Life is sweet

The last time I saw my sister Stephanie was over 3 months ago- the day before we moved.  It was the second longest time we have gone without seeing each other- and that was when she actually lived abroad in England some 15 plus years ago.  You can see- this is not something we are used to.  I feel fortunate that I have lived close to my family all my life.  In the past I have taken it for granted...but not as of late. Stephanie's visit this past week was just what we needed. The past 4 days went by so fast but we had a lot of fun.  It was very nice having family in the house and we really can't wait for more to come. And now the highlights...

We took her to our park and the boys showed her all around.  The downside about being a photographer is that she is never in the pictures.  But she LOVES taking them so we were spoiled with her talent all weekend long.  Lucky us! 

 

Notice the duck on the left hand side- he walked with us for a long time.  It was really cute. 

 

 

 

 

 

She really knows how to take an ordinary day and make it look beyond amazing!! If you haven't seen Stephanie's work - by all means visit her website!

 

On Saturday I was able to take Stephanie to some of the small villages near my house.  Hambleden, Fingest and Turville.  Anyone remember Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Parts were filmed in Hambleden and in Turville- specifically the windmill: Cobstone Mill.

 

 

The day was chill, picturesque and involved a relaxing pub crawl. THEN Stephanie treated me to dinner that night in Marlow, complete with dessert! Good stuff. 

 

Sunday was equally good brilliant- a lovely day of shopping with Stephanie only to come home to a small birthday party Mark and the boys orchestrated.  Balloons and a happy birthday MUMMY sign included!

 

 

Here she is! She only comes out from behind the camera once and a while.

 

 

 

 

I wish I had a video to illustrate how long it took to blow out this last candle.  It was hilarious.  It took all 4 of us to get the last one out.  Stephanie did get many shots of us trying to get the job done but the photos would go on forever.

 

Multi- tasking.

 

 

 

Cheers to you Mark for such a beautiful night with our family. You have officially spoiled me rotten for my birthday. 

 

 

Thank you Stephanie for making the trip, reading to the boys, playing with them, for my birthday dinner, taking fabulous pictures and spending time with us. Oh and of course, even though your extra day with us was a ginormous error on the airlines part, it was very nice to have you for a little longer.  We love you.