Sounds of Music, tons of sleeps, first of the holiday parties and as always - lots of love.

THURSDAY

RC, a wonderful girl that I have been lucky enough to be close with since the 3rd grade, visited me at home on Thursday night. We watched Sound of Music Live with Carrie Underwood, it was a serious mind-f*%$! I have been watching the Sound of Music with Julie Andrews for as long as I can remember, I used to sleep over at my grandmother's and it was one of the many musicals I enjoyed with her. Thursday was the first time I had seen the story in play-form, I have to say that like the movie better. (Probably just because I grew up with that version of the story, either way Carrie Underwood has a knack for theater, and cry at the drop of a hat. Not sure if those water works were intentional.)

FRIDAY

Friday night I met up with a wonderful friend from college, we had drinks and cayenne cheese curds at The Depot. The last time I saw this dear man was at his wedding this fall, he is one lucky man and his bride is in for a lifetime of happiness as well - both intelligent writers who deserve all the best. Any way, it was fantastical to see and catch up with MP! 

Then I hung out with my bro at home and avoided the frigid temps by staying indoors and literally BRO-ING out. 

SATURDAY

I spent the morning with a very sweet senior in high school, her brother and family have been friends of mine since I was in elementary school. It was my pleasure to style and shoot her senior pictures! I literally have the best time ever doing things like this, spending time with beautiful girls, helping them feel comfortable and creating inspiring images that capture the essence of their spirit. 

In my high school most kids had big budgets for senior pictures but I think that can be a little ridiculous. Yes, your grandparents would love a great picture of you to remember this great time of pride but it does not need to be a Hollywood production. I spent the morning driving around NE Minneapolis, laughing, chatting and taking pictures that will represent this time in this girl's life for endless years to come. It was an honor to spend this time, to have this opportunity to build my portfolio and make beautiful images. 

Saturday Night...

My uncle hosted around 30 of my extended relatives in his home for a tradition that we have celebrated my whole life. My family, my mom's siblings, all of their cousins and my second and third cousins are all invited. When my great grandmother was alive, we got this rowdy crew together on Christmas Eve. Some of us even went to midnight mass with her for year. We have started getting together further from the 25th as to allow everyone time with their immediate families, gatherings with the in-laws and such, but all the same it is still so special that I get to celebrate the holidays with so much family. There were sloppy joes, a lot of wine, and much laughter. I am blessed with ample family but that is not the best part, the best part is how much love everyone has for one another. We may not always show it in the clearest of light but there is endless, endless love.

SUNDAY

Slept in LIKE A CHAMP! Then my bro and I went grocery shopping, BOOM! Food! And then the journey continued to Savers with a 20% coupon to look for pants to add to Kevin's wardrobe. We each found a few different gems and we spent the rest of Sunday night watching Parks and Rec. 

Sometimes I take a weekend off from being glamorous and I just live, get things done and be practical. Being comfortable taking each day and finding the joy in it, whether it includes glittery dresses or sleep, is how I keep cheesin' from ear to ear!


xoxx, kp