1. Started experimenting with off camera flash this past week. I dream of someday doing some studio portraiture in addition to my on-location natural light work. It’s a ways off, but it’s great to set long-term goals!
2. Underwood Family Farms near our house is all set up for fall (with a pumpkin patch, mini corn maze, and autumn decor) so we took the kids there for a picnic lunch and to feed the animals last week. I see several more visits in our future during Halloween season
3. Looking forward to the husband’s upcoming 12-day vacation from work! Lots of family fun planned.
4. Just finished a great book- “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. It was terrific. I’m looking forward to starting JoJo Moyes’ sequel to “Me Before You,” “After You.” Absolutely LOVED the former and hoping the sequel doesn’t disappoint!
5. Finally got around to starting Arrested Development on Netflix. It’s one of my husband’s faves and I’ve wanted to start it forever. Liking it so far- great characters.

1. What are you watching on TV lately? For me, it’s Bachelor In Paradise and the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (hilarious!)
2. Speaking of entertainment..current book: “the Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty. Really enjoying it! I’m told she has several other good books too, so they’re now in my queue. I love when I hit on a new (to me, anyway) great author!
3. Family portrait sessions galore coming up! Set up your holiday sessions now to ensure a slot!
4. Busy busy week ahead- shoots, various appointments, Back to School Night, and activities- hoping for lots of energy and productivity!
5. Also looking forward to getting my husband for three (and a half) days. He’s been overworked lately (as have all of his hardworking co-workers) and I’m excited to have some family time- even if we’re running around like crazy!

Have a great week all!

1. We took the girls to Build A Bear last week. It was Shiloh’s first time. Both girls had a blast!
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- Adeline is so into them! I never would’ve guessed that I’d have to go through two rounds of obsession with the heroes in a half-shell (the first being my brother’s in the early ’90’s!).
3. Adeline has also been into taking pictures lately, which excites me to no end. She often asks if she can borrow my phone to snap a pic of something. I love it (except when she asks to take pics of me first thing in the morning)!
4. Two favorite easy snacks lately: Trader Joe’s ready-to-eat lentils (refrigerated section) mixed with their bruschetta sauce (also refrigerated section) and crumbled feta served with pita chips; OR the lentils mixed with their Goddess dressing, also served with pita chips- equally delicious!
5. My essential oil of choice this week: DoTerra’s DigestZen, as I’ve had two girls with a nasty stomach bug Here’s hoping Adeline (she’s the latest victim) is on the mend!

1. Had dinner with a great friend last night. Good friends are good for the soul! I needed the talk therapy
2. Took the girls to Build-A-Bear today. It was Shiloh’s first time (Adeline has been before). We had so much fun!
3. I finally read the book ‘Me Before You.’ I’ve been meaning to forever, but always put it off because I heard it was a tear-jerker. It totally is, but also so worth it! I can’t wait for the movie.
4. Enrolled Adeline in Pre-K a few weeks ago. I cannot believe I’m going to have a little Pre-K kid come fall!
5. Went to the Malibu Family Winery last weekend for one of my best friends’ birthdays. I love it there! On a warm sunny day with a blanket and picnic packed, it’s so perfect!

1. We’ve had a glimpse of summer these past few days! It’s been in the 80’s and 90’s…need to switch from heater to AC (or in our case, box and ceiling fans, haha).
2. Checked out a potential Pre-K for our big girl this past week. I can’t believe she’ll be starting school in the fall! *tear*
3. Our youngest, Shiloh, 2 years at the end of this month, is becoming quite the girly-girl lately. She is obsessed with dresses and dressing up, shoes (she’s even been living in our 3-foot Anna doll’s blue plastic ones that so happen to fit her feet), and all things pink! It’s a bit of a new experience for us, as her big sis has always been into pirates and the color red (they both, however, harbor a ‘Frozen’ obsession like seemingly all kids of their ages).
4. Gorgeous fiery sunsets lately!
5. Had a 1st Communion mini portrait session recently- a first for me! I love the images. I probably won’t be blogging them, as it was only a mini and I’ve shared a few on my Facebook page already, but if you’re interested in seeing them, follow me on Facebook at Sweet Adeline Photography.

1. It’s that time of year again. Reese’s pieces egg time. Those things do me in every year.
2. ‘The Girl on the Train.’ My new fave book. Up there with ‘Gone Girl’ in my humble opinion.
3. Fried Top Ramen. Boil water, cook ramen for about 4 minutes, drain completely, mix in seasonings packet, fry in a skillet until noodles get a little crispy and delicious. You’re welcome.
4. Spring is just around the corner! Looking forward to Easter, warmer weather, my tulips blooming…
5. …although, I must say that I really enjoyed the hailstorm and thunder showers we had the other day, and wouldn’t mind a few more April showers one bit!

1. Adeline got her FIRST ever hair cut (well, it was more like a trim, but still!) yesterday. Lucky for us, I have a former hair stylist for a Mom. Photo documentation here.
2. And Shiloh will be TWO in just a little over a month. My babies are growing up! :'(
3. Although I’m always grateful for good friends, I’m feeling extra so lately. I really do have some amazing friends and I am so very lucky!
4. Started watching “Parenthood” recently (have I mentioned this already? I always forget my P.S.’s). We are at least halfway though the first season and I love it so far.
5. And then there’s my guilty pleasure…the Bachelor. “The Women Tell All” is coming up, people!

1. The hubby and I got to have a Happy Hour date last night at the little cafe around the corner. I love having my parents close so my mom can come watch the kids for little quickie outings! So nice.
2. We finished the series “How I Met Your Mother” a few nights ago. I don’t want to ruin anything for those who might Netflix it, but I will say that it left me SO emotional! I loved that show, I’m going to miss watching it!
3. In need of a new show, we started “Parenthood” last night. We just watched the pilot. I’ve heard great things about it.
4. Reading the newest Diane Chamberlain book, “the Silent Sister,” after finishing up “Necessary Lies” last week. Man, I love Diane!
5. Made cauliflower pizza crusts last week. They turned out great and were delicious!

1. The husband has had a few days off and we celebrated his birthday. We enjoyed a lovely date night at the Ranch House Ojai. It’s so beautiful there! I highly recommend it if a unique dining experience in a romantic garden setting sounds up your alley.
2. Butterscotch Peanut Butter Cake. This is the birthday cake I made hubby. Oh my goodness.
3. Shiloh wore her first pigtails yesterday! I could hardly stand the cuteness <3
4. My little wild bunnies are back! We have a couple of little bunnies that come through our backyard and eat the little fruits that fall from our palm trees, and I hadn’t seen them for a few months, but they’re back now. I just love all the wildlife in our yard- bunnies, squirrels, roadrunners, quail, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds…and yes, snakes in the summer (not my fave). One of the best things about living in our new city right up against a creek!
5. I’ve been photographing food a bit lately. I’ve always loved cooking and baking, but before recently I never mingled my photography and food passions. I like it, though! It’s a unique challenge for me. Follow my food Facebook page Bad Hunters, Good Cooks to see a few of my recent food shots and to get easy, *usually* healthy, family-friendly recipes and meal ideas. And while I’m at it, if you don’t already, follow my Facebook photography page as well, Sweet Adeline Photography, to see news and recent session sneaks!