Malia Rae Photography

New Blog...

2010-04-07T10:41:00.002-04:00

Check out our new space at www.maliaraephoto.com/blog

Laurel & George... Chicago, IL

2010-01-08T17:43:00.006-05:00

They got married in November... when the sun sets at 4pm (I swear). We got lucky with a warm evening and
even though the sun was missing, we had a great time taking photographs with the city lights:)

Maura & Sean... Engaged!

2010-01-08T17:32:00.002-05:00

The land of sunshine...

2009-12-13T10:38:00.001-05:00

Peanut Butter...

2009-12-09T13:15:00.001-05:00

I have lots of posting to catch up on... for now meet my new friend Peanut Butter:)

Sophie... 22 Months

2009-11-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

Dillon... Six Months

2009-11-17T11:19:00.003-05:00

I can't believe how fast they grow!

Jennifer & Matt... Chicago, IL

2009-11-12T11:37:00.011-05:00

There were so many great things about spending a day with Jennifer and Matt. Most of all the laughter never
stopped... except for a few tears. Throughout the day I would over hear their friends and family mention
Jennifer's laugh... how you can pick her out of a crowd because of it, how it makes you smile when you hear it,
and how it is one of many distinguishing qualities that makes her so lovable. Their day was very non-traditional
and a perfect fit for their style. We met up with a intimate group of friends and family at The Metropolitan Tower
for their first look, then had time to wander around for a fun photography session. The ceremony and reception
took place at Between Cafe & Lounge. I have probably passed this location a million times and never realized it
was there... seriously the best food I have had in a long time. I highly recommend checking them out if you get the chance.

I love the things that happen in-between the group photography sessions.

This is what they were doing when they thought I was NOT looking:) I love their humour.

Anne & Robbin... Chicago, IL

2009-10-30T12:17:00.006-04:00

Although the weather on their wedding day was not perfect ,their wedding was great! The day after the
wedding they left for a sunny honeymoon, came back to work for five days... and then moved to California.
Needless to say they have a lot of exciting things going on in their newlywed life:)

back in Chicago:)

2009-10-28T14:18:00.002-04:00

From an early morning photography session...

and a late night photography session:)

change of scenery...:)

2009-10-17T10:11:00.001-04:00

Jessica & Brad... Salvage One, Chicago

2009-10-08T15:57:00.010-04:00

Jessica and Brad are a super creative couple who did everything in a unique way for their wedding day. I was

excited when they asked if their dogs Rat and Zoro could join us for a few photographs. Jessica made both
of the dogs black ties for the event. Being creative they want to use the resources of other creatives
and ordered tons of great wedding items from different Etsy vendors. The dress, the jewelry, the hair pieces,
cufflinks... all from Etsy!

They are a family of hidden talents.... Jessica's brother and sister both made stage appearances:)

Happy Dance...

2009-10-02T10:43:00.002-04:00

I spent an afternoon in Michigan this week hanging out with a super cool family:)

2009-09-25T15:55:00.000-04:00

Julie & Zach... Crystal Lake, IL

2009-09-23T13:37:00.012-04:00

When Julie first contacted me about photographing her wedding she briefly told me it was going to be a farm
wedding and their dog would be involved... I said count me in! The wedding and reception were held at her
family farm, and Huss was the best man! After the ceremony we all piled into a John Deere and toured the
property while taking some photographs. It was a perfect day, a perfect wedding, and a perfect location!

The cats were totally cracking me up... curious about everything!

At one point I realized the he was getting ready to climb up the dress... eventually I had to call him off. I knew
it had the potential to be a great photo opp, but I didn't want to have to explain to Julie why her dress ended
up in a pile on the floor.

No worries... he just moved onto her Dad's shoes:)

They had so many cool details... the give away gift was a grocery bag and fresh produce from the local market.
Each guest could pick from an assortment of fruits and vegetables!

Huss had his own cigar!

Jennifer & Erik... Oak Park, IL

2009-09-16T17:12:00.010-04:00

They got married in Oak Park on a perfect September day. After the wedding ceremony we headed into the
city for some fun photographs with the bridal party. I had such a great time with Jennifer and Erik (and Eva)
back in June for their engagements... it was a treat to spend another day with them. Their bridal party was
also very entertaining:)

This one makes me laugh... apparently they guys were not on the same page about what they were doing:)

Rat & Zoro...

