2011 - First Edition

Columbus,GA

Happy 2011! We rang in the new year in the south with our family and son. Life is grand. 

The RV FINALLY SOLD... HALLELUJAH and goodbye you giant pain in my butt! We were so, so thankful the RV sold. As some people like to refer to us... we were no longer "Trailer Trash!!" BWAHAHA!!

Together in GA

I thought this note was just hilarious. Darius slipped this to us from the backseat one day. Butch was on the phone so Darius couldn't say it out loud. Hilarious!

My boys doing what they do. Oh how I love them.

The time had come again... we were picking a new place to live. Butch heard of a great position in WA State and was waiting to hear back from the boss man. Let me explain just how quickly things work for us. Sometimes we have NO warning before these decisions need to be made. This particular phone call I remember well because we were at the Atlanta airport when Butch got the call and was offered a position at Fort Lewis, WA. It was right there, in the middle of the airport, that we began discussing what ifs and all the possibilities of this job. We picked up Darius (the reason for us being at the airport) and by the end of that evening we had reached a final conclusion and accepted the position. So, in a matter of roughly 5 hours we made the decision to leave GA. If I remember right, we had about 2 weeks to get everything packed and get across the US to start work. It's a crazy, exciting life we live.

Butch and I had been discussing one of us starting college and this seemed like the right timing as I was not offered a position in WA. I had already been researching colleges, cost, etc. So, I had no job and this seemed like the right time for me to start school. This is one of the scariest moves I've ever made in my adult life. I know, weird, huh? Why am I not scared to change my life in a matter of hours and move across the country 10 times in one year but I'm afraid of school?! Well, because this would be the first time since I was 14 that I had not worked and supported myself. Obviously, my wonderful parents still took care of me at the age of 14 but I became independent at a young age. Going back to school meant I would not be working and my husband would be supporting me. This was an incredibly difficult decision for me.

Goodbye Dinner in GA with my parents and our teammates from work. That's a HUGE piece of cake in front of them!

Packing is always a stressful time. Darius was back in Florida and the holidays were over. Butch and I had spent a long day of packing the trailer and we were finally finished for the night. We were exhausted. We had planned to pack everything and stay in a hotel for the night but when the night finally rolled around we opted to go get some food and stay in the apartment on the air mattress. After moving as many times as we have you learn to pack certain things last, like the blankets, air mattress, towels, etc... Things you might need along the way. After eating our fast food dinner Butch went out to the truck and trailer to get the air mattress and blanket. Little did he know that his timing literally saved everything we owned! As he walked out he saw an unmarked tow truck backing up to the front of our truck. Butch RAN to the truck, jumped in and immediately put it in gear and began backing away from the truck. They can't tow a vehicle in motion so Butch was trying to get away from them! The guys attempted to assert their position and say that he was being towed. WRONG MOVE! Butch is a sharp guy and noticed quickly that the tow truck had no markings and as far as we knew, our apartment complex was not contracted with any towing company. The guys had some cross words and when Butch jumped out of the truck and started their way to do more than talking they sped off!! He then re-parked the truck so it was against a curb and blocked in with our other truck. These guys were thieves and had probably been watching us pack all day long. They didn't wait long to go for the goods because we were barely done for the night when all of this happened. It was absolutely nerve racking knowing we were seconds away from out entire life being ripped out from under us. We would have lost literally every personal possession we own and our truck. Thank you God for stopping that one! Wow. It makes my skin crawl just re-living it.

Because I didn't have to be in WA quite as quickly as Butch, we drove separately. We stopped in MS to see my family before leaving for WA and then Butch headed out to start work. He left me behind with the dually truck and both dogs. He took the other truck and the trailer full of our things.

I stayed an extra day in MS and then drove to AR to meet my new baby cousin. I also took newborn pics for them while I was there. He was my first newborn pics ever and we had a great visit.

My Best Friend of 16 years. I love you April.

On the road again. Just me and the Chihuahuas traveling across the US.

My newborn baby cousin, Cole. I had a great visit with my family.

My travels went pretty good from AR to WA. However, in Idaho I noticed permanent signs that instructed all drivers to chain their tires. I was like, hummm... this might be interesting and, it was! If you've ever tried to video snow then you know it normally doesn't show up very well. For you to be able to see these flakes means they are huge. Later I got to travel through Snoqualmie Pass. Butch was super worried about this pass but it turned out to be easy compared to my Idaho experience. We knew I was going to be driving through snow so I had already purchased 50 pounds of sand for the back of my truck, It helps with the traction. Thankfully, I made it safely to WA.

