Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! I hope you get to spend it with your loved ones ; )

‘Tis the season for giving!! It has always been my favorite part of the holidays. I’m glad to be back east with the snow, and I am truly grateful for our wonderful family here and in California. Life is good ; ) This is the time of year when we get to send our tokens of appreciation to our loved ones, and others who may be less fortunate than ourselves. This year Erik and I donated to two of our favorite charities. Erik chose the Child’s Play Charity for video games for kids in hospitals. Since video games bring Erik so much joy, he wanted to make sure no child goes without this holiday season. I chose the San Francisco SPCA because that is where we adopted two of our amazing cats. If you have ever been to the SF SPCA you will know how lovingly they treat the animals they protect. Most of the animals are kept in “condos” instead of tiny cages, and they are showered with human contact.

We adopted Arthur from there many years ago now. He was an adult with little known of his history. He is a manx, and was born without a tail.

And Yoshi, who is a siamese mix. Yosh and his sister were abandoned at 5 weeks old and were saved by the SF SPCA.

Our other cat, Mocha, didn’t come from the SPCA – a friend of mine is a breeder of Burmese and had to retire Mocha. She needed a loving home where she could get constant attention. But I couldn’t leave her out of this post!

There is so much to be grateful for! Thank you to all of the new friends we have made this year.

If you are thinking of donating this year, check out this website I found which rates many charities. You can feel more confident that your money is going where it is truly needed.

Happy Holidays everyone!

I had an incredible birthday last Sunday. It snowed, and Erik & I met up with Amaris, Brendan and Sugar at Hubbard Park in Meriden. From first contact I knew I would love these two. In fact the first time Amaris contacted me I adored her name – it sounds so beautiful when spoken! When we all met I liked them them just a little bit more – both Amaris and Brendan are sweet, gentle souls. The kind of people that just by being around them you feel like a better person. Erik & I feel so lucky to have spent the afternoon with them and that they are a part of our lives. Have I mentioned that we we have the privilege or working with SO many amazing couples??

Amaris and Brendan met in high school. They were friends first, which quickly turned in to more. Brendan was the first person Amaris kissed – and he will be the last. That makes me tear up a bit just thinking it. These two just belong together ; )

The past few weeks Amaris and I have e-mailed each other and she told me about their new puppy – Sugar. Then she sent me a picture and I almost fell on the floor! Needless to say, I fell in love with Sugar too. Just look at that face!!

We got some “family” shots of the three of them.

And another by the waterfall in the park.

I will warn you now, I have too many favorites from this session. I adore this shot!!

Erik’s view:

They are seriously a stunning couple – see how well they fit?

Sugar was making friends:

Happy Holidays!

A walk in the snow:

Love this one too. There are so many interesting spots at Hubbard Park.

We headed to this gazebo-type structure that has some nice columns

Erik’s view – love this moment.

Amaris’s Mom came to take Sugar home. I think she wanted to stay with us ; )

One of the foot bridges in the park – the light was just amazing.

And this other bridge – this was our favorite spot of the day.

This is my favorite from the day without a doubt!

We headed back to the lake

; )

And the ring!

Amaris and Brendan thank you so much for spending the day with us – and for the thoughtful birthday gift! You guys are just amazing , and we are so excited for the wedding!!

Love, Vicki & Erik