7 Days 7 Photographer {A Day in the Life of a Wedding Photographer}

Whew...what a week!  Not only was this a busy week for photo sessions, prepping for this great project, three trips to Sedona, meeting with lots of couples getting married in 2012, but on top of all the normal activity one of our computers decided to die.  When someone says the motherboard is fried, well, that's kind of like someone telling you you've ran out of oil in your car and the engine has seized.  Not good.  So, we had to weigh out the choices, did it make more sense to buy new, or repair an already old system?  In the end, the new system won and the last two days have been spent on the phone with various tech supports trying to get programs reloaded and re-licensed.  Yes, very good times indeed! :)

For this project, I choose to document  "A Day in the Life as a Wedding Photographer", which, hopefully shows what my  days are like before I get to the job and while working a wedding. 

When I get up, this is literally the first thing that I see.  I like to call it "Animal Parade" which is really just tripping over our hungry pets.

After I stumble through the house, I go outside and water my garden.  This year, I choose to grow little tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli.  I also grew some wildflowers to attract bees so that the vegetables would be pollinated.  I would say, this year, it was pretty successful.  For those of you that are familiar with Flagstaff gardening, you know we have about a 60-90 day growing season, which makes it tough for growing much of anything.  In the past, I've planted in my front and back yard (North and South facing) and I've never had a great crop.  But, with my new raised bed garden, on the east side of my house, it seems a bit easier.  I've had lots of tomatoes (much to the dismay of my husband, who is actually afraid of tomatoes), about a dozen cucumbers, but no broccoli yet.  I'm hopeful though!

When I finish that, it's off to medicate JoJo.  He's our senior kitty that is diabetic and blind and gets insulin injections twice a day.  He's been on insulin for about 3 years now and is doing great.  And, because the needle is SO small, he doesn't even notice the injection.  If any of you ever find yourself faced with having to do injections on an animal, don't sweat it.  It's so, so easy and with treats, they don't mind at all!

Here's a little blog board of our four legged family members :)  Yes, Banjo loves to dress up and I find myself throwing all sorts of articles of clothing and accessories on his randomly.  Although my husband argues with me, I do think he loves the attention!  They are all rescues and each add their own kind of sweetness to our lives.  I do love them so much!

I can't do anything without delicious coffee.  This is from Late from the Train in Flagstaff.   And yes, I do know how ridiculously shiny my coffee mug is, but hey, sometimes you need a little sparkle to your morning!  I also have the biggest sweet tooth you've ever known, so these delicious cinnimon rolls were perfect to get me going!

I think around 10:30am is when I logged onto the computer and generally started getting ready for my work day.

The only bad thing about being a wedding photographer, is that you have to generally miss out on a lot of things going on in your friends' lives.  On this particular day, I was missing my dear friends, Zsuzsi and John's, wedding. All I could do is write them a note telling them how much I wished I could be there for them.  Our friends, Molly and John, pictured below, were in town from Florida and staying with us to go to the wedding and it was really, really hard to go my separate way.

These are items needed and packed away for my work day; charged batteries, about 30 pounds of camera gear, my favorite Dansko shoes for working ( This photo taken before I cleaned them off, we had a forest photo session the day before!), enough memory cards for 8,000 photos (yes, I'm paranoid about running out)  and a lint brush for all of my pet hair that always ends up on my black pants :)

Timelines are critical for our day, Kristen and I spend a lot of time and communication with the couple to make sure everything runs seamlessly, the second photo is of our snacks packed, and on the right is my lovely assistant, Kristen, greeting me with her sparkling smile for the day!.  I really can't say enough kind and wonderful things about this woman; she's dedicated, a wildly talented photographer, patient with my stress and just a wonderful human being.  She's been with me for almost a year and I count my blessings to have found her!

Our wedding was at Hart Prairie, north of the San Francisco Peaks and it was nothing short of a perfect day!  It was overcast, never rained one drop and mid-70s.  Yes, perfect!  Then, add in a super sweet couple, Caitlin and Ryan, and the wedding becomes things that photographers dream of.   These photos are were taken right before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we headed to the High Country Conference Center.  We spotted a great kid's section that Kim of KD Event Designs had prepared and got a couple of cute photos with the kid's masks.  OK, we're dorkly, but why not?

