I'm back...

and man, it feels great!

Preparing for vacation, vacationing and unpacking have made me a busy little lady. I'm finally back and oh so ready for action! I've missed the blogging world mucho grande ;)

So, I just got back from Costa Rica, Central America. My family has gone on excursions each summer ever since I can remember. Before I got married and began my own family I was always apart of those trips. This is the first year Brandon, Ariston and I have had the opportunity to join them and I am so grateful that we did. 

Because we stayed at an all-inclusive resort there really was no reason to leave, we had everything we could imagine right where we stayed. We did take a canopy tour zip lining and sunset cruise while we were there. SO MUCH FUN! Thinking back, I believe the greatest experience was getting to see the wild monkeys. They were everywhere we went and so fun to watch. Below are a few of my favorite "nature" photos from the trip.

Happiness

Have you ever came across something that, well... for whatever reason every time you looked at it it just made you happy? Sure you have, hopefully every day... and if you're really lucky (or shall I say blessed) it happens to you multiple times a day. Now- I'm not talking about the obvious things we love like family and friends... I'm talking about something different. Something not expected and unanticipated that simply makes your heart smile every time you get a glance of it.

That moment happened to me today. After photographing little bunnies in my front yard (Oh, those make me happy too!) I began walking back in the house. On the way in I took one last glance at my "Julia Child" rose bush tree and thought, "Wow, those flowers make me so happy." Yes. I realize we are talking about a flower here, but truly, that little tree makes me so darn happy. I can't quite figure it out. I don't think it's the normal "girl & flowers" thing. I mean, what girl doesn't love flowers, right? I don't know if it's the shape of the tree (a little trunk with a ball at the top full of blooms) or the color and shape  of the roses (small, buttery yellow) or maybe even the sweet smell they exude... but whatever it is... it makes my heart smile.  I've wanted these trees for a few years now but haven't really felt like splurging on one ($30 each, I of course ended up getting 2- oopsy). Finally, after getting my little cottage *almost* finished on the inside I was able to start on the outside. Finally... it was time :) All I know is that whatever it is about those flowers that make me happy, it 's worth every penny. 

{ maternity } Anna & Jeremy -Jackson too!

Oh how I love baby bumps! There is something so amazing about a woman that's preggo...  they truly do glow. Anna and I had been discussing doing her maternity photos for months now. Finally, little Mr. Jackson got just big enough for me to take some pictures of his mommy (and of course we made Dad join in on a few too). I took these photos on Jeremy and Anna's land in Sharpsburg. They have some amazing places for photos. Anna was very vibrant, beautiful and up for anything- we had a lot of fun being creative. Seeing Anna in all her beauty made me miss the feeling of carrying a little one. I enjoyed being pregnant and can't wait until I get to experience that again.