334/365

Snow in Modesto?

I drive by these houses on my way to work.  I think they wait until every last leaf on their tree has fallen before they rake them up.  Every time I drive by I think how pretty the 'yellow snow' looks on their yard.

333/365

Grandpa

I knew the very second I saw Grandpa he would be my prime subject for the day.  He just looked so darn cute in his plaid work jacket, overalls and hat. 

332/365

It was a beautiful day in San Andreas yesterday and it felt wonderful to get above this Modesto fog.   The cattle branding was fun too!

331/365

Shawna's family invited us to come watch their cattle branding today.  A few weeks ago I went to the Jackson Ranch to watch them do the same thing.  It will be fun to see the differences.

The mamas hung back waiting for their babies.

Standing in the back of the truck gave me a good view.

Branding was Nancy's job.  What you miss in a picture is the lovely smell of burning flesh.

The Jackson Circle Bar brand.

Bill grabbed the balls and Nancy banded them.  (I'd hide that little tool if I were you Bill!!)

Team work.

Finally reunited.

330/365

I love the Thanksgiving holiday.  It's getting four days off work after a long work spell... the weather is usually beautiful... and there are so many things I want to do.  So... you can imagine how ticked I was yesterday (the picture says it all)!!!

329/365

I couldn't resist posting one more of Levi.  He couldn't be any cuter with his strawberry blonde (red) hair and blue eyes.

328/365

The highlight of this Thanksgiving was getting to see Michael, Janelle and Levi.  They moved to Utah this summer, and it's been a long spell without them.  And since they won't be home for Christmas, I had to soak up every minute!

No one was happier to see Levi than his grandma and grandpa.

A big 'Thank You' to Karen who put a delicious dinner together.

Karen... the Hostess with the Mostest!

The evening ended around the 'campfire'.  

327/365

Thanksgiving plans got rained on.  Instead of a morning of golf at Del Rio, I'm home watching a football game.  But we were at Del Rio long enough for me to snap a couple of pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my loyal followers (I think I'm up to three now!!)

326/365

This little guy knows what I'm feeling... "Yeah!  I'm done with my last set of proofs!!"

325/365

I'm sooooo tired of editing!  But this is my last set of proofs I'm working on.

When I was taking this young family's picture, I noticed the proud grandparents in the background with their arms around each other watching.  I yelled "Don't move!" and ran behind them to get this fun shot.

324/365

Next Sunday we get to go to San Andreas to watch the Bayers cattle branding.  I really enjoyed the roundup, branding, etc. with Nancy and Bill, so I am looking forward to it.  Maybe I'm a cowgirl at heart?

323/365

I was anxious to get home Friday because I knew Kevin would be there to greet me.  It's been a long time since he's come home from school.  He was probably happier to see Katie than me, but that's ok!

When I got up early this morning, this is what greeted me in the laundry room!  And believe me... it's way worse in person than this picture.  But I have to admit this scene made me smile.  I love having Kevin home for the holiday... laundry and all!

322/365

Yesterday pictures of Nicole's family were cancelled last minute because of rain.  Since Jennifer was already at my house ready to go with me to help... and we had nothing else to do... and she was dressed perfect for fall pictures... and my park is beautiful right now... I grabbed the chance for some practice.  Thank you Jennifer! 

The inside of the umbrella made a fun background.

321/365

I'm up early trying to widdle away my 'to-do' list. 

This dad was a trooper... showing up Saturday for family Christmas card pictures in his pajamas!  Would your husband do that?  He was obviously very much in love and proud of his little family.

320/365

Someday before I retire I'm going to try this.  (When no one else is around of course!!)

319/365

Pie Party.

Slippers and sweats... pizza and wine...  Last night four of us got together to make apple pies.  This is our 2nd year.  I think we've made it a tradition!

"Char... the Drambuie is supposed to be for the pie!!!"

Who wants to come over after work today???

318/365

These were my other two shoots at Saturday's 'mini sessions'... adorable two year old twins and my favorite three girls!  This is the third year I've been asked to take pictures of these girls for a Christmas card. ~ Thank you Jana!

If we look happy it's because we're done with all appointments for the year!!

317/365

So yesterday Darlene and I had six mini sessions in the park with the red couch.  I never want to carry that couch anywhere again!  (Except in the snow for you Christy.)

My first session was with three little (very little!) dogs.  They reminded me of hummingbirds... in motion all the time.  I didn't see how it would be possible to get a decent picture of them.

"Sit!" and "Stay!" didn't seem to work.  They were in a park and they just wanted to run and play!

Vicki and Darlene doing their best to contain them in one place.

My final image.  (Not their real names... I just think it suited them!)

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Saturday I took pictures of Baby 'L' and his family.  They were celebrating his one year birthday, which was actually yesterday... 11-11-11.  We had such a fun time!  Thank you Rain Gods for holding off the rain until we were finished!

315/365

It was back on the ranch for me on Wednesday to take some pictures of branding and castrating.  It started out as a cold, brisk morning for the calf roundup.  See the steam coming off the pile of fresh poop in this picture?  I think that's the one I stepped in!!

314/365

Johnny was such a sport when we took pictures out in the pasture.  I love this one of him helping Leslie with her wedding dress.

313/365