Tubing the Comal

One summer activity our family enjoys is tubing along the Comal. It's usually very crowded but we enjoy it anyway. We always go with friends and we all float along together and chat as we let the water move us downriver. The water is pretty slow moving most of the way and it's very relaxing.

We decided weeks ago to take the day off work on Heather's birthday and go tubing. We thought it was likely not to be crowded and it's an activity we can all enjoy and is very inexpensive. As the day approached some things changed and Heather was scheduled to work late in the afternoon so we decided we'd still float and we'd make it an early float trip.

This early in Heather's pregnancy meant Heather woke feeling horrible, sick, and pretty irritable. We decided to go anyway in hopes her mood and morning sickness would improve.


Our wonderful friend Kendra was able to join us as well. She hesitated to join us, not wanting to intrude on family time. I told her she was silly, that she IS family. :)




Heather's boyfriend Phillip was able to join us as well. Although he's been tubing before this was his first trip on the Comal:


Kendra heading toward the first tube chute:



And away she goes!


My turn:




Heather was right behind me!



Marty chillin' on the river:




Heather and Kendra enjoying our relaxing morning:



Might have to replace my hat soon. It's getting pretty battered!



There were so few tubers on the river even the ducks were enjoying the water:

Burgess Family Portraits

Last week I had the privelege of photographing one of my favorite families! I gave them several location ideas and they chose to take them at the river in Gruene, TX. This family loves the outdoors, especially where water is invoved so this location is perfect for them! Their oldest daughter just left to return to college and it's the first time this family will be so far from her. They wanted new family photos before she left.

20 Years together and obviously still so much in love

Father and daughter

Mother and son

brother and sister

Erica, may you have a blessed year in college! You will be missed by us all!

Tube Time!

Our great friends John and Kendra and family have recently moved back to Texas and we are THRILLED to have them nearby again!!! Summer is quickly slipping by but we all took a break from weekend chores and they took a break from unpacking and getting settled to meet at our favorite place on the river. By the looks of it, it must also be a favorite place for many many people!




Kendra:



John:



Erica:



Me:


Marty:




John & Kendra:




How I've missed my friends while they were stationed in Maryland!
Kendra and me:



My hunny and me:



The river was PACKED but still so fun!



There was much splashing...






...and even an attempt to stand up in my tube! Tada!




We are enjoying having such good friends closer to us again and look forward to making many more memories together!

Welcome home John and Kendra! We ♥ You!!!

The Carters

I seem to have neglected my blog again of late. Time flies and has been filled with so many things to do that blogs never seem to get posted. I guess I could sleep less and blog more...but I'm thinking the sinus infection I've been battling would then take over and that would not be a good thing.

Recently the music minister of our church and his wife asked me to take their portraits so they could send out those nifty little 4x8 Christmas cards that seem to be so popular. I was honored to have been asked. A couple of Saturdays ago (told you I'm behind on blogs!) I arrived at their home to try to capture them with as many of their critters as would cooperate. Turns out none of the cats would cooperate at the same time, nor would they come around when the horses were ready to be photographed. Despite that, I still think we got some shots they like. Here are just a few of my favorites.

I LOVE how this one turned out!

Wilcox Family Photos

My friends Bill and Denise had me take their family photos this weekend. After scheduling conflicts with rain and other photo shoots we finally had an evening that worked for us all. I must say I like the pink they chose...but don't tell Bill it's pink! He is color blind and thinks they are all in purple!

Every pose was shot many many times in hopes of catching one in which Katie was looking at the camera AND smiling, and that everyone else wasn't looking at her and telling her to look at me...and in hopes there would be some with no reflections in Bill's or Bethany's glasses. Although a bit challenging, it was a very fun photo shoot in a location I knew they'd like.

It's been a busy weekend so all these shots are straight out of the camera. I will be taking time for photo editing and special effects and working on their Christmas cards in the very near future. In the mean time, enjoy browsing what we did get. Clicking on any photo takes you to the gallery where all of the photos are stored.

I love this one of Denise and Bill!

Denise and the girls monkeying around in a tree:

Bill and his girls: Maggie, Katie and Bethany.










Thanks Wilcox Family!

One, Two, Th....Oh Wait I'm Not Ready!

During our trip to Missouri, we headed to nearby Arkansas to Norfork Lake for a day of swimming with friends. The day turned out rainy and cold so not many ventured out. Those that did had a fun time playing in the water and catching up.


My friend Steve drove about 3 hours just to come see me and meet my family. It was great to catch up with you again Steve!!!

Steve snapped this picture of Heather, me, and Marty on one of the cliffs at the lake.

More friends joined us too despite the rainy, cold day! (Jesse, Christy, and their kids Jessica and Joseph)

Marty and Heather peeked over the edge to see if they wanted to jump off into the water far below.

And away he goes!

Marty just before he hit the water.

It took Heather a little longer to work up her nerve but she went for it. Not me! (Notice how far below her Marty is)

Marty climbing back up the cliff

Always so graceful!

At least she's smiling!

The climb back up almost kept Heather from plunging in.

Christy and Jessica contemplating whether they'd jump.

Jessica decided not to, so Heather jumped with Christy.

SPLASH!

Despite the cold and rain, it was a fun day at the lake catching up with friends!