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Fort Lewis, WA

Puyallup, WA (2,746 miles)  Just a tiny 41 hour drive later and I was in WA State. Butch was starting work at Fort Lewis, WA and we found a place to live in Puyallup, WA. After settling in Washington I quickly started mapping out our adventures. I always want to sight see ASAP when we get to a new location because we never know when things could change.

I drug Butch 146 miles south to Portland, OR to see the famous Voodoo Doughnut. Portland's motto is "Keep Portland Weird," and they mean it. This is one of the strangest cities on the planet.  If you're ever in the area I highly suggest stopping by Voodoo Doughnut for some whacky treats.

The next stop on the list of places to see was the Quinalt Rainforest. The Quinalt Rainforest is the only temperate rain forest in the northern hemisphere, including the glacial carved Quinault Valley. The views and the experience were absolutely breathtaking. The photos do it no justice. Feet measure rainfall in the Quinault Rain Forest. There is an average of 10 to 15 feet, (120" - 140" up to 180") of rainfall each year. Moisture is evident everywhere. Clouds, fog and forest growth help keep temperatures moderate all year round. This moisture and moderate temperature ensure plant growth and provides habitat for a wide variety of critters year round.

Butch was getting his photo on in the rainforest.

We had a lot of fun walking around and checking out all the plants and vegetation.

The trees were ginormous.

This was quite the climb.

A view from the lake inside

This is just awesome!!

This reminded me of Twilight. The town "Forks", that is referenced in the series Twilight, is just north of Quinalt Rainforest.

The Quinault Rain Forest is home to several Roosevelt Elk herds. The elk are essential to the rain forest community. By their foraging and stomping around, open areas are formed and shrub and bush growth are kept under control. Elk stay year round in the Quinault Rain Forest, finding sufficient food and shelter.

We were able to pull of the road and observe this herd of Elk for a long time as they are use to the vehicles. This was really cool!

As we were leaving I just couldn't get over the beauty of this place. I took this photo standing on the tailgate of our truck while logging trucks zoomed by us. As normal, Butch thought I was crazy! :-)

Darius came down for a long week-end and we were able to do some exploring around Tacoma. We planned a day to take our camera out and we had so much fun together. We had lunch by the water, went rock climbing and roamed the city taking photos for hours. Tacoma has pretty places for photos almost everywhere you look. The Pacific Northwest is absolutely magical to me.

Our apartment in Puyallup, WA was in the direct line of disaster should Mt. Rainier ever erupt again. We learned this after moving in, seeing these lovely signs, and hearing the test sirens! We didn't live there long!

Darius fell in love with rock climbing while in Washington. This was the first of many trips to the rock walls.

Lunch by the water, a good time.

Downtown Tacoma.

I love this photo. :-)

We really had a great time together. Darius doesn't realize it now but he's seen the world with us.

These were all taken right in Tacoma.

It was a freezing cold adventure but we had fun!

Because the RV was finally gone we no longer had the need for our ginormous red dually. We quickly found a buyer and I was happy to see that massive truck go away. We quickly purchased the most awesome car ever, our Acura TL. I still love, love, love this car. 

See the red beast at the end? Sight seeing in this truck was difficult due to its massive size!

Meet the Acura TL. I heart you. :-)

Because I was still a full time student I was able to carve time into my schedule for my sister to come visit. She was only here for 4 or 5 days, (I can't remember exactly) but wow we did a lot in a short time. We drove the wheels off my new Acura while she was here. We had an amazing time and Dessa was able to see and do a lot. We visited the Quinalt Rain Forest where Dessa relentlessly searched for Big Foot. We were unsuccessful but we did find this awesome rendition...

You know this is hilarious!

Upon arriving in Portland we saw this lovely crime scene with a covered body. Fun times, huh?

Dessa getting her iphone photo on.

No rain is gonna keep us inside!

We visited a float tank. I suggest you google this fabulous creation. The salt water inside the tank makes you completely buoyant, therefore, you are relaxing weightlessly atop the water. It's very therapeutic. 

Inside the tank. It's simply tons of salt water to make you float. That's all you do is float in silence and relaxation.

Dessa became quite the tree huger while she was here.

At the Seattle Space Needle. Everyone must see the Space Needle when visiting Seattle.

The wonderful Seattle Bubble Gum Wall. I saw this many, many times while living in Tacoma.

My new car parked on the beach in Oregon. We had the coolest time hanging out on Beach.

Dessa was so excited to see the Oregon Coastline. I think this could have been her favorite part of the whole trip. You don't see beaches like this on the East Coast.