During dinner, no one really wants photos taken of them eating, so it's a great time for us to take 20 minutes to recharge batteries, get our gear together and grab some food for ourselves.  We were lucky to share dinner with Kim and her assistants.  This is about the time in the day when I start looking a bit tired, don't you think?

This photo was literally the last photo on the card, Kristen and I with Caitlin and Ryan.  Kristen and I really are so fortunate to be able to do what we love. Sometimes I have to pinch myself!

Tune in tomorrow for a sneak peak of this beautiful wedding!

Be sure to check out the past and future posts from the other photographers below!  If you're on Twitter, follow us here by searching for #7Days7Photographers or #TWIPS.  Here's a list of the photographers involved and their dates:

Sunday:  Casie of Rebelbellephotoblog.com
Monday:  Ashley of Scobeyphotography.com
Tuesday:  Orly of Intimateweddingphotography.co.uk
Wednesday:  Ariana of Facesinfocusphotography.com

Friday:  Shannon of shannon-kelley.com
Saturday:  Steph of bubblerock.co.nz

Thanks for reading! ~ Melissa

7 Days 7 Photographers {One Week Behind the Camera}

I'm excited to be part of a great and fun project this week, "7 Days, 7 Photographers-One Week Behind the Lens".  Spearheaded by Ariana Watts of Faces in Focus Photography, this project aims to give readers a glimpse into working, vacation and ordinary days of professional photographers all across the globe.  I'm so honored to have been asked to participate!  If you're on Twitter, follow us here by searching for #7Days7Photographers or #TWIPS.  Here's a list of the photographers involved and their dates:

Sunday:  Casie of Rebelbellephotoblog.com
Monday:  Ashley of Scobeyphotography.com
Tuesday:  Orly of Intimateweddingphotography.co.uk
Wednesday:  Ariana of Facesinfocusphotography.com
Thursday:  Melissa (that's me!) melissadunstan.blogspot.com
Friday:  Shannon of shannon-kelley.com
Saturday:  Steph of bubblerock.co.nz

I hope all of you get to read about these very talented ladies and be sure and check back Thursday when I post my day!

Paying it forward

Do you ever get an unexpected surprise?  Two days ago I was surprised by the thoughtfulness of one of my clients, Madalyn, when her daughter, Amee, made a special delivery to my studio.  Madalyn, in a gesture of sweetness, made this beautiful gift bag for me filled with delightful teas, soaps, honey and even some special hand made treats for my doggies as a thank you for me doing her family photos.  It was one of the sweetest things I've ever received.  I cried when I read the note and was overcome with her thoughfullness.

The gift came to me on one of those days when I was feeling run down and particularly blue.  I had been sitting at my computer for 12+ hour days, and was trying to juggle way to many things in my personal and business life.  And, I was failing at that balance.  It made me think of how gestures, like Madalyn, can truly make a person's day brighter, so I decided to pay it forward.  I hope the recipient of my token of appreciation has a better day just like I did when I got this gift.  I decided to deliver it on Monday, which is usually the day of overwhelming demands.  I hope it brings a smile as big as I had.

I'm still struggling to find that balance, but in the meantime, I hope to spread some cheer. 

All of these items came from her shop in Phoenix, The Southwest Herb Shop.  I can't wait to visit this beautiful healthy boutique next time I'm in the valley.  Thank you so much Madalyn!

The Speech I Never Gave - {T.C. & Carrie}

It's been a while since I was a bridesmaid, but last month, I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid in two of my dearest friends wedding. I was elated, overwhelmed with love and was absolutely bursting with happiness. For those of you who know me, you know I'm a crier, and I mean the sobbing type with mascara all over my face. It's definitely not pretty. It took everything I had not to burst out in tears during their vows. I kept pinching myself over and over. I'm absolutely amazed that I didn't have myself covered in bruises by the end of the ceremony.

These awesome photographs were taken by my friend and associate, Kristen Carnes. Thank you Kristen to documenting this day so beautifully for two amazing people!

When T.C. told me he was going to propose to Carrie I made a comment to him that I was going to give a speech at his wedding, to somehow convey to him just how happy I was for the both of them, and what joy was in my heart. Yet, when the time came, after the Maid of Honor's and Best Man's speech was completed, I could not. Their words were so perfect, so filled with love, appreciation, and so eloquently spoken, I knew I couldn't even muster one word out of my mouth. So, I let the time pass by.

Now, one month later, I want to complete my promise and humbly offer my speech that was written with love, but never spoken. So here goes...