2009-09-13T22:17:00.003-04:00

I have been so lucky lately to have many a 'four-legger' friends join me on my wedding photography sessions:)

New Friends...

2009-09-09T01:24:00.002-04:00

Never met a best man who could wear a bow-tie and carry a stick as well as Huss:)

observer...

2009-09-09T01:15:00.001-04:00

This weekend was full of fun weddings... and meeting many new friends:)

Kelly & Doug... After the Wedding

2009-09-04T14:41:00.007-04:00

Due to a tight schedule on the day of their wedding Kelly and Doug choose to add on another photography
session giving us time to play around the city. Doug is a HUGE Bears fan so of course a trip to Soldier Field
was a must.

We had to get Tucker to get in on the action as well.

Alana & Robert... Brookfield Zoo, IL

2009-08-31T18:19:00.008-04:00

Alana and Robert got married at the Brookfield Zoo. The wedding was great and we had time before the
ceremony to travel around and take some cool photographs. They currently have a dinosaur exhibit
going on... lots of fun:)

For lunch Robert's father brought an unopened bottle of Crown Royal from 1955! His mother had given it
to him telling him to save it until his last child was married.

They both have a great sense of humor:)

They made their own Fimo cake toppers...

After the cake was cut it was hard to keep the little one's away...

The kids crashed the ''Mother/Son" dance...

Kelly & Doug... After the Wedding Preview

2009-08-28T18:31:00.002-04:00

Lions, and Tigers, and... Terradactyls oh my!

2009-08-27T18:39:00.002-04:00

Sweet Temptation...

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Sara & Patrick... Loyola University of Chicago

2009-08-24T13:53:00.006-04:00

Sara and Patrick got married at Loyola... the campus where they met many moon's ago. Everything about
Loyola's campus is beautiful. Most of their friends are also Loyola graduates and you could tell they have
had many a great dance parties together.:)

Never a care in the world...

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Sara & Patrick... Preview

2009-08-18T12:37:00.001-04:00

Monday... Funday...

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Tucker...

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I got to hang out with Tucker about a month after Kelly & Doug's wedding. There will be one more photography
session with all three of them... coming soon! Tucker is such a cool dog. Kelly & Doug were fostering a few kittens
for PAWS. There were many playful attacks launched on Tucker's tail... although not amused, he just laid there
and took it!

house guest...

2009-08-04T11:13:00.004-04:00

My brothers dog, Remington, came from Michigan to hang with us city kids. An hour after arrival both dogs
were soaking wet. Who knew sprinklers could be so much fun?

Tucker... Preview

2009-07-28T13:11:00.000-04:00

PAWS Beach Party...

2009-07-24T11:32:00.001-04:00

Puppy-Popsicles!!!

Mr. HedgeHog...

2009-07-24T09:49:00.003-04:00

He has now made it over two weeks!

Chicago... scuba diving!

2009-07-21T20:48:00.005-04:00

It's NO Mexico, (note the lack-of-sun) but it's still fun. This is a photograph my friend Shelley took right
before we went in. Guinness was NOT happy about us all disappearing into the water. Even back on the
docks... you can see the lack of amusement on his face:)

Honey... working on her dreams!

2009-07-20T18:22:00.002-04:00

Erica & Adam... Chicago, IL

2009-07-18T13:20:00.003-04:00

Erica and Adam had an intimate ceremony and reception at Brazzaz. Their wedding was wonderfully relaxed,
full of laughter, friends, and family.

it's a miracle!!!

2009-07-16T15:50:00.005-04:00

Plush dog toys never last more than 20 minutes around this house. For some reason Mr. Hedgehog has
found his way into Honey's heart. Hedgehog has now been around for over a week... with all his pieces,
parts, and stuffing in tact! Seriously a miracle.

Kelly & Doug... Chicago, IL

2009-07-13T15:14:00.005-04:00

It was a crazy hot day and the church had no air conditioning... but it was still a great wedding.

A Ukulele player, and tubs of iced beer, waited outside the church.