Her lucky find. She still has this!

Who doesn't want to see a troll under a bridge?! I know I do!

Last but not least, a little camel riding. :-)

I was soooo excited when I learned the Tullip Festivals were near by. I stalked the dates for a while and when the time was right I trapped Butch in the car and we were on our way! If you're ever in the NW during the bloom, I highly suggest you stop by the Skagit Tulip Festival. It was really gorgeous! I'd love to go again. Especially now that my photography skills and equipment have improved!

2011 was a busy spring for us. Alana and Darius were able to come visit at the same time for Spring Break. We had so much fun. Of course we went to Pike Place, again! Alana had never seen it so we had to visit the Seattle bubble gum wall again.  I kept the kids pretty busy for a week and when I needed down time they kept themselves busy running wild through the house. We really had a great time together.I cherish every minute I have with these kids as they're growing up so quickly.

WOOT! Alana's first visit to WA State.

I love my little Alana Loo.

A few days later Darius shows up. Cousin time is the best!

Butch and I tried to enjoy the great outdoors as much as we could while in Tacoma. We fished together several times and we also really enjoy Point Defiance park. At Point Defiance there is a beach, a dog park, and walking trails. This was one of our favorite places to visit when we were bored in Tacoma. We miss it sometimes and we need to find a new place like this. 

Our favorite spot at Point Defiance.

We spent many afternoons hanging out at Point Defiance.

HAHA... Fake smile? I think so.

WOW! This is exciting!

Our little fishing lake. We visited here several times. Did we catch fish? No, but it was fun.

Nice whistle Butch!

Getting ready to catch some fishes!

Enjoying the views and hanging out on the water.

SQUISHY FACE PHOTO!

Gorgeous, gorgeous!

In May of 2011 Butch and I went on a whale watch in the extreme North West. We were almost in Canada. The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I love, love, love the nature and beauty that the Northwest has to offer. 

On the boat.. WOOT!

Our seagoing vessel for the day.

My sweety looking all fly on the boat.

Gorgeous views all the way out & back in.

The beauty is breathtaking in person.

Fun times!

It was incredible to see the size of these whales up close.

We saw many whales this day. The captain of the boat said we saw more than most but who knows!

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.

It was brrrr cold on the boat. Holy freckles!

Butch went on a once in a lifetime type of fishing trip with his friends/co-workers. Apparently you shouldn't catch this many Salmon in one day. One of the guys that went on the trip is a pro fisherman and he was telling them exactly how to bring the fish in. Butch talked about this fishing trip for months! 

Butch getting his fish on!

Butch's co-workers Glenn & Rex, great guys! -They are my co-workers now too but we haven't made it that far in the story!

Butch and the fishes!

Butch starting taking Jiu-Jitsu in the spring/summer of 2011. I can't remember exactly when he started training but he quickly fell in love. Jiu-Jitsu became a part of his life and he became very dedicated to learning Jiu-Jitsu. I watched his body quickly transform. He lost weight that I didn't know he had to lose and his body began to look a little hulkish. I can't say that I minded this new look at all. :) All of these photos are a mix from our summer with and without Darius.

He looks like the hulk. He got pretty big!

Alana trained when she visited....

And so did Darius.

Memories... special memories.

My little scrub!

Welcome to teenage life. It only gets better from here!

We did a lot of things over the summer. I don't think I can remember everything because we did so much but here are some highlights...

We went to the drive-in theater. My first time ever!

BUTCH GOT A NEW TRUCK! :)

I love, love, love this truck.

All Darius had to say about the truck was the back seat is too small... BRAT! :)

 I was still a full time student and every day revolved around my school schedule. My studies were demanding. My goals while in school were to grow as a photographer and begin searching for new avenues in my life. I started spending a lot of time online learning about my camera and teaching myself about photography. I found an amazing group of photographers on Facebook. This group literally helped change my life as a photographer. I learned so much. I began going on outings, carrying my camera everywhere, buying books, etc. My photography changed quickly. I re-branded my name, built a better website and began growing as a photographer. I was taking photos every week and met a lot of great people. 

One of the coolest photo sessions Butch and I ever took together.

Butch was being a beautiful model. LMAO. Fun times.

 

We were all having a blast together this day. Darius skateboarded, I took photos and we all enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Trying to improve in my skills... Darius is always a great model.

We had family photos taken while Darius was while us. These photos are near and dear to my heart. We plan to have family photos again this upcoming summer, 2013. You can view the entire session here: Family Photo Session

Waiting for the photographer to arrive.