I met T.C. about ten years ago and our friendship grew easily. He is the kind of guy that you can just pop in and hang out with, enjoy a beer, or talk into a bike ride after work. He's honorable, dependable and one of the sweetest souls out there. One such example is when my dog, Ginger, was diagnosed with cancer and given less than a week to live. T.C. came by my house, sat lovingly on the floor with my pup and gently said his goodbyes. The day she passed, T.C. showed up at my house with a tree. He planted the tree and announced to me that this was a way I could remember her by. In that moment of gentleness, I saw his love and compassion. Now over four years later, when I look at that tree, I remember not only my sweet dog, but also my sweet friend.

Another such example was my wedding day. I choose to get married in March...in Flagstaff... outside in a meadow. Now, we all knew how this was going to end....of course it rained and snowed the week of my wedding making the meadow soggy and a big muddy mess. T.C. knew how important the meadow was to me, he knew this is where I felt most at peace, and I desperately wanted to say my vows under the great open sky, even if snow flakes were falling. So, being the dear friend that he is, T.C. went to the hardware store, bought lots of plywood, and built me a aisle to walk upon.

A couple months after our wedding, T.C. bought a house down the street from Grant and I. We were elated! This meant our best friend would only be seconds from us, 32 seconds to be exact (on a bike). He got two new roommates, named Carrie and Kate, and they moved in.

Fast forward a few months, and T.C. and Carrie were dating. (That story actually involves the plywood from my aisle, and how it became his garage roof with the help of Carrie, but the maid of honor told that story beautifully at the wedding!) I got to know Carrie more and more, and I absolutely fell in love with her. She was just as caring and sweet as T.C., and quite frankly, I adored her.

I should mention that T.C., up until this point, called me the "Chick Whisperer". He would consult me from time to time for sage advice on women, and what to do in a relationship situation. Being that he was solid in his relationship with Carrie, he switched from relationship advise to present purchasing advise. One such day, he was contemplating a present for Carrie for Valentines Day. I suggested the usual...dinner at a nice restaurant, perfume, a nice box of chocolate, roses, etc. I'll never forget when T.C. said, "I'm thinking of getting her an automatic car starter". I remember staring at him and thinking maybe that wasn't such a great, romantic gift, but he proceeded anyhow.

Carrie's birthday is about one month after Valentine's Day, and he came to me once again. "I think I'm going to get Carrie some white leather Reebok's".

Now, by this point, I was deep into my master plan, which was to make Carrie one of my Best Friends Forever, and quite frankly, I thought T.C. was ruining it for me. Surely, he was going to chase off this fantastic girl by giving her such practical gifts. But low and behold, her birthday came, and she pranced proudly over to our house to show us her new awesome shoes.

I knew they were meant to be together when T.C.'s birthday came around in August and Carrie wanted to hide his present in our garage. She had purchased him an air compressor.

I remember exactly the moment when I knew T.C. was in love.

Rewind to when Carrie first moved into T.C.'s house....and T.C. showed up at my door for some Chick Whispering. This time, his question was "Chop (my nickname), I'm thinking about asking Carrie, my roommate, out on a date".

There was a pause from me while I digested this information. I finally replied with, "Well, it can go one of three ways...

1. You can ask her out, she says "no", and it's awkward for a long time in the house
   
2. You can ask her out, she says "yes", you date for a while, it ends and she (and her roommate/best friend) moves out, or
   
3. You go out, you fall in love and live happily ever after".
   

I looked at him and asked, "Do you think it's worth it?".

Now, this is the part that will always stick with me, the moment when I knew my best friend was head over heels in love.

T.C. paused, looked me square in the eye and replied, "Yes, she's definitely worth it".

So, T.C., here's to you not taking my advise, and to a lifetime of love, happiness and really, really practical gifts.

Your best friend forever (to you both!),
Melissa

The camara that changed my life

The year was 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President of the United States, the US had detonated the world's first hydrogen bomb and the Koren conflict was in the forefront of many young men's minds as they signed up for the armed forces. One of those young lads was my father, Thomas Grimes Jr. At a young 18 years of age, he joined the Navy. When I try and imagine what he must have felt like, the emotions consume me. The child of the rural South, the world must have felt so big on the USS Bennington, the air craft carrier that took him nearly around the world.