Then a serenade walk to the reception!

There will be more photographs to come of this couple and their dog Tucker:)

after the pool...

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She sleeps... with her shark!

Honey's new pool...

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According to Honey... EVERY day should be a pool day! She totally ignores the 'NO DIVING' stickers.

Kelly & Doug... preview

2009-07-02T11:53:00.003-04:00

Tucker stopped in to say hello after the ceremony:)

Annie & James...

2009-07-01T14:48:00.010-04:00

Last weekend I got to hang with my friend and fellow photographer Laurie Peacock for a super fun Friday
wedding!It was a scorching 90+ degrees outside, so when the church finally turned the air conditioning on
the guys took full advantage of each vent:)

While Laurie was photographing the bride and groom... I had a little fun with the rest of the wedding party,
or should I say they had fun and I did my best to keep up!

The bride wanted a jumping photograph... I think the guys did a good job of getting into it.

Their reception was at Arrowhead Golf Club. The place was beautiful and the staff was amazing.

Hooray for Friday weddings!!!

Rebecca & Norm... Engaged!

2009-06-30T10:01:00.002-04:00

We had a great day roaming the city. I look forward to their wedding next year:)

escaping the heat...

2009-06-24T19:25:00.002-04:00

Honey is now taking up a permanent spot on the bathroom floor!

Chicago...

2009-06-18T11:44:00.003-04:00

A few days ago I took the day off from work, and was lucky enough to get to hang out on the water...
I also got to meet Floyd!

Lisa & Mitch...

2009-06-16T17:46:00.007-04:00

Their wedding was HUGE... I've never met so many great people all in one night. Most of the wedding party

has been friends since they were little kids. Regardless of time and distance, their friendships have lasted.

After spending a full day with them... I can tell you, most of their time together involves lots of laughter!

I was happy they decided to see each other before the ceremony...:)

a small glimpse into the playful nature of the 'wedding party'...

the first dance...

It was a beautiful wedding. Thank you for the opportunity to meet all of your friends and family, and
be a part of your wedding festivities!

PAWS Beach Party...

2009-06-12T11:22:00.006-04:00

Tickets are now available for the seventh annual PAWs Beach Party:

Thursday, July 23, 2009

6pm Castaway's, North Avenue Beach

Emceed by Lisa Dent from US99.5, the Beach Party will host more than 500 guests, and more than 100 beachwear-
clad dogs! You and your pup will lounge by the beach drinking cool summer cocktails from an open bar while
enjoying a beachy dinner buffet, the always-popular silent and live auctions, and live music courtesy of the
Underwater People!

...long day...

2009-06-10T19:28:00.004-04:00

I've been on the computer for what feels like an eternity... looks like Honey had a long day as well! This is

what I had to step over to get out of my office:)

Angels With Tails...

2009-06-09T10:38:00.007-04:00

It was the perfect day and the event was a great success. Lots of pets found new homes and lots of kids

found new friends.

This girl was so sweet... and she LOVED this kitten! Not sure if the adoption took place, when I left it was

still about getting her Dad to say yes.:)

I was not there for the adoption but I know she found a great home as I have already heard from her new

owner... how could you not fall in love with that kind of relaxation?

The entire family was there for this adoptions... I think these two will have many great adventures.

Jennifer & Erik... engaged!

2009-06-02T08:19:00.007-04:00

It had rained all night and was still drizzling when I arrived at our meeting location. As soon as they showed
up the weather started to clear and we had a great morning. Jennifer and Erik both looked amazing, even
though I made them get up WAY before anyone ever should. Especially given the fact that Jennifer works
nights. They are a super easy going couple, and when they smile at each other and you can feel the love.

Angels With Tails...

2009-05-30T17:31:00.006-04:00

If you are looking for something cool to do on Sunday (05/31) stop by the Paws event. I'll be photographing
the event and trying NOT to bring home any puppies. This is their 12th Annual AWT. PAWS Chicago along
with 37 other local shelter and rescue organizations, will team up to bring the faces of Chicago’s homeless
animals to 60 stores along Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. Click here for all the information and directions.

Maura...

2009-05-29T17:11:00.004-04:00

Happy Memorial Day...