One of my all time favorite photos. I was trying to take a photo to put on my facebook and BAYUM, Darius photo bombed my photo. This is SO FUNNY to me!

The final product from our family photos.

I cherish these photos because he's changed so much now.

My beautiful family.

I really wasn't interested in trying Jiu-Jitsu at the time. It was just something that Butch and Darius did together. I liked that Butch had found something he loved and something that they could do together. Somehow Butch talked me into taking some photos at his Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Little did I know that this going to open up so many opportunities in my photography world. I will tell you more when we get to 2012. :) We attended several local tournaments where I began taking photos and making friends in the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Darius loved being at the tournament and watching the Jiu-Jitsu.

SMILE! :)

We paid for tickets to a UFC fight in Northern WA. We were all super excited. The fights turned out to be a big flop but there experience was OK. It's all about the memories, RIGHT?

2011 was packed with visits from Darius, activities and experiences. There are so many more photos but as I recap it's hard to include EVERYTHING. I really hope that I can get the blog up to date so that I can keep up with our life and our experiences as they happen.

While living in Puyallup, towards the end of the summer 2011 we opted to have both of our dogs legs corrected through surgery. Both chihuahuas were born with luxating patellas. I think I have the terminology correct. Basically it means the tendon near their knee caps slips over the knee cap. It's too lose. It can cause problems and because painful so after research and visiting a few veterinarians we decided it would be best to go ahead and take care of it. I was in school so I was able to be home and care for them and we were able to afford it so we just got it over with. Little did I know that it would be one of the hardest experiences ever. Both pups had both back legs corrected at the same time. When I picked them up from the surgery Cassie was a whining, shaking, horrible mess. She was in so much pain. I cried all the way home. The poor little things couldn't help themselves at all for a few days. Butch and I had our hands full caring for these sad little poopers!

I laid with them a lot during this time. They were SO pitiful. :(

My schooling was a full time job and I was still completely committed to my new career as a court reporter. The school was demanding but I continually pumped out a 4.0 average. It was incredibly hard. Butch's job at Fort Lewis was coming to an end. They told him we would be moving to California, WOOT! I was so pumped. California has always been a dream of mine. Thankfully, our move was schedule during a break in my school schedule.

My Steno Machine. I spent many, many hours sitting with this machine!

Butch had a few weeks off before we had to move to CA and he was taking full advantage of the time by spending every minute he could in the gym training Jiu-Jitsu. Unfortunately, while training Butch was injured significantly. A combination of bad things ended with Butch's neck being horribly injured. It was the beginning of a long, hard journey ahead of us.

We sold the couch as we were preparing to move. He couldn't find relief for his neck in any position. Apparently, this gave him some relief. Bless his heart.

Butch went to the doctor seeking answers. A few x-rays later he received some pain meds and very few answers. I spent many hours rubbing his neck, helping him ice and trying to find answers for his pain. He couldn't find relief. I had a big photo session planned and Butch was suppose to be a part of it. Unfortunately, when the day came, he couldn't participate. He was injured worse than I've ever seen before.

The day arrived, I woke early and started with my hair, went on to makeup and then spent a solid 8 hours having photos taken all over Seattle. As I discovered and improved my photography skills I also met other photographers. We cooked up a great idea to do a Trash the Dress session in my wedding dress. I was beyond excited and to this day I just ADORE the photos. I think it was "almost" as great as my wedding day.... almost! :)

Beautiful images. I was so happy with the way they turned out.

One of my favs!

We walked me all around the Seattle Market all dressed up. I felt like a super star. This random old man wanted to be a part of the photos. HA!

The water was FREEZING!

We did some funky-fun shots too!

Love this one! Shay is so talented.

Beautiful work. As a photographer, I appreciate these photos so much.

Looking fly in the Seattle Market.

At the end of the night with the two photographers. I felt like a beauty queen! :)

The photo shoot was finished, and all loose ends were tightened up. Butch was doing nothing but resting. The time came to move and it was up to me to get the house packed. Butch was completely unable to lift a box or help in any way. He was hurt so badly. It's not great memories for either of us. I had to hire movers to come and load the trailer and it was all he could do point and direct. He was in intense pain. We managed to get everything packed and Butch talked himself into being able to make to trip from Puyallup, WA to Pismo Beach, CA. He only made it 2 and 1/2 hours into the 17 hour journey when he said he was in too much pain to drive. This is where the story get interesting and I keep you in suspense until I load the next chapter of 2011... :-) Stay tuned!