Feast or Famine

It's either a feast or famine for this blog, right? I mean I flood you for weeks of non-stop pictures and then we resume everyday life without a single peep. You are having Miner withdrawls, I'm sure.

Yesterday after quiet time and naps, I was sitting there pondering how amazing these two boys were. Two very different in personality and looks, and yet so uniquely special in their own way. I am so grateful for them and the precious days I get to raise them at home. They are well loved, and not just by me and their dad. Sometimes I think how lucky they are, but mainly I think how lucky I am.

Provo, UT: A Miner Engagement

While visiting Utah, I got the honor of taking engagement pictures for Chase and Kortney. Remember for those marking their calendar that February 29th is the big day! I was so grateful to be asked and I was so excited to shoot these two together. Boy did they not disappoint! I loved watching the love between Chase and Kort. They make each other laugh constantly, which luckily for me made for some great outtakes. They just naturally fit each other and made the experience so enjoyable. This is just a snippet of the shots we took that day. The keepers are being tucked away until the bride and groom decide which ones they want to send out, and out of respect for the surprise factor I am not posting anything more. Check your mailbox in a month and half for the final results. And since I knew these were outtakes they came straight out of the camera without any editing. Enjoy!

Sean is a little disappointed this last one did not make the cut.

Salt Lake City, UT: Temple Square

Every night during our visit to Utah felt like a family party. It was awesome, and just the way we wanted it. The boys, of course, loved playing with their cousins well past their bedtime every night. Our nights were busy so we trekked up north to Temple Square during the day since it was on our 'Utah To-Do' list. For we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Temple Square has deep significance to our religion. We wanted our boys to see the temple pictured around our house in person.

We went the Monday after New Year's and had the whole place to ourselves. In fact when we walked into the North Visitors Center with no one insight, I asked the sister missionaries if Temple Square was closed for the holiday.

When Gavin finally realized what exactly we were visiting, he exclaims 'That's where mom and dad got married. You were a princess that day, mom.' And that's when me and my tender heart shed a few tears. I loved everything about my wedding day and yes, I did feel like a princess that day.

Maybe it was the general familial spirit, but Gavin repeatedly ask to hold Logan's hand.

The temple is a place of love and beauty.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth: A family is forever.

To learn more about the LDS beliefs, visit here.

Mapleton, UT: Christmas Morning

Ho Ho Ho! Christmas had finally arrived and we were excited to celebrate with the Miner family. The night before, however, the boys opened their Christmas pajamas per the Kramer Christmas Eve tradition. After donning their new stripes, it was off to bed!

The boys woke bright and early, so we had to feed them cereal while the rest of us got decent. Then it was present opening time once Chase and Kortney arrived.

Jeana made the boys this really cool car map of Peachtree City complete with golf cart paths too. The map has our library, church, Gavin's school, Lake Peachtree, Grandpa Forbes' house, Grandma Forbes' house, and the Miner's house painted on it. It's pretty awesome.

We were overwhelmed at everyone's generosity this year. Our boys have been given much, but mostly we are so grateful for all the love. We have great parents, but if it were possible they make even better grandparents to our boys.

Fairview, UT: Jordan's Camera

Sean's cousin was gifted a new camera for Christmas and took some shots while we were in Utah. Before saying our good-byes last night to the family, I swiped some pictures off Jordan's camera. Did I mention that Jordan is a triplet and all of them are gorgeous? Talk about good genes! Here are two of three with Kylie on the left and Jordan on the right.

The remaining triplet, Brooke, is pictured top left and their mother, Stephanie, on the bottom left. Uncle Greg and Dylan round out the family, and my boys can never decide which member of that family they love the most.

I just adore these shots of Logan. I just adore his face.

More cabin fun!

When Kylie and Gavin went sledding, Sean drove while Logan and I rode backwards watching the fun.

Snow much fun!

Fairview, UT: The Miner Cabin

Shortly after Christmas, we headed to the Miner cabin for some fun in the snow. We were joined by Uncle Greg and most of his family, cousin Herb and his family, and my in-laws as the gracious hosts. The snow was significantly lower than years past but still enough to play in the powder. Gavin loved playing outside, from the sled rides behind the snowmobile to riding the machines with daddy to building a snowman. It was not the right snow for proper snowman formation but we did the best we could. The Kramer family even gratefully made Aunt Stephanie's famous enchiladas and salsa for dinner one night. It was a great and memorable trip.

Spanish Fork, UT: Ringing in the New Year

We were invited New Year's Eve to celebrate at Uncle John and Aunt Natalie's beautiful home in Spanish Fork. It was a wonderful night filled with great food, family, and games. My boys stayed up the whole night to celebrate and surprisingly did very well.

Gavin says, 'Happy New Year!'

I love Natalie's reaction to the fireworks for they really were that impressive.

Stadium of Fire, watch out for the Kramers!

What a great way to ring in the new year!