2009-05-25T10:57:00.000-04:00

Baby Dillon...

2009-05-22T17:55:00.004-04:00

Recently our good friends had their first born child, Dillon... he's perfect, beautiful, and healthy!

He's not overly fond of the diaper change...

The dogs are adjusting to sharing lap time...

Danny & Charlie...

2009-05-20T19:27:00.004-04:00

We had a great sunny day... filled with jumping rocks, climbing trees, and playing catch:)

Riggs...

2009-05-17T19:46:00.006-04:00

This was the fourth time I got to hang out with Riggs. He is six months old and weighing in at 60lbs! This was
his fist time at the Dog Beach. Believe it or not he was very leery of the water... for about the first 20 minutes.
Good thing I wore my waterproof boots, that turned out NOT to be water proof! In the end we all had a great
WET time and could barely pull the Riggster away when it was time to leave!

Eva...

2009-05-16T12:58:00.003-04:00

Just finished photographing an engagement session. I'm always happy when a couple asks me if they can
bring their dog... Eva was a pro with the camera! More to come...

Katie & Zeff... Hotel Allegro. Chicago, IL

2009-05-13T14:54:00.013-04:00

Katie is the most organized bride... even her itinerary for the day was laid out as a time line with cute little
graphics. Needless to say every detail was taken care of and because of her great organization we had plenty
of time to take advantage of all the swanky-ness Hotel Allegro has to offer. Katie and Zeff opted to see each
other before the ceremony... here is a few photographs from out 'pre-wedding' photography session.

House guests... :)

2009-05-12T11:50:00.003-04:00

Molly and Freckles came to stay for the weekend... while their new baby brother was being born:)

Honey...

2009-05-07T10:31:00.006-04:00

We hit the beach for some play time... as soon as we got there it started to rain, didn't bother Honey at all!
Her classic crazy-happy-face.:)

Anne & Jesse... Chicago, IL

2009-05-05T11:27:00.003-04:00

Anne and Jesse got one of the first nice days of the year... it felt like summer. I was there to photograph
their ceremony and felt privileged to be a part of their wedding day.

Noam & Elise... the day after!

2009-04-29T16:12:00.002-04:00

Elise & Noam... New Orleans

2009-04-28T11:41:00.009-04:00

Meeting Elise and Noam was even better than the fact that I got to travel to New Orleans to do so:)

The day started at the salon. Max got to hang with the girls... but nothing could tear him away from the

iPod Touch. This kid is more technically savy than most people I know.

The hotel was less than a block away from the wedding location which took place at Broussards.

When in New Orleans... there must be lots of bead thowing, even at weddings.

There is no question that this was the best music EVER at any wedding I've photographed.

Noam's son, and his girlfriend, performed the first song for the newly wed couple.

Bonerama is a New Orleans brass funk rock band that doesn't play for many weddings, but they did for

Noam and Elise... and man did they bring it!!! There is nothing these guys can't play. If you ever get a

chance to see them... DO IT. Seriously an experience that I will never forget.

The amazingly talented Leroy Jones, a jazz trumpeter, played at a pre-party the night before the wedding.

He also made a guest appearance and played with Bonerama at the reception. I can't say enough how much

fun it was to see these talented forces collide.

Work...? or Play...?

2009-04-18T17:29:00.008-04:00

Ed asked if I would be free to help him 'work' on Friday... being the good friend I am I put my work aside for

the day to help him:) It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

Because of her grand size, it was a bit of a squeeze. Supervision is a must... glad I wasn't driving that rig!

Just before the splash...

Log Book: Dough is the first signature of the season... he was also the last signature of the previous season...

No one can question his dedication to the job!

Three and a half hours later we made it home... to Burnham Harbor. Patika Paradise is the first one on the

dock... isn't she pretty:)

Love this view because I'll never see it this way again all season!

New Orleans...

2009-04-16T15:47:00.004-04:00

There are so many cool things about this city...

Riggs Part III...

2009-04-06T17:18:00.002-04:00

Riggs is now 5 months old:) Love this little guy!

Riggs is learning how to play with other dogs...

he can also 'roll over'...

...and give 'high fives'.

