Just engaged!

No, literally this couple literally just got engaged about 2 minutes before I took these shots.

Her hand still shaking...

His mouth smiling ear to ear....

Do I know these people? No. I don't even know their names.

So how did I end up photographing them?

I went down to the La Jolla cave today with my family.

When I arrived at the bottom I saw a young lady looking down at her hand at an engagement ring.

When I asked if they just got engaged, they told me yes.

I told them I was a photographer (again, I use that term loosely) and asked if I could take a few shots.

What a special moment that these strangers and little old me could share.

I will forever be a part of their history.

And one day when their children look at these photos, they can tell them the story of me.

By the way to the couple who is reading this.... (because I did get her email address)

My name is Chris.... Chris Nelson and I am so, so  happy to have had the opportunity to capture this very special moment.

Congrats! To many years of wedded bliss!

I will email you these images so you can keep them forever.

Nate's But Farm.... I mean Bate's Nut Farm.

This was our first time as a family to Bate's

It was actually my first time ever to Bate's even being a native San Diegan.

From the second we got there (could have been the long car ride there)

the kids went bonkers.

So much to do...

Feeding and petting the farm animals

Going on the pony ride... although he chose to pet the pony instead of ride it (said he didn't like the poo on the ground)

Picking out our $70 pumpkins (ok I'm exaggerating, but it was more than I thought it would be.... but I support local family owned businesses so I'm not complaining)

Picking out (and eating) yummy bags of candy... And can you believe it? The candy store was not their favorite part...

This was...

The look on his face was priceless.

 Oh! Here it comes!

Tractor ride!

 Feet firmly planted on the hay

 Holding on to dear life (because for a 20 month old this feels like a real ride)

 Looking at all the amazing things the pumpkin patch had to offer.

Truly a child's dream come true.

And when it was over, I watched him gaze over every now and again looking at the kids that were riding the tractor wishing he could do it again...

That is until

His best friend showed up.

Screw the tractor, Grayson's here!

Oh what fun did they have.

See you next year Bate's.

Thanks for giving this beach family a taste of the country life.

Oprah says....

... your house should rise up to greet you. I hate to quote her, it's actually quite trite, but when I heard her say this, I could not agree more.

For the last 5 years our house was dedicated to an infant, then a toddler, back to an infant (plus toddler) now to a toddler and child. Bins of toys instead of nice shelving, exersaucers and jumperoos instead of coffee tables.... you get it. Now it's time to take back our house. (although we still have made it kid friendly)

Our first step on our long house remodel journey, our living room

 I've always loved the Hamptons/nautical/Nor Cal beach look. So we compiled all three looks, with of course ample pictures. Finally I have somewhere to put my pictures!

Wasn't sure about this color combo for the cushions, but I must say it is one of my favorite parts of the decor

I may not see them often, but my girls will always be my girls

Now this flower arrangement does not in anyway go with the decor. Actually Hydrangeas or Orchids would have looked better, but the flowers were on sale and I just love putting lemons in vases. Reminds me of our wedding centerpieces and they give off a wonderful lemon scent. Try it!

Isaura's Bridal Shower

One of my dearest friends, actually one of my best friends is getting married in a few weeks. I'm excited to be in her wedding as a bridesmaid. 

Her shower was simple, yet perfect. 

Beautiful flower arrangements

Some bubbly and wine to help celebrate

Tasty thank you treats (that were even the wedding color!)

A magnificent cake with all the details

The bride herself

Marriage words of advice from her girls

And of course, no bridal shower would be complete without sexy lingerie!

We even got a sweet visit from Dawn's (another bridesmaid) daughter, Brooklyn. 

She's cute, and I'm not just saying this because she's half Asian.

She really is!

Los Cabos

This last week I was blessed to spend my first (real) family trip to Los Cabos, Mexico.

It was just perfect.

Blue clear skies, sandy beaches

the resort was relaxing and beautiful

 (photo credit: Wes)

and the colors from the sunset to the tile countertops were so vibrant.

We kicked off our shoes

hung our hats

drank yummy drinks, including ones only for adults

and relaxed. Not a worry in the world.

 We spent time with our good friends, Chad, Opal, Grayson and baby Teagan and got to know (and really like) our new friends Kyle and Aleena.

Can you believe these two have known each other for over 2 decades? And we hope our boys will know each other for longer.

 Finn loved the pool and is officially a swimmer

The kids loved the evening car playing, dancing and night pool sessions

and the boys loved picking on Aleena. Poor girl!

We got to visit our favorite beach, Chileno Bay. (this is a 5 picture spread)

This place is breath taking. Just nature at it's best.

Finn found his hidden treasures

 While ours didn't ever need to be found. Our treasures have always been right in front of us. (Even if Sunday is off to the side!)
(photo credit: Wes)

Happy vacationing!
We hope to see you very soon Los Cabos. You were splendid.