Baby Oscar & Company

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Nephew # 4 came into the world just over a week ago, and I was finally able to catch up with him at home with my camera. Look at all that hair!

After a snack break, it was back to sleep...

Big brother Dominic wanted some face time too...

In fact, he was so inspired, he picked up his own camera and played along. A quick learner, he could be heard repeating things I had said like, "Turn this way," or "Open up your shoulder." So funny!

Gina and Roy's house has this huge window in the living room.... making moments like this possible.

Dom was sporting a new haircut yesterday, making him look so grown up!

So much fun! xoxoxo

Breaking News: The [UN]tour Is Officially Happening!

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It's happening. I mean, it's really happening! Beginning in October, Emir and I will be taking this party on the road, embarking on a cross-country mission to educate and inspire everyone with a camera. The catch? We'll be riding coast to coast from California to Florida—on our bicycles.

Yep. I said bicycles.

We'll be offering two very magical classes along our way. One geared for professionals, and one available to anyone who wants to learn how to use their camera to improve their photos.

You can follow along (and join us if you're along our route!) on our brand spankin' new website where the FAQ section will answer all your burning questions about why we're doing this, how many miles we'll be riding each day, the specifics of our route, where we'll be sleeping at night (hint: rarely in a hotel!), and why we're calling it The [UN]tour.

Needless to say, this will be quite the challenge! Once we start pedaling, we will definitely welcome any comments or words of encouragement via the [UN]tour blog, our Facebook Page, and twitter. (Have you seen the elevation climb waiting for us immediately outside of San Diego? Gulp!)

We can't wait for you to join us!

PS: If you're local in Lincoln, Nebraska—join us for a special edition of the camera class that inspired the book, that partly inspired the tour! Mark Wednesday, Oct. 5th from 5-9pm on your calendar and contact SCC at 402-437-2700 and reference course #LLLX-0528-CEFA to sign up!

 

Down the Aisle: Taryn + Nic

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My heart swells with joy for Taryn, Nic, and their families—as these two best friends became husband and wife. :) What a pleasure it was to work with such great people on such a special day. Congratulations to you all!

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Taryn and her father Greg. (A daddy's girl myself... I cried my eyes out during their father/daughter dance!)

Hawaii is waiting for you! xoxo!

I'm a Tia (Again)! Bienvenidos a Oscar Luis Furr!

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Oscar is already one in a million—he was actually born on his due date. My sister Gina and her husband Roy arrived at the hospital about 5am, and Oscar arrived a mere 1.5 hours later! I can't wait to head back over later today and get a better look at him. He was eating within 15 minutes of his first breath—incredible!

Dominic was soooooooo excited. He could be heard proudly (and repeatedly) proclaiming, "My baby brother!"

Oscar gets checked out by the pediatrician (Oscar was not too happy about having been interrupted while eating!)

This is my favorite—the look on big brother Dom's face when he walked in the room and saw mom with baby brother Oscar. LOVE!

So glad Oscar is here! Can't wait to get some quality snuggle time with him soon!

When Was the Last Time You Played in the Rain?

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We're all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dominic's baby brother, and having been in San Francisco all week, I was glad he didn't show up while I was gone! As soon as I got home, I headed over to my sister's house to hang out and squeeze in some quality Dom time before the baby comes. When it suddenly started raining, I suggested we find Dom's rain boots and go out to play. This is precisely why I love having the S95 in my purse—it's on-hand and available for spontaneous moments like these!

Down the Aisle: Kara + Kevin

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Kara & Kevin's wedding was Off. The. Hook. Simply incredible. Highlights included:

  • balloon animals and a clown in the "Kids Suite" (complete with coloring books, snacks, and more)
  • professional face painting
  • live band (D*Funk)
  • 8ft tall cake (I'm just guessing at the height, check out the photos below and see if you can tell for yourself!)
  • 850 really, really, great guests (we had so much fun with them all!)

Hats off to everyone who helped make the day such an incredible success! Including Stem Gallery, Lincoln Cake Lady, A Sound Impression, Lazlo's Brewery & Grill, D*Funk, everyone at the Grand Manse, and the wondrous Nicole Battelle!

Ready for some eye-candy!?

Just in case you missed the cake in the collage above... here it is—again. (It's that incredible!) Seriously... don't you think 8ft? I'm using my height as a guide. At 5'4", I'm guesstimating that if I had climbed on the table and stood next to it, it would've been about 2.5 ft. over my head...

The reception was held at Lincoln's historic Grand Manse. And when I say "at the Grand Manse," I'm not just talking about the Jasmine Room. The festivities were spread throughout the entire building (even spilling over into the Pavillion for some of the fun). Thankfully they provided maps to help people find their way around!

What a great couple! Kara's laid back attitude was so wonderful to work with, and Kevin? He's such a good soul. Emir and I had so much fun making ourselves part of their extended family for the day!

It has to be said that D*Funk KILLED IT. I mean, holy heck. I'm so glad to call them Lincoln's own! :) Talk about soul!!?!

Maria!!! I love watching her and the whole band completely own it. HOT!

Kara's mom Debbie—so cute!

So—that was the party. Wow! :) Previously... there actually was a whole wedding ceremony too, as you might imagine. :)

Curtis (from Stem Gallery) made this incredible "purse" for one of the flower girls. It smelled divine!

You know I love the Grandpas...

Emir and I are so truly honored to have been invited to be part of this historic event. What a great group of people—big hugs to you all!