Oh. How my heart loves the Autumn season.  Living in the agricultural heart of California has its perks.  There is no short of seasonal backgrounds.  Del Osso Family Farms is less than 5 miles away from our home and is a sought after attraction from people throughout the state.

The air was crisp and tones of burnt orange accompanied the fall sun while setting. I was able to capture a few shots of Cadence Noelle during her 1st visit to a pumpkin patch.

She pet the pumpkins like puppies.  She had cotton candy for the first time.  The nature of her age prompting her to taste everything.  My husband as usual was fascinated with her curiosity and laughed with her in all of her amusement.

A short visit for a school night, we loaded up our littles and headed home. These are the memories of our October.

First year.  A special year.  

My mother is originally from the Philippines.  Growing up, there was no short of elaborate first birthdays to attend. In countries without access to clean water, heat and electricity not to mention modernized health care facilities; survival through this first year was a challenge.  A challenge, that when overcome worthy of magnificent celebration.

Here we are reaching Cadence Noelle’s first birthday in just 5 weeks.  I can’t believe I’m a mother again.  She has redefined me.

For her 1st birthday, we decided to keep things simple.  I didn’t want to entertain the idea of Unicorns (no offense to those that do) but something amazingly awesome.  Pizza. At a small quaint country town pizza shoppe with our closest friends and family.

Here is Chef Cadence’s First Birthday Pictures in honor of Pizza Chefs all across the globe.

Time Warp. Is it really time for the graduating class of 2018?  This senior session was hands-down one of my absolute favs! How nice is it to have someone naturally pose without any prompting? 

As a Football Coach’s wife, this Senior Session was near and dear to my heart.  My husband resigned this last season as head coach and it was sentimental to say the least.  He fought a good fight and I can genuinely say that I am proud of the work he has done. We say goodbye to his journey on this field.  With the sunset fleeting and the chill of early spring, it was strangely nostalgic walking the vacant field and bleachers. 

Chandler is one of my husband’s players this last season.  He is an outstanding young man; a reflection of his parents that have a profound love for community and fostering children. He is without a doubt a great big brother, little brother, son, friend and football player.  We wish him well into adulthood and from the looks of his senior photo sesh, he is ready to take on the world.

My mother-in-law is a baking champion.  During the winter months, she makes fresh baked rolls.  A recipe she learned from her mother Aster.  The homemade rolls are then transformed with a little marinara & fresh basil or cinnamon & butter.  She bakes them fresh, and lets the whole family know so we can head to the Davis Homestead and grub!

It is my hope, that Cadence builds many memories in this kitchen with her Mimi.  That she thinks fondly of her when she is a grandmother herself.  Cooking is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love and I hope she embraces a little of that love here.

Honestly.  I shed a tear editing this album.  Nothing in this life is more rewarding than motherhood. I feel so honored to be a witness in Shantel’s journey.  Dray Bear is without a doubt, one blessed boy.

Admirable Love.

The Bylows, our pre-marital counselors.  I remember the first night we met, Julia with a huge smile welcomed us with a scrumptious coffee cake and ice cream.  Pastor Ron was cordial and genuine.  We sat by the fireplace and I looked up at walls filled with love, family and declarations of faith in Jesus.  College sweethearts, they are a true testament of God’s love.

I’m not sure how I got here.

It’s amazing.  The paths in which our decisions lead us.  In my journey, I have not always exercised strategy in my choices.  God gave me a break.  After a windy, crooked road his grace blessed me.  Immensely.  

Thanksgiving was special for our family this year.  My husband and I, share the Northwest as the origin of both our families.  His family is from the small quaint town of Camas, near the Oregon border, well known for pungent aromas that stem from the local paper mill.

The small town lacks the hustle and bustle of the city, and because of this ... beauty reveals itself.  The emerald lakes surrounded by huge pine trees. People old and young, never rushed. Morning’s greeted by coffee and our Grandmother’s love.  Camas is a small slice of heaven.

Campfires. Fresh Scents of Pine. Smores.

Our little explorers walked through the woods and indulged in ice creams at the campsite market. They giggled during swim time and snuggled tightly next to us as we slept under the stars with the people we love the most.  These are the memories of the Davis Family Camping 2017 at Calaveras Timber Trails.