Brand New Baby.

   A few weeks ago, I photographed my friend's sister's baby shower. We were welcoming Nolan to the world, as he decided to come a bit early. Now he is happy and healthy and such a cutie.

   Aunt Cynthia did all of the wonderful decorations and planned everything. It was a wonderful celebration of new life.

Everyone decorated onesies for Nolan as he grows

Thank You.

I think we sometimes forget just how much we owe our soldiers. These people are putting their lives on the line for us. We may not know their names, the how, or the where, but they are.  I want to say thank you to my cousin, Ethan, for doing just that with the Marines.

Ethan, you are awesome for doing what you do. I wish we could see you more often, but know that your family loves you so much!

The Lawn.

Every year, fireworks are set off at my old high school. The school collapsed a few years ago, but the fields and track are still used by the community. Across the street from the old school is the recreation center for the entire town. They have a skate park, a playground (it's still fun to play on at my age), soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, a big, red caboose, an indoor pool, and basketball courts. On top of all that, they have a big lawn in front of it all.

   This lawn fills with people from town to watch the fireworks. Instead of just having fireworks, there is a band, fairground food, and spontaneous games everywhere. I see people from all my years there as they come back to visit their own families who are still there.

Father's Day.

I made a short trip to Blacksburg for Father's Day last week. It was really great to see my family and have some time to relax. The more I'm away, the more I appreciate and love this place. I have so many memories from growing up here; my first day of school, getting dirty on the motocross track, swinging on vines in the woods before catching the school bus, riding horses, family reunions...the list goes on.

As real life sets in, I'm realizing how fleeting this place could be as part of my life. I'm in the process of recording everything that I can. You won't believe how many crazy stories my grandparents have from when they were young. I enjoy listening to them whenever I spend time there. This is the beginning of that record.