Best Face Photo of 2014

It's always difficult, when I'm browsing through my photos from the past year, to settle on one as my favorite. There are so many moments that I love. 

But little Sue's face just melts my heart in this photo.

Make sure you stop by I Heart Faces to see more of the entries for Best Face Photo of 2014.

The Kids' Fall Photos

I tell ya', my sister makes the cutest kids. No bias or anything.

Back in September I decided it was necessary to document all this adorableness. I used school photos as an excuse.

Besides Judah insisting on making weird faces (why do little boys think this is the most hilarious thing ever?), it was super easy to get some good shots of these photogenic kids. Now, group shots are a different story...

Our Fall 2014 Family Pictures

I'm pretty surprised that we got any nice photos out of this shoot. On a whim, one evening when Reuben got off work early, I decided that we should take some family photos. I quickly did my hair and makeup and picked out clothes for us all. 

We drove out onto Reuben's family's land and found a pretty spot. Just as the light was beginning to fade we managed to set up the tripod and grab some shots. 

I'd like to do a bigger photo shoot with just Reuben and I someday, but I'll probably have to be satisfied with these until next year. Unless I can convince him to do another shoot (which doesn't sound too likely). :)

Do you like to take a family photo each year?

Sparklers!

Sorry about the dead air around here lately, everyone! Summer has taken off faster and been busier than I expected. I'll try to remedy my absence.

Last weekend was our family reunion. On Friday night my cousin-in-law, Ben, set off fireworks and lit sparklers for the kids. I knew I had to run to my car and get my camera - everyone was being so photogenic. 

The kids had to line up to receive their sparklers. Elinor was a bit wary of the flying sparks.

What have you been up to lately? Any big plans for the summer?

3 Years

Three years ago today Reuben and I said our vows before God and men and started the grandest adventure of our lives. We've been through so much together in such a short time. I've learned so much (like how selfish I really am, and what it really means to love), and have much more still to learn.

Marriage has definitely been the hardest thing I've ever done (with motherhood coming in a close second). But it's also so rewarding and very much worth it. I wouldn't have wanted to go through it with anyone other than my love, Reuben. He has always been so ready to forgive me. I am continually amazed at his wisdom. He is an awesome husband and father.

Thank you, Reuben, for loving me through it all. 

10 Months + Photo-a-Day: Days 17 + 18

Helen is 10 months old!

Here’s what’s new this month:

• She started walking! At just a week or so shy of 10 months, she really took off. Here and here are videos to prove it.
• She learned how to point at things. It’s fun to see her pointing at animals in books and at people.
• She’s learning how to use signs as well. I taught her the sign for when she wants to nurse. It’s nice to know for sure what she wants.
• She’s learning knew words as well. She says “Bye-bye” and waves, uh-oh (see this video for proof), and hot (pronounced with a silent H) for sure. She probably says other things that I don’t recognize yet.
• She’s sleeping through the night. Hallelujah! She still fusses a bit in the middle of the night, but she’ll put herself back to sleep. We started sleep training her a few nights ago, and it only took about a night and a half for her to figure it out.

And now for the photo-a-day pictures:

Day 17: Cousin Susan loves to give Helen kisses. So sweet!

Day 18: Helping Dad! I love the look of concentration on her face.

2 Responses to 10 Months + Photo-a-Day: Days 17 + 18

1. Cait 
   December 19th, 2013 at 3:19 pm
   She is so tiny to be walking! It’s adorable. My Jacqueline was just past her first birthday, and even she looked like a baby doll walking around.
2. Linda 
   December 19th, 2013 at 8:03 pm
   Congratulations to Helen! Her concentration is a real marvel–where there’s a will there’s a way, and will she has! What a sweetheart.

December Photo-a-Day 2013: Days 12 + 13

So sorry I missed posting yesterday, guys! I was watching my sister’s kids while she and her husband went on a date yesterday afternoon/evening.

Day 12: Helen has been obsessed with walking the past few days. It was funny and amazing to see her so determined to learn how to walk. She taught herself how to stand up without assistance and was toddling around crazily. I can’t believe I’m already the mother of a “toddler!” You can see a short clip of her walking here (I’ll post a better video when I write up her ten month update).

A delicious breve (breve > latte) made by my bro-in-law. Yummy.

2 Responses to December Photo-a-Day 2013: Days 12 + 13

1. Rachel 
   December 15th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
   Awww, so sweet! How old is she now? :)
   Mmmm, breve’s are the best! *clinks coffee cup to yours*
   Blessings & Grace,
   Rachel
   {http://mysunkissedfarm.wordpress.com/}
2. Erica Lea 
   December 16th, 2013 at 1:13 am
   Rachel: She just turned 10 months on Friday. :) Yeah, I’m kind of addicted to cream – lattes seem much less flavorful now.

December Photo-a-Day 2013: Day 6

My little stinker Helen. She’s growing up so fast.

1 Response to December Photo-a-Day 2013: Day 6

1. Naomi 
   December 7th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
   She is so adorable

December Photo-a-Day 2013: Day 1

Hey everyone!

I have decided to give myself a little push with my photography and do a photo-a-day this December. I’m not sure yet whether or not I’ll be uploading a photo every day. We’ll see how it goes.

Today’s photo is of Reuben’s uncle reading in a cozy chair.

Reuben’s family hosted a big get-together over the weekend. It was fun to see everyone, but now I’m quite tired out from running after Helen. :)

2 Responses to December Photo-a-Day 2013: Day 1

1. Elizabeth 
   December 2nd, 2013 at 9:29 am
   This is a beautiful photo. The lighting is perfect. I’d love to see your photos everyday.
2. Erica Lea 
   December 16th, 2013 at 1:16 am
   Aw, thanks, Elizabeth! :D

“R” Family 2013

A few weekends ago I photographed this fun family. They were all so laid back and friendly.

We were hoping for a cloudy day for more even lighting, but the sun made for some lovely back-lit single portraits.

I really like how the group shots showcase their love for each other, but my favorites are the individual shots of the kids. I love their smiles.

Have an awesome day!

Erica