What a fun weekend!

Anthony's family had their annual Dickson reunion this weekend and we had a wonderful time.

Let me just say that Anthony's family reminds me so much of my own - they're just so kind and they just make you feel like they've known you forever.

Here's a picture of me and the man of my dreams. Seriously. I don't know that I could ask for more... well ok... it'd be great if he lived closer LOL but that will come with time... hopefully sooner than later since gas is practically $4.00/gal already! Yikes! That 60 mile drive one way starts adding up after a while but it's worth it for the both of us.

Yeah... I still feel like a giddy little school girl even after nearly a year and I think that's a good thing. I find that I love him more and more with every day that goes by... and I can't wait to spend so many more together.

We went to Anthony's parents' house on Saturday. We had smoked ribs, chicken and sausage... yeah I think nearly everyone at themselves sick! LOL

Here's some pictures from the weekend...

Nicole and Uncle Shawn playing peek-a-boo

Anthony's dad (Andy) and his uncle doin' the smokin' and let me just say that is some of the BEST barbeque I've ever had!

Yeah... there's that handsome man again! I keep telling my boyfriend that I've GOT to get this guy's number so I can go out with him! LOL Uh huh...there's that giddy little school girl giggle again! What can I say....

Nicole, Sarah and Matthew playing around

Anthony and I crept into his parents' bedroom to capture a picture of sweet Avanelle (Ava) asleep... isn't she just darling?!

Now THIS was fun... it's been ages since I've gotten to do some target practicing, so Anthony and I went out back and did some shootin'. I did great at first...and then it went downhill from there. At one point, I hit the dirt like ten feet in FRONT of the target... I think it took ten minutes for Anthony to quit laughing at my TERRIBLE aim! LOL

Time for some good ole homemade ICE CREAM!!!!!!!

Yum!

Nicole having quite the serious conversation with her uncle Shawn
Rene fell asleep on her granddaddy's chest... can you say Awwww
Ava giggling at her Momma. Too cute!


The next day, we had lunch at the city hall. We had brisket and more good food! Yum again!

Tucker insisted that HE needed to use the cane at the ripe old age of two years old! lol

Uncle Rayburn taking a picture of Anthony's parents and Grandma...

it was funny how he kept stepping in front of the rest of us to get a closer picture so the rest of us had to learn to be quick in getting the shot before getting a shot of HIM taking a picture LOL

Taking more pictures...
Wanna compare shots? LOL

Pregnancy is such a wonderful thing!

I was absolutely blessed to do a photo session with a friend of mine, her son and her grandmother. I had a great time... and I think I got some cute shots (lucky me!) She is so pretty and has a beautiful tummy! I only wish we'd been able to get some before her husband had to go to work! Oh well... I'll get some of them together at her delivery! I'm so excited that she's going to let me photograph the birth of their second son!!!!

Beauty

Beauty is just that - beautiful. She has such a sweet countenance about her with eyes that just shine with God's love. It's amazing. She was kind enough to let me take her maternity, birth and newborn pictures. I absolutely loved working with her and sweet baby Celeste and have been blessed by their presence in my life.

Here's some from the maternity session...

what a beautiful tummy to match the beautiful mommy!

A couple of pictures from the birth...

A few more of sweet baby Celeste...
she did wonderfully throughout the entire session!
Such a sweet darling... just like her momma!

Whoa baby!

I had the opportunity to photograph the birth of yet another baby... well I was *supposed* to photograph the birth but mom's labor went so quickly that I missed it by about 15 minutes! The midwives almost didn't make it in time!!! There is something special and unique about this couple. This is their first (and probably only) little one and you could tell from the very beginning that this precious little girl is daddy's little princess and the center of mom's world. Here's a few of my favorite shots from that night...

Perfect little fingers...

The love between these two... so sweet
There's just something about this shot that I like...

Dad doing the honors of weighing the little one... (6lb 6oz by the way)
Yep... ten perfect little toes!
Daddy loving on his baby girl
Ok the tear streaming down his cheek nearly made *me* cry


Mom and baby taking their herbal bath together... great bonding time!

Now here's something you just don't typically get with a hospital birth...
Before the couple went home with their precious little darling, the midwives took a moment to pray for this new family...