I need a vacation...

I didn't really realize how busy my whole month would turn out to be! But it was the fun kind of busy, full of good times with family and seeing the fruits of hard work and perseverance...

I had the opportunity to visit and photograph one of my current projects from work, under construction. We do the drawings and even create 3-dimensional computer renderings of the building. But it's another thing entirely to actually walk into and experience the space. Lines on paper become walls and windows and floors...

This one was particularly special because of it's location. It was along a river with a pier and small boathouse. One of our main goals was to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and great views. This may be my favorite project to date...

Apart from work, this months been chock full o' birthdays in my family! Travis' youngest cousins were both born this month, and like any smart mom, his aunt had a joint party for both boys...

I took a little risk and decided to get them books instead of toys... (Yeah, I'm gonna be THAT cousin/mom/auntie) But I love books and really wanna share that with as many people, especially kids, that I can. Reading is becoming a lost art...

And what kid's party is complete without cake! More importantly, mom having to give a child a bath after eating cake. I love this...

Finally, over the weekend I headed back up to NYC for a wedding...

My cousin married one of the most wonderful girls, ehem, women that I've ever met. I literally loved her since the day we met. I am SO ecstatic that they lasted and decided to become a family before God and the rest of us loving supporters!!

It was a wonderful day full of love and laughs. Everything a wedding day should be...

Back to VA and regular life until my next busyness....

USMC Rifle Team season has begun...

Here are a few pictures from the junior shooters clinic held on base...

What a week...

I've had so much going on in the past week and an half that I'm really just catching up with it all. But April has notoriously been a busy month for me... It's the month my brother and I celebrate our birthdays (good planning, Mom! ha ha...) so I like to go visit with him in NY if I can. This year it also coincided with my 10 year high school reunion and an honor society induction for my baby bro. Needless to say, this year's birthday visit was jam packed!

Here are some photo's from his honor society induction. I all seemed pretty routine until they walked in with the blindfolds...

Once we got past that "mysterious" portion, it was all hugs and smiles and proud parents! (and wives and sisters...)

These two young ladies use to be my baby sisters... When did they start looking like women?!

Ah, how times does fly. Speaking of which, it been 10(!!!) years since I graduated from high school. But once I got back through those old doors and with my old friends, it all seemed like yesterday...

Here are what the current architecture "major" students are up to. They are actually constructing a full size house within the building! Our house was more to the scale of dolls than people...

The swimming pool! Where I spent at least 1/5 of my high school life. Many smiles and tears happened here...

And of course, what would high school have been without the wonderful friends that became like family to me during those 4 short years together. I love them very much!

For me, no trip to NY is complete without hanging out with my brother and eating gooood food :)

The morning I left, I was treated to $1 pork dumplings and a tall Hong Kong style tea for breakfast... Can't get that in VA!

Every once in a while, I'm lucky enough to be able to stick around and attend church with them where my brother is the worship leader. It SO blesses my soul to see him pouring himself into worship and inviting others to join him.

I try to not wait too long between trips to the city because I do miss my family so much. I hope I can encourage them to make more trips to my neck of the woods...