Keri & Rick... Newberry Library

2009-04-02T15:35:00.004-04:00

In conversations before the wedding Keri let me know how important her grandparents are to her. She really
wanted to make sure I got a lot of pictures of them. As soon as I met them it was easy to see why... and I was
more than happy to oblige.

Keri did a great job of making sure the ambiance was spectacular!

There are plenty of great dancing pictures but I really wanted to end on this note... I loved that Keri and Rick
took some time, after the ceremony, to connect.

FACES...

2009-03-20T12:54:00.008-04:00

I recently submitted a few dog portraits to the FACES contest for PDN. Yesterday they featured this photo of Riggs on their Photo of the Day Blog.
They have a 'peoples choice' section where you can vote here for Ellie, or here for Equity, or here for Riggs!

Lilly...

2009-03-20T12:01:00.006-04:00

I already mentioned that I fell in love with Lilly... so here are a few pics. She does not stay in one place for long

... but after a day of keeping the kids safe it was time for her to play!

She would run full speed around the pond and DIVE in...

Then make sure the kids were all still safe...

I've never met another dog that likes to get as dirty and my dog... until I met Lilly:) Nothing is better than

a good roll around after a good swim!

The Pond...

2009-03-20T11:00:00.003-04:00

Other wise know as 'the-big-mud-hole'. When we were visiting, Texas was in desperate need of

rain... but that didn't stop anyone from having fun around the pond. Notice Lilly patrolling

the perimeter.

Finding 'Rolly-Polly' proves to be a GREAT pass time.

Grandpa, and Lilly, supervising the rock throwing...

Colton put some serious effort into his rock throwing.

Eli got stuck in the mud... more than once:)

Yup... couldn't even get the boots out...

Dirty boots = a great end to the day!

More from The Ranch...

2009-03-18T14:57:00.003-04:00

The Ranch...

2009-03-17T12:42:00.013-04:00

While I was in Texas we got to take a great trip out to 'The Ranch'. Lydia's father, and his wife, own an amazing

Texas Ranch. They rehabbed the house... it's so cool I instantly wanted to move in and never leave! There are

tons of fun things to do on a Texas Ranch...

Bails of hay are great for climbing, jumping, sitting... you name it!

Of course every great ranch has a great dog! Due to a good friend of mine Mr. James Walker, I have a special

love of Border Collies. Lilly happens to meet and exceed my fascination with this breed.

Lilly never leaves the kids side. She is ALWAYS making sure they are safe... even when they fall off a bail of

hay. Lilly will have her own post soon:)

Oh... and hay can be good for eating:)

Gates make for a good ride...

over, and over again...

Tree swings ROCK!!!

Cindy got an extra special push... well I guess it's more of a pull-back.

Crystal's first time ever on a Tree swing.:)

Down time in Austin...

2009-03-14T12:24:00.003-04:00

Cindy and Sonia discussing politics...

Eli was very busy sorting out his new Pokemon cards...

more fun on the trampoline:)

2009-03-14T12:00:00.007-04:00

I think the boys were trying to take Cindy for a ride...

Crystal's first time EVER on a trampoline... she was learning the basics of a 'butt-drop'...

Sonia was not too sure about all the shenanigans...

Then Tibby (the bear) joined in for some fun...

Somehow Tibby took it too far and landed in the neighbors yard, but Bruce saved her with

a garden tool:) What would we do with out dads?

I know this look... it means I'm about to get an Eli special 'Flying-Knee-Jump'. I quickly tried

to implement a new rule that who ever holds the camera is safe from the 'F-K-J'...

Eli had this to say about my new rule...

Sonia digs her brothers sense of humor...

while I was getting ready...

2009-03-08T15:46:00.003-04:00

so were the boys...

Back in Austin, TX...

2009-03-07T09:19:00.005-05:00

Flip Happy has the best food you will EVER eat out of an Airstream trailer... seriously!!! They make crepe sandwiches that are melt in your mouth.

Sonia was chillin' while we indulged...

We got home in time to meet Cole after school... everyone relaxed for a bit...

Before hitting the trampoline for some serious action:)

Eli drilled Cindy with his 'Flying-Knee-Jump'...

I think Lyd missed the 'jump on 3'...

