Thursday, November 10, 2011

Family Vacation {Part 2} Hiking at Table Rock

Each year while we're up in the mountains, we like to spend a few days hiking. We usually do an easier, shorter trail so the kids can join in and then those of us who want to conquer mountains and brag about it later, take on the challenge of going on a more difficult hike. Let's just say that this year I didn't quite conquer. Yes, I made it to the top but it wasn't easy. Apparently, we hiked Table Rock when we were kids and almost got eaten by bears.....ok, that was an exaggeration but we did start our hike a little later in the day, underestimated how long the trail was and had to walk back down the mountain in the dark....pretty scary, right?

Even though it was a little rough heading up, the view was worth all the hard work. My lucky husband even got to rub my feet. ;) 


 This is when we were still happy & had energy. 




Mom & Dad. Aren't they adorable?




 The guys stopped to do some rappelling.

 
 Oh...and mom. :)





One of the lookouts...

 The Summit...finally!

My baby looks so good with a camera in his hands, doing what he does best.



Family Vacation {Part 1} Boating & Day at the Park

Family vacations for most people aren't something they look forward to but for me and my family, it's the highlight of our year and when I say family, it's including everyone...mom, dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, neices, nephews...the whole gang. Although I will admit it's a bit crazy at times, there's nothing like  spending time together, going hiking, watching old movies, laughing together and just being able to share what's on your heart. What a true blessing it is! 

Out of the few years we've been getting together, we've tried to mix it up and choose different locations for vacation and this year it was Seneca, South Carolina's turn to host the fam. We rented a beautiful house on Lake Keowee  and on our first full day there, we took the boat to a local park and let all the kiddos let out some energy....



Noah wanted to drive the boat :)

Uncle Jeremy...

They have these really cool islands located all over the lake.

 Think my hubby is cold? ;)






More to come soon... :)




Monday, October 24, 2011

Sam & Chelsea {Engage}

Sam & Chelsea have such a pure love & are committed wholeheartedly to one another. Sam is in the military and had to head out again just a couple days after we took pictures so it was definitely bittersweet but it didn't stop these two from totally rocking the session!

Sam & Chelsea, we are sending encouragement your way tonight and praying that the Lord will strengthen you through these next six months apart. Hope these images will be just a small reminder of the love you share. Enjoy...

Friday, October 21, 2011

Calling all pumpkin lovers!

So, if you've ever seen my pinterest you would see that I am most definitely a pumpkin lover. I get so excited every year when Starbucks comes out with their pumpkin spice lattes & I also like to spend my time hunting down delicious recipes on food blogs and other recipe sites {I kind of have an obession with recipes...or maybe just food} Some really great blogs I've found are Annie's Eats & Skinnytaste, so when you have a free minute, check them out. I promise you won't be disappointed! Over the last couple weeks, I've made three pumpkin recipes. Two were successful and the third...well, not so much. The first success was pumpkin snickerdoodles. I don't remember ever having snickerdoodles as a kid but hey, the picture looked good and I like pumpkin so I gave it try and I'm so happy I did. They were super easy and tasted like a piece of heaven. Unfortunately, I didn't snap a picture of the finished product. I guess I was just so overwhelmed with this great cookie that it slipped my mind. You can find that recipe here: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. The second recipe I took a shot at was another cookie....pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. It called for two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips but I didn't have quite enough so I did one cup of the semi-sweet and another cup of white chocolate morsels. The cookie itself is more cake-like in texture so make sure you don't overcook them. I'm so happy with the way these turned out....the pumpkin, the chocolate chips and the special spiced glaze are a winning combination. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
For the Cookies:
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Spiced Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch ground ginger
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
Directions:
  1. Adjust the oven racks to the middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and vanilla and beat at medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Add the pumpkin puree and beat at medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl as needed. Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
  4. Roll a heaping tablespoon of dough and place onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart
  5. Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, until the edges are set and just beginning to brown but the centers are still soft and puffy, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets about 2 minutes; using a wide metal spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.
  6. To make the spiced glaze, in a small bowl combine all the ingredients for the glaze and mix until smooth. Drizzle over each cookie and allow the icing to dry before serving.
Yields: 5 dozen

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Ben & Sarah {Wed}

First of all, can I say that Ben & Sarah are an absolutely stunning couple? I was so excited to jump on board when a friend of mine contacted me a while back and asked me if I want to shoot their wedding with her & wow, I 'm so glad I did. The whole day was beautiful. I admire Ben & Sarah's sincerity and absolute love for the Lord and each other.

Ben & Sarah, congrats on being married just about 4 months now & thanks for letting me be a part of your big day. I loved every minute!