He told me that on one of his first stops in Europe, he picked up this Agfa Isolette camera. When I looked it up this morning on the internet, I found the original advertisement. It was $57. To us, in 2011, that's about a $500 investment. That was a pretty big purchase for my Dad, and I can see him now agonizing over the decision to buy it or not. I am so glad he did.

Here's a couple of photos taken with this camera in Europe while my father served in the Navy. The one of the left is of my dad, the right is a graveyard in Italy. Dad was really great about describing every photo on the back, but, I'm not so great at reading his writing. I should really take this one home and ask him to translate it :)

I remember as a young child I would look through the photos he took of the strange foreign places he visited. Greece, Italy and the wide, open ocean would stare back at me. I loved looking at the strangely constructed buildings but especially at the faces of the people living there. I almost felt a kinship with the children in the photos, they had, after all, known my father for a moment, even as brief as it must have been.

I used to look at this camera up on the shelf and beg to look through it's viewfinder. On my 9th birthday, I was finally granted the permission. From that time on, this camera was never far from my reach. Although other cameras like the 110, a hand-me-down Polaroid and even my first 35mm came along to entertain me, I always came back to this one. It was solid and it felt, well, professional to me.

I struggled with the manual settings for years, with no internet to help me find a long, lost instruction book. But, eventually, I figured it out. I suspect, it helped me when I finally did get my own professional camera of my own, when I was 25 years old.

Now, 59 years after it left Europe, I still have this camera on my desk. I look at it often, shoot it about once a year, and still think about those European kids in those photos. I wonder how their lives developed, and if some serendipitous purchase of their parents changed their life too?

Perhaps certain series of events in our life are not so random after all.

Corine Kitchens Webb- A Tribute to my Granny

My grandmother, Corine Webb, was born April 10, 1915. Today, in honor of her birthday, I'd like to share a little about her. When I see old photos like the ones below (thank you to my wonderful cousin Reagan for sharing them with me!), I always wonder what the world would have looked like through her eyes. My grandmother didn't get to finish elementary school, which was common in the rural South, where children were expected to help out on the farms to provide for the families. I can't find one photo of her as a child, so the below one is the earliest one I have of her. My mother (little girl in the photo) was born in 1935, so I'm guessing this photo was taken in the early 1940s.

My Granny was five years old when women were given the right to vote. She lived in the deep South during the Civil Rights Movement and had so many stories to share about equality struggles in Georgia. But, she wasn't one to dwell on the shortcomings of our world. She could find the silver lining in about any situation. What I remember most about my Granny though, was how much she laughed. She could make me giggle at the slightest thing. How I miss the sound of her voice!

My grandmother had three children, and this photo show her and my uncles, Donald and Ronald, in a rare, casual moment. I love this photos because it's a glimpse into the world in which she lived in the South. I often wonder what she would think of this world in which I live...computers, planes, cell phones, texting, twitter, facebook...instant everything. I often yearn for the days of sitting on her porch, in my favorite glider chair, breaking beans from the garden, and listening to the sound of my grandparents talking.

This is a photo of my grandparents in 1960. I adore the cat-eye glasses! Although my grandparents didn't have a lot of disposable income, Granny was a great seamstress and made a lot of her own clothes. My grandmother loved to dress up, and it's really hard to find any photos of her in her everyday wear. But, I adored that about her. Granny had red hair, and her favorite color was red. Her clothing was bright and vibrant, just like her personality.

This is one of her, my brother Tim (on the left), my sister Melanie (on her lap). I do know this about my grandmother, she LOVED to spend time with her grandchildren. From the time I was born, until when my mother passed away when I was 15, I spent nearly every Sunday and most summer days with her. We spent days staying at her house where she would take us to our uncles farms, teach us how to cook (I still have a treasured cookie recipe from her!) and take us on countless trips to "trade day" (which was really a big farmers market, antique/junk sale). I can still remember the beautiful tin on her ceilings, the hum of the window air conditioning unit and the squeak of the old wooden floors of their house. I will forever be thankful for the time she would spend with us.

Happy birthday Granny. Your spirit is missed, your lessons remembered, and your love remains with all of us.