Cole & Eli put the 'smack-down' on Cindy... then she showed them her moves:)

Riggs...

2009-02-27T19:44:00.004-05:00

Today Riggs is four months old!!!

Sophie... Part II

2009-02-26T13:02:00.007-05:00

Last time I hung out with Soph she was crawling. Now she is RUNNING... everywhere! It is fun to see how much she growing and changing... although she still like some of the same things:) Plan on seeing a lot more of this girl as I will be doing a year long series capturing her ever evolving little life.

Still trying to put everything and anything in her mouth... even rocks..

She is not afraid of getting a little dirty:)

Still loves picking up fallen flowers!

I saw a lot of this view... she's always heading somewhere new... I'll follow that!

Riggs...

2009-02-22T17:28:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I met Riggs (and his mom) outside of my oil change place. I could not resist the little ball of fur... and he happens to be the sweetest guy ever, in a very manly way of course. A few days later we took advantage of some warm weather and went out for a play date... needless to say you will be seeing a lot more of this guy:)

Becky & David's Engagement Party!!!

2009-02-20T10:10:00.020-05:00

Becky is SUPER creative (and funny). She did all sorts of great things... like glue pictures of her and David's head onto... well everything!

On Friday the 13th Becky & David threw an engagement party... they decided to have a big party because they are only going to have a 'small' wedding in May.

David... that look tells me he knows something most people don't...

their friends have a great sense of humor...

Half way though the night they played a slideshow... at the end they thanked everyone for attending....................................... THEIR WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!

...lots of shock and a bit of disbelief, everyone moved to the back room....

Yes, even the mother of the groom was surprised:)

while everyone was watching the slideshow... Becky slipped away and into a beautiful dress

And then they were married... and lived Happily Ever After.

Best engagement-party-surprise-wedding EVER!!!!

Congratulations Becky & David.

back online:)

2009-02-20T09:38:00.007-05:00

After a few days of NO internet... we are back and have lots to post!
Of course Honey has fun no matter what is going on...

Preview...

2009-02-12T11:51:00.013-05:00

Meet my new friend Riggs. More to come.

The perfect day...

2009-02-11T18:43:00.015-05:00

About a month ago Jessica Busch (Special Events Manager for PAWS) contacted me and asked if I would be willing to take some photographs of their 'office dogs' as they wanted to take out a page in the annual PAWS calendar. Of course I said YES... so we set the date three weeks in advance. I was hoping for good weather (anything above freezing) but could not have been more happy when the day came and it was a sunny 60 degrees! It was so nice to be outside and I could not have asked for better company.

Meet the 'Office Dogs':

Wrigley- a 2 year old very lively black lab mix...

Lady... they have no idea what she is... nose like a sheltie, color of an elkhound and she thinks she is a person. Lady is also a mad-fetcher!

Rainia... the Queen!

Murphy... a sheepdog/terrier mix with LOADS of energy!

Emma... a shepher/greyhound mix. Emma is only two years old but always knows whats going on and takes care of her brother Justis.

Justis... the elder of the pack at 15+ years old. Justis is a Yorkie who was rescued from a puppy mill. He is missing most of his hair and is almost blind but takes comfort next to Emma.

Dax... two years old, loads of energy and supper fluffy! Dax is also the class clown:)

Dax decided to take a break from the photo gig and partake in some serious stick chewing...

He was promptly brought back:)

In the end Lady showed me her skill with the stix!

Animal Magnetism....

2009-02-09T20:11:00.009-05:00

Friday night PAWS held their Animal Magnetism event and I was lucky enough to be able to help out. They needed photographs of all the attending pets and their human guests. I love doing work with PAWS... except that I always want to take a puppy home. The little black and white pup (who's paw is getting ready to be eaten) stole my heart. I know he is already in a great home because there was a line on at least 3 people that night ready to adopt him.

This is Kona... and her human friend.

Zoe is a PAWS alumni... they adopted her recently.

Frankenstein... aka "Frankie"

Bida sticking her tongue out at the camera.

Half way through the event he CRASHED... too much excitement:)

And of course Lauren who was the best volunteer... she hung with me all night to make sure we got the names of everyone in the photographs. Thank You Lauren!

