These Hallowed Grounds

/ Arlington National Cemetary/

​Today I had the opportunity to once again visit Arlington National Cemetery.  It seemed only fitting to visit here today as we have just celebrated Memorial Day this past weekend.  Every Memorial day, nearly 200,000 flags are placed at the graves and removed before the cemetery opens the next morning. 

Here in Virginia, the temperatures soared well into the mid nineties today but that didn't stop me from strolling through the cemetery for several hours.   How appropriate to spend my memorial day holiday reflecting on the thousands of servicemen and women who are buried here.  It was a beautiful day to put aside my regular responsibilities and truly take in the ultimate sacrifice that so many have given for our country.  ​

As I approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, ​we were told that we would be seeing a rare event.  A Tunisian dignitary would be laying a wreath and there would be a grand event with music and a gun salute for the changing of the guard. 

When I approached the newest sections of the cemetery where the soldiers who perished most recently in Operation Iraqi Freedom & Afghanistan, I was overwhelmed  to read their stories and see personal mementos left by their families.  Today was a day I will not soon forget. 

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Harleysville, Pa - Baby Shower Celebration

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I spent my Memorial Day weekend visiting friends and family back in Pa.  While there, I had the amazing opportunity to photograph my beautiful cousin, Julie at her baby shower.  It's such an exciting time to have the next generation of cousins beginning families of their own.  A gorgeous day to celebrate such a happy time for our family - Congrats Julie & Steve!

Washington, DC Newborn Session

/ Georgetown/

A few days ago, I spent the day photographing this beautiful DC family with their brand new addition, Sybil.  Big sister, Fiona couldn't wait to show off her brand new baby sister!  Check out a few of the images below!

A Day at Sunset Cliffs

/ Sunset Cliffs/

On our last day in Cali, we just couldn't decide where we wanted to spend our day.  By the time noon had rolled around, I had changed my mind about our plans at least 10 times :)  We finally agreed to drive to Sunset Cliffs and hike down to the water on this fairly cloudy day. 

One word comes to mind...BEAUTIFUL!!!  It was just us and the surfers enjoying this hidden little cove.  Bobby and I spent the next few hours exploring the tidal pools filled with small fish and sea-life.  I loved the bright green and aqua colored sea urchins covered in remnants of broken shells.  The rock formations were beyond anything I had seen during our entire time visiting the coast. 

On our way back to the car, Bob spotted a rope which could be used to climb up the side of the cliff.  I'm not going to lie...I was terrified when we reached the top. To stand at the edge of a cliff and look down at the magnificent ocean is something I won't soon forget.  What a day!!

Mother's Day Celebration

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​Just finished up a wonderful weekend with my dear mother, Dianne and dad, Bill.  We had planned to make a surprise visit home to Pennsylvania this year for Mother's Day but our work schedules had other plans.  Luckily, mom and dad were able to work out their weekend to spend a few days here in Alexandria with us.  We spent Saturday doing what a mother and her girls do best...SHOPPING!!  And ended the evening at our favorite traditional Indian restaurant, Aditi. 

This morning started off with a home-made ​omelet breakfast - courtesy of chef Bill!  Breakfast was followed by a relaxing mid-day nap and then off to for leisurely stroll through Old Town Alexandria with the family.    Some great memories for this Mother's Day and so blessed that we got to spend it together as a family.

Carlsbad Flower Fields - Here we come!

/ Carlsbad Flower Fields/

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields while visiting southern California.  We arrived early morning to a partly-cloudy and on-and-off showers kind of day in San Diego.  I know what you're thinking...how can that be?  Isn't it always sunny in San Diego?  Well, apparently Bob and I will always bring the rain, wherever we go.  Including our trip to the Sahara Desert while on our Honeymoon, YES - it poured on us there too.

​Oddly enough, we were about half way up the hill on our self-guided tour of the fields and the sun suddenly popped through.  Within 15 minutes, the clouds and rain had blown their way off to sea and we were blessed with that gorgeous blue sky that San Diego is known for.

The rows of flowers went on and on as far as the eye could see.  Every row was as straight as could be and all in coordinating colors.  I never thought about where the flowers that I see at weddings in the centerpieces and bouquets actually came from.  But there they were, millions in bloom and soaking up the warm San Diego sun right along the Pacific ocean.  

After an hour or so of walking up and down the rows and taking as many pictures as possible, I told Bob that I had seen all that I wanted to see in California.   Just Kidding, that was only the start of our 2 week trip and we had days and days of jam packed exciting adventures to come.

Holly

It's Derby Day!

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Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby - an absolute must watch event for our family every year!  Last year we visited Louisville, KY while on the Bourbon Trail and got to visit an empty Churchill Downs stadium where the race is run.  It looked totally different this time around because it had been pouring all day and made for an awfully muddy track.

​My husband, Bob surprised us with delicious derby inspired treats such as Beer cheese, Whiskey wieners, and Benedictine sandwiches (which is thin bread with an onion/cucumber spread).  He finished it off with mint juleps all around (even a super sweet version for me made mostly of iced tea and mint).  My excitement came from the decorations on our coffee table.  Everything was derby themed such as a small iron horse, red roses, bourbon bottles, fresh mint, and an antique set of my late grandfather's binoculars. 

It finally came down to race time and we all put on our hats and began to cheer for our pre-picked horses.  (Even our dog, Willow)  It really is my favorite race to watch because it's super short and I'm always so excited for the winning horse and jockey.  Bob's pick, Orb won first place while my two horses came in 4th and 5th.  All in all, a great day!  And a great excuse to wear the adorable hat, right?!?