My sweet boy Luke, gone but not forgotten

On May 16th, my sweet kitty Luke passed away. I had him for 15 years, and he was my sweet friend. He moved from Georgia with me back in 1995, along with another cat, Kelseykai. I talked to them both constantly on the roads between GA and AZ- I can't image how nutty I must have looked to the cars that passed me. He had several names, "Spook" to his friends in Bullhead City, "Lucky" to my friends TC and Perry, and even variations in between. But, one thing is certain, he was one of the sweetest cats I'll ever have.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a strong emotional bond with animals, and my pets, well, they are my family. I was never the woman who craved to have children, but I can honestly say, I can't image my life without my pets. They add a layer of love to my life that I just can't live without. I truly think their only fault is that they live such short lives. But, I think in their short time with us, the amount of love they give us will last a lifetime.

Luke was diagnosed with kidney failure earlier this year, and Grant and I knew there was no real cure, only to make him comfortable in his old, golden years. It's so hard to let go, even when you know it's for the best. The afternoon that we had to euthanize Luke, he was sitting in the one sunny spot of our kitchen. He was feeling terrible, I could tell by his posture, and had given up eating food and drinking water a couple of days prior. I was sitting with him, singing to him "Sunshine on my Shoulders" (I sing to my animals a lot, not sure why, but it seems to calm them). After I finished one verse, he sat up from his crouched position, and locked eyes with me for a good 15 seconds. That's when I knew. It was his time. He let out a sigh, and went back to his crouched position. With tears in our eyes, Grant and I picked him up for his last trip to the vet. While we were waiting at the clinic in the room where you leave with your empty animal crate, he started to purr while we held him in our arms, in his special gurgly way that I'll never forget, for the first time in a week. I think he was trying to tell us goodbye, in the only way he knew.

This last photo was taken the day before he went to, what I hope, is a special place for our beloved pets, who are really our family. A place with sunny spots, warm laps and lots of love. Goodbye my sweet Luke. I love you and I'll miss you.

A tribute to my mother, Millie Alene Grimes 1935-1984

Twenty six years ago today, my mother took her last breath and left this earth. She was 48 years old. She died from melanoma.

I only knew my mother for 15 short years. As I grew older, I developed what I call "Mom Envy", always jealous of my female friends that were allowed the time to have adult relationships with their moms. I was always jealous of the lunches, the midnight talks and the advice. Boy, what I wouldn't give for one time just to laugh and talk with her again. But, what I didn't realize until this very week, is that my mom, despite that I only knew her for 15 short years, has shaped my life dramatically.

Mom always had a camera in her hand, always snapping photos of her kids. I must have 10,000 images of me and my brother and sister growing up, but I only have a handful of her. The problem, is that she was always behind the camera. One day, when I was 13, she announced that she was going to do a photo project, "1 photo a day for 1 year". I'm sure I rolled my teenager eyes at the shear mention of it. Unfortunately, her project lasted only two months, probably right after she realized just how much the film was going to cost to develop. But, now, I admire her spirit, and I recognize her goal. So much changes with kids, and life, everyday. I know she wanted to freeze the moments in between, to remember us when had moved out of the house, as adults on our own.

As I recalled that memory, just this past Monday, I had an epiphany. I'm trying to do the same thing...freeze memories. Not only for myself to help me remember moments that come and go, but for the many people I have met along the way. It hit me so hard, I had to sit down and cry.

As the years trickle by, I forget more and more. But I do remember a few things about her..., I can hardly remember her laugh, although I know she laughed often. I don't know what her favorite movie was, but I do remember going to watch old black and white movies at the Tivoli theater in Chattanooga with her and Dad when I was in elementary school. And, I don't know what her favorite cookies were, but I do have a recipe of hers for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies that is my favorite. I also remember she loved animals as much as I do now.

I only have a few photos of my mom. My very favorite is the top one. I must have been only 4-6 months or so. It was taken in 1969 by one of my uncles, Donald or Ronald. She was 33 in this picture and she looks so happy.

The photo below was mom's prom photo in what I'm guessing is 1953. I LOVED this dress. From the time I can remember, I was always asking mom if I could wear it one day. But, tragically, the dress was thrown away soon after she wore it. The photo is taken at the Chickamauga National Battlefield, only about one mile from where I grew up. She loved that park and we spend a lot of time there. I remember her telling me she and Dad spent a lot of time there when they were dating and when they were first married. It's one of the places I go and visit when I go home. I've always felt at peace there.

