I will readily admit I was a little nervous to be totally on my own with both of them. I didn’t grow up babysitting and I was an only child – so I feel kinda handicapped. But I love those two kiddos with all my heart and I love to spend time with them, so the nerves were just hurdles.

Livi wanted to watch their Hi-5 video. I am pretty sure it is the first time I have seen Hi-5. It is kinda odd but it captivated both Livi and Jackson. Jackson hung out in the floor playing with some toys and Livi danced and set on the couch (where Kaya joined her). After the DVD was over, Livi wanted me to play it again…so I did.

Jackson had been doing laps on my living room but he crawled over to me so I picked him up and had him in my lap. We were just chilling when Kaya just up in my lap as well. She took her normal place of laying on the footrest with her head on my leg. A few minutes later Livi turned around and realized everyone was curled up with me, so she came running over and snuggled up on the other side of my lap. Kaya got up (and without prompting) turned around and laid her head in Livi’s lap.

As we all sat there, I melted inside and out. I wanted a picture so bad but my arms were a little full. It was such a perfect little moment. Aunt Cindy was a giant ole puddle of awww.

we took a break from the tv and went and sat out on the front porch. I am not too sure why but all of the sudden Jackson started cracking up at Livi. It was that little baby/kid laughter that penetrates through you and makes you crack up too. Livi being the ham that she is, started making faces and jumping up and down to make Jackson laugh harder and harder. It was too cute and funny.

Well Livi wanted to go back inside for a bit, so we went and watched some Dora. I about fell off the couch when Livi was able to pick out the stethoscope from Dora’s backpack. She even knew it was used for listening.

Later we all were out in the back yard playing. Livi and Kaya were chasing each other and I had Jackson in my arms and we were spinning in circles. Both Livi and Jackson were laughing while playing and it was then that Livi ran up to me – put her arms around my legs to give me a hug and said “I love you Aunt Cindy.” MELT…of course I told her I loved her too and tried like heck to not break down into tears.

I may not be their “real” Aunt but I will do everything in my power to make sure they know I love them and that I am here for them.

Kaya was already a little tired but she still wandered around and played.  But the last 15 minutes or so, is what did the little one in.

She found a friend, who rolled her completely in a patch dirt.  My white puppy is not white currently…she is pig pen tan.

She was tired but she let me get a couple of pictures.

Watch out she will melt your heart but then she’ll get you dirty!

I haven’t forgotten you all, I promise.

There has been a lot going on lately or at least so it seems.

Kaya was “fixed” almost a month ago and it made all plans go to the back burner for about 10 days.   This was the night after she had her surgery.  She must have laid on me or Steph and slept for a good six hours.

It broke my heart to see her hurting, but I know in the long run it was a wise and smart decision.  She wasn’t a fan of the cone but she survived.

She is now back to her old self now, so no worries.

I took Caleb’s 6 month pictures the other weekend.  That kid is just too dang cute.  He makes my job super easy.  How is it possible for this kiddo to take a bad picture!

Then this past weekend I shot my very first wedding.  Sure I had a wedding back last year with a studio but I didn’t take a single picture so I don’t really count it at all.  I would have been sunk without the help of my friend Rudy.  Throughout the course of the event  he gave me lots of little tips and I learned a lot.

I really like this picture.  I love the black and white and the emotion that picture gives off.

On the artsy side I love this picture.

I’m not sure why I love it so much.  I love the light bokeh in the background and the fact that I know two of the blobs are the bride and the groom.  I loved the centerpieces so that may play into.  But it is a favorite of mine.

And starting today I am one of the set photographers of an indie film called “Hitting the Nuts: The True Story of the 2009 Scott County Series of Poker“.  I am excited to be apart of something like this.  It’s crazy to think of the talent among the folks I know.  You should check out the article the Cincinnati Enquirer is running on the film, “Storyteller, soul-saver…and filmaker“.  If you are a twitter person, the hashtag #htn is for the production.

I know it’s not much of an update, but it’s better than nothing right?

But she’s still cute.