Santa came to Castle Farms to read the Polar Express to children! It was a fun day, filled with laughter, happy smiles, and long lists of gifts to bring on Christmas.
I got to spend a few hours on the farm with Pam, Steve, the Boys, and Steve’s awesome old truck to create some new photos for the French Valley Vineyard website and sales collateral.
And yup, that is a dog in a hat.
Team REI needed new headshots and a few group sitting options. We had great ideas for a rooftop sitting with bay and city-scape backgrounds, but the gales of November decided to pay us a visit. I suppose, though, it is November and there was no snow on the ground so at least we weren’t freezing in our attempts.
John and the TruMark Contracting guys brought their A-Game for their team photos. And look, everybody has clean shirts!! These will be used for their company holiday cards. I tried to convince them they should do a calendar but they were too shy. Maybe next year, ladies!
The ever-so-fabulous and talented Stephen West made an appearance at the Wool and Honey knit shop in Cedar on Tuesday night. Knitters from far and wide came to have their books signed and see his fantastic designs in person. It was quite an event!
Anderson is the sweetest, most smiley boy! He loves his Mom and his Dad and the ceiling fan – I guess I haven’t taken enough time to sit and look at a ceiling fan, it is rather interesting, and Anderson really enjoys watching it. He is curious. He is interested in books, and blocks, his stuffed elephant, and the look on his face when he walks with his special cart is positively priceless. He is a happy little boy. He just melts my heart.
Anderson has been diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome. With this syndrome, which has a 1 per 100,000 occurrence, he cannot make a type of enzyme that helps to break down specific sugar molecules throughout his little body; which causes issues with his joints, organs, and a handful of other things. Right now he wears hearing aids, although he really doesn’t like Daddy putting them in. He will begin a treatment process soon, that may consist of enzyme replacement and maybe even a bone marrow transplant. This little guy and his parents have a long road ahead of them. I so hope that they find the right doctor to make Anderson’s life long, happy, and prosperous!
Just look at that grin!
Jackie was the second luckiest gal of the weekend as far as the weather went! We waited out the rain and were rewarded by a gorgeous rainbow and a beautiful summer evening for her senior photos.
What a fantastic family! Bigs and littles, everybody was at the beach with smiles on!
It is days like this that restore my faith in the youth of today. Of course, the actions of children, does define the greatness of the parents. I made a mistake this evening, though. I had the bright idea to have the two sisters kick/splash water at each other. Inevitably, the older sister got the little sister right in the face! I went and wiped the water and little sand bits off of her face as she gave me the look of not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I told her that the summer beach water and sand will help her grow up to be a beautiful lady some day, in hopes that I could stave off the tears for good. I thought that was the end of it. But I always forget that little people ears can hear EVERYTHING. As we walked back up the beach, the older sister asked me, “is that what worked for you?” “What do you mean?” I asked. “Is beach sand and water what made you beautiful?” she said with a complete and real interest. It took me off guard. Firstly, that she was paying attention. Secondly, that she thought I was serious. And thirdly, that a little girl, no more than 6, saw my crazy disheveled summer work season self, as beautiful. It truly brought a smile to my heart! Good job parents! You made a very sweet little girl!
These two little dudes might have hidden turbo boosters in their legs! They are fast! 2 and 5 are fun ages!
This family knows how to have a good time together! The whole family laughed and joked together and grandma just rolled her eyes and laughed right along with them. We had a fun evening on the beach at the Homestead in Glen Arbor.