have been worse and the timing definitely could have been worse with all we have going on during the summer. He should be fine by the cruise, if not by the time we fly to Tennessee.

I guess we've rambled on long enough and have updated you on what's been going on. Life is good and we are enjoying having our kids around and their families...and although we'll be busy this summer, it's all happy, fun events that will keep us on the go and we are looking forward to it all. We hope you are all doing well and that we will get to see you during the summer (maybe the wedding??).

Love,

Rick & Terri