After a long walk...

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YEAH... the sun is shining!!!

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Honey's new bed...

2009-02-05T12:11:00.004-05:00

H had the same dog bed for the last 6 years, it's worn out and no amount of washing will bring it back to smelling fresh. Around Christmas time I decided to get her a really cool (expensive... to make up for all the years) new bed. She refused to lay in it, didn't want anything to do with it, and made her move to the couch in boycott. I'll be gifting the 'cool' bed to one of my brothers dogs next time I go home. Over the weekend I saw a dog bed on sale for under $10... I figured we would give it a try. Turns out she LOVES it! Go figure.

...eventually she still makes it back to the couch.

Pilates...

2009-02-04T17:37:00.004-05:00

My friend Filiz is back in Chicago (from Istanbul) and teaching Pilates at Align. I personally have NO idea what to do with those machines but it looks really cool. Filiz has been doing this forever, she's a pro and makes it look much easier than it is.

Filiz is SO strong... I kept telling her it was ok to take a break ANY time... but she just kept rocking the poses.
until the end... she finally took a break!

Painting...

2009-01-31T12:20:00.003-05:00

While I've been busy painting my new office space... Honey is busy waiting for the temperature get above freezing!

Oh, and she is guarding all my important top-secret files... no peeking!

Cold days...

2009-01-19T21:46:00.004-05:00

The temperature has not been above freezing in what feels like forever... so Honey has taken to hibernating! She loves her down-throw:)

eventually she wakes up to get a toy...
then it's back to sleep...
and the ice cycles continue to grow!

Noelle & Scott... the day after

2009-01-12T16:54:00.005-05:00

The next morning we headed out for a fun post-wedding photo session:)

Noelle decided to show me her skills... climbing a coconut tree...

The waves were rockin...
they couldn't even sit in one spot... It's hard to keep a steady hand when your laughing so hard

Click here to view their slideshow.

Noelle & Scott... Petit Lafitte

2009-01-06T11:13:00.010-05:00

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico:)

Noelle & Scott... pre-wedding

2009-01-03T11:14:00.007-05:00

The beach... early morning, every one must be sleeping in.

Logan was the only kid at the wedding... he did a really good job of recruiting people to play with him.

a few friends we met along the way...

2008-12-29T20:42:00.000-05:00

TORTUGA!!!!!!

2008-12-29T14:30:00.003-05:00

I LOVE sea turtles:) Ed filmed this one on a dive we did in Cozumel:)

Taj Mahal Cenote...

2008-12-24T19:43:00.003-05:00

This is a great picture Ed took of me while we were diving the Taj Mahal cenote. This Cenote is about 30 min south of Playa Del Carmen. Then another 30-45 minute drive through the Mexican Jungle, down the worst dirt road ever. Diving the cenotes is like walking through a cave... but underwater, very surreal!

Change can be hard...:)

2008-12-23T13:02:00.005-05:00

Going from this...

To this...

well it's a bit of an adjustment to say the least. Yesterday the temperature in Chicago was ZERO with a windchill of -30. Thats right, I said -30... painful! Today it has been snowing for the last 8 hours and does not look like it will stop any time soon. My computer broke down on the second day of our trip... there are no Apple stores in Mexico, and the issue was beyond help-line support. Upon our return she spent a few days at the Apple store and is now good as new. We are all back up and running, frozen... but working. More Mexico picture coming soon:)

Austin... part IV

2008-12-02T12:18:00.005-05:00

Sonia sleeps a lot... man she has the life:)

Cole had the day off from school... so we started early on the trampoline!

Eli showing some of his moves...

Dad (Bruce) also has the day off from school... things got WAY crazy on the tramp, dad seems to be the best bouncer!

who doesn't love playing 'superman' ?

the girls hang inside...
and Sonia is back to sleep...:) all this before noon!

Austin... part III

2008-12-01T16:17:00.004-05:00

The trading of Pokemon cards is VERY serious business!

Austin... part IIa

2008-11-26T17:52:00.004-05:00

After breakfast... it's bath time!

at seven weeks... Sonia knows how to play it up for the camera
Then it's back to the trampoline for some more mad-trix!