Party of Five

Today Andrew and I hit our two-year anniversary mark! Woohoo! I think anniversaries are a big deal. Too many people get divorced not to celebrate the successes. We are really celebrating in November when we hit San Fran and Napa with the Griffins. But, I also have a few tricks up my sleeve for today. Like an awesome anniversary present. Which is super out of character because Andrew and I are typically not big gift exchangers. Except for when he bought me my first DSLR camera for my birthday. That was pretty crazy and not typical Andrew/Ali. But really, we are not big gift exchangers, i.e. we normally don't buy each other Christmas presents.

Cheers to my hubs - the past two years have exceeded my expectations. I have fun with you every day, and there is no one else I'd rather be with on this journey. I love you!

Game day tomorrow. Pretty excited. We are helping host a tailgate at the Bill so if you're going to be in Manhattan, please give me a call to get the location so I can see you!

These are all from last week so yep, I'm behind, but better late than never!

And who can resist these pics of baby Ella? She is so, so pretty.

GO CATS!

Okay, maybe luke-warm off the press. It's been a busy week.

Labor Day weekend was pretty great. K-State won, we went to the pool for the last swim of the summer, took Franklin on lots of walks, etc. But it was really great because I got to do my first photo shoot!

When my sister and Jon got engaged, I weaseled my way in to make sure I could take their engagement pictures. They even came down to Wichita and gave me a very nice thoughtful thank you...even though I should be thanking them since I need the practice.

I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out. Still have a lot to learn, but I feel like I'm on my way!

And, it goes without saying, but obviously I'll say it anyways...if you want pictures taken - babies, kiddos, families, pets, etc. send me a note. Then I can practice on you too. :)

LOVE this blue background. It's really this blue. Doesn't it make Rachel's eyes pop?

Pretty girl.

Cute boy.

Love the vintage effect on this one.

Okay, who's next? Any takers? :) As Andrew says since he's now given me TWO cameras, "I've created a monster!"

My agency gave us the afternoon off for an impromptu head start on the weekend, and it was just too pretty out to waste it so I decided to take Franklin to try out the dog park in Wichita. Wasn't exactly sure how it was going to go based on the trip to the pool although I thought we might have a similar experience.

And for the most part we did. Just not so extreme.

He adjusted to the other dogs much quicker in this scenario, even when this huge German Shepard showed up. I'm not exagerating when I say huge. He was over 130 pounds and looked like a bear. My picture doesn't do him justice.

After about an hour and a half of running with the pack, Frank and I headed home.

Dog park = success!

I know a spot that I love full well,
'Tis not in forest nor yet in dell;
Ever it holds me with magic spell,
I think of thee, Alma Mater.

KSU, we'll carry thy banner high.
KSU, long, long may thy colors fly.
Loyal to thee, thy children will swell the cry.
Hail, hail, hail, Alma Mater.
- Humphrey W. Jones

Manhattan is calling my name. See you at the Bill!

Had an impromptu photo shoot with my boys last night. The light was just so great I couldn't resist. See?

Franklin had a vet appointment late this afternoon. He LOVES the vet. He loves the smells, loves all of the attention and loves the treats. So much he usually cleans them out. Seriously, they gave him all of the treats in their jar today.