January Snowflakes.

There are few things as beautiful and magical as perfectly formed snowflakes falling from the sky.  The intricacy of each one makes you catch your breath.  You can't help but feel that they are little gifts to remind you that you're not alone - that Someone cares and made sure that little snowflakes falling from the sky would remind you of that.  I know that's cheesy but I mean it.

Last week I took the dog out for a walk across the street in the 40 acre woods and took my camera along.  I left feeling uptight and stressed but came back quiet and happy.  Following the deer tracks, the snow was fluffy and deep, Yogi was in complete bliss, and all was still and beautiful.  Here are some pictures...

Weston & Alison Get Married.

On December 3rd, 2010 my little brother Weston tied the knot with Alison Rasmussen. He is the youngest and last one in the family to get married - as is Alison in hers - which meant that it was a really meaningful and really fun wedding and reception.  And since it's my own brother's wedding I couldn't help but take a MILLION pictures which means that choosing my favs for this post was near impossible.  So, this is going to be a long long post.  Here goes...

 Seriously guys, it was the happiest, funnest, best wedding I've ever been to.  And I'm so glad I got to take pictures of it!  A special thanks goes out to Marisa for coming and taking all of the shots that I wanted to be in.  Marisa is an amazing friend and photographer.  She's got a workshop for beginning photography in a couple of weeks.  You should check it out!

"Dogs and cats living together...mass hysteria!"

We've been looking for a dog and a cat ever since we moved in - we've gone to shelters several times and called a lot of people on craigslist but it wasn't until last week that we finally found a dog that was the right age/style/breed and went for it.  His name is Yogi and he's a golden retriever mix.  We love him.  He's already so sweet and fun and protective and obediant.  Except with Peter - he's totally afraid of Peter.  Who knows why - maybe the fact that Peter was hiting and throwing things at him for the first few days he was here.  He quickly put Peter in his place with a bite and then another and another.  It seems now like we're getting that all figured out...a.k.a. Peter is giving Yogi loads of treats to convince him that he's a pretty good guy and he's stopped hurting him.  And then the other day I was looking at craigslist again - the craigslist app has made me an addict.  Anyhow, there were these two Maine Coon cats(a brother and sister) for FREE and I couldn't resist.  They are both fixed and up to date on their shots. 

I love Maine Coons - they are cute and smart and get HUUUGE.  So they came home the next day and hid for a full twenty four hours behind the washer.  And then yesterday out of the blue brother cat came out even with Yogi lurking and walked right past him -  swishing Yogi's face with his tail as he passed.  And Yogi who has NEVER experienced cats before totally played it cool.  They were fast friends and even though sister cat is still pretty nervous I'm sure in time they are going to be tight.  Needless to say, it made my day.  Here are some pics...

Anyhow, brother and sister need names - they're previous names Pepper and Oreo just aren't doing it for me.  I want something fitting and fun.  Brother is big and shaggy and sister is smaller and dainty and really pretty.  Here are some ideas...

Jem & Scout(To Kill a Mockingbird)
Bonnie & Clyde(I know, not sister and brother but cute anyways)
Donny & Marie
Adam & Adora(a.k.a. Heman & Shera)
Luke & Leah(a little on the nerdy side)

I don't know - any other ideas folks?