The Fourth Day of the Seventh Month

I hope you all had a wonderful, safe Independence Day! I know I sure did! 

   It was a fun, delicious, bright day.

To start the day, we ate patriotic pancakes. Sourdough pancakes. I didn't get a picture though. If you know anything about me, you know I am not a morning person. Meaning I just didn't feel like it...

 Later we went to the creek, had a little picnic lunch and then splashed around for a bit.
Gabe and Dad also enjoyed catching craw-dads.

 When we finally went back home it was dinner time, so we started up a fire. We ate all natural, uncured, pure beef hot dogs, wrapped in equally healthy pepperonis (that's what I'm talking about!), watermelon, potato salad, smoothie and for dessert we had chocolate ice cream floats and of course, s'mores!

 Our little camp site.

 Afterward, Layla played us some campfire tunes...

You all know what happens next...

 FiReWoRkS!!

 I am so happy with how all the pictures came out. I'd been preparing for awhile. 

 Sparklers and Roman candles...

 Mom's sparkler looks like an eye!

Layla managed to do a star...


It was a blast. All of it. The whole day.
I am so thankful for our Independence and Freedom. Everyday I think, and pray, for those who have to hide their love for Jesus and go underground just to sing praises to Him. We are very, very blessed to live in this country. To be able to be bold without fear and love Him without hiding it.
Anyway, it was just a really good day and no one got hurt (except for just a few minor burns...).

How was your 4th of July?
Did you do anything special? Get any amazing shots?

Love,
Hagen

Birthday Girl!

Yesterday was a day of celebration! Matilda turned Eight! Can you believe it? She's growing up so fast!

 I just love her! She is very artistic and and has a wide sense of humor! She is very independent, she loves and is loveable!

 Reading a card from Layla....

Opening her gifts! (Check out Baby O's face in the background!)

 Matilda was pretty stoked when a friend bought her a muffin from the coffee shop we went to that morning...

I can't believe this, but I totally forgot to take a picture of the cake! We just ate it to fast....
But it was a delicious chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and chocolate chips sprinkled on top.... (Now you know why it was gone so fast...)
 

 Here is a video of us singing "Happy Birthday!" Please, do excuse our singing voices but, as you may know, the happy birthday song is possibly the hardest song to sing on the whole face of the earth.

Love,
Hagen

Sam + Theresa

Yesterday two people joined together, they left their families and started a new one. And they wanted me to photograph their special day! I was so nervous and it was my first time to photograph a wedding but the whole thing was so beautiful so they made it easy for me... Plus Theresa is my aunt and she really encouraged me.
It was a real good country wedding with cowboy boots, barbeque, and brown curls.
Here's just a sample of it all...

 Arriving!

 Nervous!

 

 Walking down the isle... Dad gave her away!

 The Kiss!

 

 Bride&Groom

The veil...

I just couldn't not post this!

Well that's just a sample, what do you think? Any good? They are really happy with the photos, so I'm happy!

Love,

Hagen

What She Wore Wednesday ~ Turquoise Dress

This fine Wednesday features Layla in a cute turquoise dress that she wore to church this past Sunday.

 She looks so cute in this dress! The ruffles and pleats make it not so simple, but it's not too busy.

 We took the picture at the beach as you can see... :)

 I know this picture isn't very good, (it was getting dark), but this is her complete outfit that she wore to church... Shoes, hair clip and all...

~What She Wore~

Dress: hand-me-down (from our aunt) $0
Tank: Target $3
Hair clip: homemade $0
 Shoes: wal-mart $10

Thirteen dollar outfit, seriously? That's cheap!

So, how did you like it?
 And by the way, sorry it's so late and I am just now posting this. Internet again...

Well, I best be going... We are about to enjoy some coconut macaroons. Layla will post the recipe soon... (Just to excite your taste buds...)
Blessings,
Hagen
 

Picture Post

I desperately wanted to do a blog post, but to be honest, I had no idea what to post about. But, of course, it hit me. I ought to just do a picture post! You know how I am...

I'll start with a few amazing photos of our beautiful Texas sky...

The other day there was a beautiful rainbow, but what was even more beautiful about it was that God sent it and reminded us of His promise before the rain came! Isn't that extraordinary? Just another reminder of His great love for us! 

I can't help but feel like I over-did the editing on this it, but I couldn't bring myself to undo it. What do you think?

Again the Lord showing His mighty hand through His creation!
 

 Marvelous...

 
 I like that you can see the family over in the background in this one and how tall the clovers look!

 Vine-ing branches...

 Rustic wood...

We've been calling this flower,
 "The Mad Hatter's Hat," and, 
"The flower from Wonderland!"
Anyone have any idea what this flower is called?
Whatever it is, it is fabulous! 

 Rainy day reading...
(Photo courtesy to Layla on that one.)

 Baby O and her bright blue eyes!

 Okay, so obviously, Olivia likes blackberries! :)

 Miniature sand dunes...

 Layla & I.

 Trees...

 ...Trees...

...And, more trees! I love them, so many different kinds. One's bark might be jagged and course, and others smooth. Some leaves thick and glossy, and others thin and brittle. 
I. Am. A. Tree. Hugger.

Baby O just so happens to be a tree hugger also...

 ...And loves gazing at the sky...
(Can you tell who she gets it from?)

Well, I do believe it is getting late...
I trust you enjoyed these pictures, yes?
Have pleasant dreams and a great Thursday!
Blessings, 
Hagen