Photo collection for Lana and Thad

I've sent Lana and Thad - as well as Laura and Mike a "collection" of images i took from their weeding weeked. Once I know they've received them - I will post access to where it you can purchase a collection of your own. Check back if you're interested.

xxoo genine

Birthday info.

A few people have asked me for ideas/sizes for Keira - thought I'd just post it here.

*She's in a 2T size
*We bought her a doll house - compatible with the accessories from "Loving Family" line
( i know they have them at Toys r Us)
*She's loving having one of my old music boxes in her room - we set it up every night - she loves listening to it when she's in bed.

....hope that helps!
:) genine

Phil and Michele's Shower weekend...

The shower was a lot of fun - Michele and Phil had big smiles all day!


Michele and Phil thanked everyone for attending, and those who put the shower on. By this time the rain had stopped - and it was time for some Bocci! These were the shirts the winners would receive! In case you can't see the message....

"GRAB YOU BALLS - IT'S BOCCI TIME" :)
We all got a real taste of Phil's artistic talents - as he made and decorated the cake!Phil and our Grandma "Lucy" xxoo

Now these next images are from Fri. night - Michelle's bach. party....I tried to keep it some what clean!

We had a little game of "What Phil said" --- questions for Michele to answer based off of what she thought Phil's response was...some were a bit personal and brought out many laughs! If Michele got the answer correct - a pair of panties went up on a line - but if she was incorrect...on they went - over her clothes! Pair number 1 went on!
and pair number 2!
She did get a handful correct!But there were more wrong than right!
She was an excellent sport - and stuck a pose with the last pair! Which by the way was from the question of ....

"What one word did Phil use to describe what he thinks of you, what you are to him?" His answer...

"Sanctuary"

sweet hu?

The wedding day...

I was honored to be able to photograph Lana as she and her bridesmaids got ready... Nervous, happy tears occasionally escaped her - the dress was laced, the veil attached, the flowers given...one of those magical moments that only a bride truly understands... She was lovely...

Wish I could show you actual wedding pictures, but her hired photographer was handling that portion - as i just don't have the equipment to properly light a church. And, getting Quinn, Keira and ourselves ready and out the door...was quite a task! The only regret is that I forgot to take a picture of Quinn in his vest and tie! Luckily there was another family friend who was also shooting that day - and he told me he did get a few cute pictures of our kids. Will post them once I get them from him! Quinn did an incredible job - we were so proud of him, and he was def. proud of himself. The only thing negative he mentioned was " i didn't get to really carry the rings..." too cute hu? So, Aunt Drea and Uncle Phil...he's a seasoned pro....no worries for your weddings!

;) genine

Keira is turning 2!!!

Does that sound crazy??? It doesn't feel possible...but her birthday, Aug. 4th is just around the corner! Thought you'd like to see her invite - this is one of the pictures from SD. I have a thing for the back of little kids' heads...lol I think I hit those of you in the area with a personal email, but if you were missed, and would like to come, please just send me a quick note!!!

South Fork - Dallas, SD --- 4th of July

On the 4th we all headed out to Dallas - about 3 hrs. from Vermillion. A good friend of the Roche's owns a hunting lodge there - and generously offered its use for the reception and 4th of July BBQ. Anyone who enjoys hunting would be in awe....

The adorable couple at their "Trim the Kitchen" shower....
I stole Vince, Andrea and their son Mikey outside for a quick photo or two... Vince is Thad's brother and Billy's first cousin...

Keira enjoying the flowers in the planter....and impressively...did not pick them!

Quinn sitting with Grandma Kathy watching Lana and Thad open their gifts...I'm pretty sure ths was when they were opening the ice cream scoop he gave them...
Little Thaddy - adorable...this is Jenn and Aaron's son - more first cousins of Billy's!!
It was so cute to see them together - and Mommy was happy that her big girl was willling to share her fishies!!
more to come... xxoo genine

Day One...on the Farm....

So we arrived in Omaha, NE - around 6 pm ish' - picked up our rental car and drove 2 hrs. to Vermillion, South Dakota. Billy's Aunt Laura and Uncle Mike live on this beautiful property "the farm" as he likes to call it - it was a bit overcast when I took these pictures...but you get the idea! Really incredible view...you can't help but take in deep breaths of the fresh air...relaxing with every time you inhale and look around... Mike and Laura were very kind to put us up for our first few nights - and made our stay more than comfortable. Another big - big thank you. A bit later in the day we were joined by Annie and Thad. Annie and the kids warmed up to one another instantly...they played and giggled all afternoon! Annie is also an incredible basketball player! She was getting Quinn started... :) and he loved it!

Billy and Thad got a chance to relax and catch up before heading out for Thad and Lana's wedding! We were so happy to be a part of their day...
Later that day - Billy's Aunt Judy and Cousin Melissa made the drive out from Sioux Falls (about an hr.) to visit with us too! And once again, kisses and giggles were heard around the farm. It was so incredibly heart warming to see our kids bonding with their family - this was the first time they'd met...
Many, many - many more images to come! Check back and be sure to fill in anyone who may want to see some of these pictures!!!

xxoo genine

back from South Dakota

This is just a quick post to let you all know we're back safe and sound from the mid-west! We had an incredible time visiting with family, and attending the wedding in Dallas, SD - the hunting lodge we stayed at was called South Fork for those of you who watched the show Dallas back in the day! There is much to tell - and many many pictures to share! I uploaded them last night - 330 images....!!!!! So be patient, but check back soon! xxoo genine