On a more serious note, this has been one of those years where I have gone “man, we are really adults now, aren’t we?” People are having babies, getting laid off, having money troubles, health troubles…all in all, just having “adult” problems. This past month has especially broken my heart. Two friends have recently come to me and confided in me regarding some past and present personal struggles. Their difficulties are different but equally as serious, and I am just left completely heartbroken.

First off, I was thrown off…when did we enter the phase of having these issues? I mean, I know that people battle with these things from a very early age so I don’t want to sound naive…it’s more like, how did we get to this point? Secondly, and most importantly, I feel a sense of neglect–I know I probably couldn’t have changed it, but perhaps I could have been a little more supportive. These are both people I’ve practically known all my life, but sort of had a period where I lost contact with them.

I don’t really know where I’m going with this…I just have a very heavy heart. Thankfully both have gotten/are getting help and I can’t be more thrilled for them. I’m also flattered that they have confided in me and let me know what’s going on. I love both of these ladies to pieces and if I could do anything to take away their pain, I would. At this point, however, the best I can do is support them and stand up for them and let them know they are loved unconditionally.

Alright, I’ll end it there. I just had to say something…these issues are waving heavily in my heart, but not in an “I feel burdened” sort of way, more of a “I hope there’s a way I can be helpful and supportive” way. To all my friends out there, I love you to pieces and please know you can always confide in me.

Head over to dofunstuff.net to take a listen to this album.  From there you can link directly to iTunes if you are interested in purchasing, or if you just feel like donating, there is a link to do that as well on the bottom right.  Also, if you feel inclined, you can grab the widget from there for your own blog.  You can also help out by promoting through Twitter, Facebook, or whatever media you like!

Stop by PRISMS to learn more about the genetic disorder, or better yet stop by Pacing the Panic room to see more about how this affects real people, namely “LB.” You will fall in love with the kids (LB and his sister Tessa) and the beautiful photography of Ryan Marshall.  I first found this blog when Ryan was photographing his wife Cole through her pregnancy with Tessa, and I’ve been reading ever since.

I don’t often do this type of promotion, but I felt this was a worthy cause AND the music is happy an enjoyable!  Who doesn’t want to help kids and listen to cheery music at the same time?

These next shots came right after I finished changing the sheets on the bed (his favorite activity):

“You’re done changing the sheets already?”

“Are you suuuuuuuure?”

Such a little stinker, but so hard to resist! Happy Friday everyone, hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!

The birthday girl at River Ranch Lodge on the way home from Tahoe

shopping around downtown

my photo taken to celebrate the sun!

the local lunch spot

Brandon and I had dinner on the roof to escape the heat of our apartment. It was glorious! The “ghost” in the righthand corner is due to me forgetting that I hadn’t wound my film. Whoopsies. That’s called exposing your roll…lesson learned. For now.

Caroline and Andres were an adorable couple that likes to have fun–there was no shortage of laughter during the shoot! We saw murals, ate ice cream, and headed over to Andres’ childhood park. Here are some of my favorite shots, and make sure you head over to Edyta‘s blog to see the official photos!

Thanks again to Edyta, Caroline and Andres for a fantastic photoshoot!

Claire kept going to sit on this rock and then demanding “picture? picture?” although she’d never smile for the camera.  Apparently she was going more for a contemplative look…

As evidenced in a few of these photos, Brandon and Claire were quite the little buddies at the beach.

Little man stayed in the shade, but seemed to enjoy the beach…

Thanks to Grandma for having a birthday (in August, no less) that allowed us to have this incredible weekend!

Claire and her best friend, Uncle B

Conor met cousin Erin for the first time

I had made flags as decorations, but Claire thought they were much better as a part of her parade than stuck in the ground.

Cousin Clint was doing a hand-shoe dance for Claire–she wasn’t really sure what to make of it.

Oh Tahoe, how I love you…I must go back soon.

These are my first few images that I took–I have to say, I’m quite thrilled! I can see a new love affair forming here. It’s been a great learning experience, starting with reading the owner’s manual that came with the camera (it’s amazing the amount of information you can get from those). Now, I will say that many of my photos came out looking like poop, and you guys don’t get to see those, but you do get to see my favorites.

Without further ado…