This next photo is of me (on the left), Mom, my Granny, Corrine Webb, and my sister, Melanie. Three Generations. I remember this photo like it was yesterday. I remember the smell of the corn we had just picked from my uncle's farm that needed to be shucked, and the sounds of lawn mowers in the distance. I remember my Granddaddy fumbling with the Polaroid camera trying to get it to work. I also remember my Granny making me homemade strawberry ice cream right after this photo. How I miss her too.

This last photo is in the spring of 1984. Mom had been fighting cancer for almost one year. Mom wasn't offered chemotherapy and didn't qualify for clinical trials, her melanoma was too advanced once discovered. Her doctors told her to make peace and live her last year the best she could. I can't imagine how scared she must have felt and what pain she must have been in, but she still managed a smile. She was braver and stronger than I can ever imagine having to be.

And then it happened, about five years ago. I looked down, and saw my mothers feet. I literally felt like I was 5 years old, and helping my mom put on a pair of sandals. I have her feet. Then, just recently, I went shopping. I looked in the mirror and my mother stared back. I don't know if it was what I was trying on in the dressing room, a particular thing my hair was doing that day, or if I've looked like my mother all along. I cried tears held back for 26 years. All those years yearning to hear her voice, all those years wanting to hug her neck, there she was...right inside of me all along.

Today I celebrate my mother's time on earth. I celebrate the love she had for her family, her friends, and for the thousands of frozen moments she captured for me in the form of photographs.

Despite how long she's been gone and the fact I only knew her for 15 years, I owe my current life to her. I hope she knows just how thankful I am.

I love you Mom.

Sophie the Dog

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." ~Gilda Radner

I love dogs and I've always loved the above quote by Gilda Radner. I couldn't explain my love for animals any clearer that that simple statement. I made these photos of beautiful Sophie in December as a surprise present for her mom from Kim. She was an old Labrador retriever that had been rescued from a horrible life by her mom Jeannie. I could see in Sophie's eyes just how much she loved her new life and when I saw her around Jeannie, you could tell just how much they adored each other. Last week, after a long battle with many ailments, Sophie left this earth. I am so happy I got these photos for Jeannie.

Heaven just got a little brighter. We'll miss you Sophie.

Chloe and Sophie

I'll admit it, I have a huge soft spot in my heart for these two girls. Meet Chloe and Sophie , two of the cutiest little people I've ever met. Last week I was at the DWF Convention and instead of staying at the overpriced resort, I opted to stay with my great friends, Angela and Jon. Jon started Law School this fall so the family moved down to Phoenix. I do miss them! Here's a few of my favorites! I miss you guys so much!

I saw this pose at the USAImaging show and couldn't resist trying it out on Chloe!

Chloe looked so cute in this tutu!

This photo cracks me up! I asked Sophie if she wanted to have her photo taken, and she nodded yes, then ran straight for the umbrella to hold it above her head. Since I'm training her to be an official Southern Belle, I suppose she had every right to want her parasol with her in the photo!

Sophie has about twenty (no kidding!) princess outfits! Here's one of the many!

Every night, the family sings Christmas carols before they go to bed! I thought that was hilarious!

Chloe has beautiful big, blue eyes!

And finally, a sweet moment between father and daughter! What I wouldn't give to have a photo like this from when I was a little baby.

One Pampered Puppy

Since I've put this photo on my splash page as a link to my blog, I've gotten a lot of comments about it. "Who is that cute dog??" So, why not...I entered the photo in a photo contest at Pampered Puppy and am happy to report that she won 9th place (out of over 200+ entries!). I suppose this makes it better that she's chewed up almost ALL of my shoes! Interesting enough, she's never touched the shoes that take her hiking everyday! Hmmm...maybe she's smarter than I think! I originally bought this tutu for a little girl's photo shoot, but it didn't fit her. But, it ended up fitting Molly perfectly! Poor puppy...:)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! We're off to go snow shoeing, so more snow photos will come later tonight. We hope you all have a wonderful day and a great New Year!

Nicola and Pinot

My great friend, Nicola Marsh, was in Flagstaff for less than 24 hours this past weekend. She brought her dog, Pinot, whom she rescued from the Second Chance Center over a year ago. Pinot is a total princess now, a far cry from her life before Nicola. It's hard to keep up with Nicola! She's usually training for some great adventure, from going on an expedition to Everest, running a marathon in Antarctica, to hiking across the state of Hawaii. It makes the rest of us seem a little lazy:) She's on her way to TX for a Occupational Therapy job for three months. I miss you already Nicola!