the 29 palms inn

an oasis.  this charming little inn located near joshua tree national park.  this is where we spent our thanksgiving holiday.  the food was amazing.  all homemade and organic--with most of the vegetables served right from their garden.  the thanksgiving meal was like homemade.  it was relaxing and reflective even with three kids!!  we had a wonderful time.  the kids loved the grounds and the day trip into the joshua tree park.  it is so fun with the kids approaching the age where outdoor activities such as hiking and rock scrambling are doable.

but we didn't just go for the holiday...i went to check it out for the wallflower friends retreat that deb schwedhelm and i have been planning for some time now.  she says i talked her into it...when the truth is SHE talked me into it!  well, who ever idea it was...i am super excited and can't wait to get back to 29 palms this march with my friends!!  it will be the perfect spot for our photographer get-away....

more shots from our trip...

road trip | snapshots from a car window

i have traveled this road many times since i was a little girl.  it's a long drive from my home town in mariposa, ca to my new town in orange county--these shots were taken in october on our way home from a family visit and wedding.  usually i am too bored or half asleep to notice the beauty in the seemly uninteresting landscape. but this day i decided to look and i saw.  

that's what i feel like i need to do today.  stop and look and see.  xo

under the pier

i adore this family!  didn't think it was possible but the kids get cuter every year :)

xxoo

apples and dandelions

light and lensbaby.  autumn and sunshine.  things that make for a beautiful day.

xxoo

why all the kissing?

that is what my son kept asking me as he watched me edit these.  

"well...newly married folk kiss.  a lot."  

and these two....so sweet!!  of course, i am bias.  this is my cousin and his new bride, long time friend of our family...family friends going back generations.  i am so honored they asked me to take a few shots before dinner (i wasn't the official photographer).  i have never photographed a bride and groom before...i've never really had much interest in shooting weddings.  i must admit it was tons of fun. the love they share and the excitement of the day was a real treat to photograph.  

hmmm....maybe i might just want to photograph weddings someday...someday when i grow up and become a big kid.  xxo

xx