Girls Trip...Phase 1 to Orlando

Last year, when I found out that our mom's cousin and husband were coming to the states from their home in Switzerland for a visit with their son and his family, I asked mom if she would like to go out east for a visit.  With the realization, that this could very well be the last trip for them, and the last time to possibly see each other, we made plans.  I figured, with 3 sisters, at least one of us could accompany her on the journey.  She mentioned that she would also like to take the opportunity to visit with a dear friend who moved to South Carolina as well.

So as things often do, a trip was planned and no one wanted to be left out.  It turned into a mother/daughters trip, and a wonderful memory making time.

We started out in Orlando after connecting flights converged us in Houston.  Our cousins, 2nd, 3rd...??? were vacationing there and we decided to connect there for 3 days.  We rented a condo, each princess wanted their own bed and we ended up with a condo bigger than my home!  On the 15th floor, across from the relatives in another building, so much so that we could wave across to each other!!

We spent 2 nights sharing dinner around a table for 12.  We are so blessed with family! 

View from the patio

We all went to Epcot Center and merged together off & on throughout the day.  The weather cooperated nicely for us California Coastal Girls.

Even the manhole covers had Mickey on them...good eye, sis!

It was difficult to say goodbye...til we meet again...

Then it was off to Beaufort, SC...

More for Mother's Day...

I have gone through an older photo album to get some family pictures and to only get a few is really difficult.  But the great thing is, we have so many great memories as a family...you only have to go through the pictures to remember just how blessed we are, I am.

Those that know me, know I had infertility issues and it took years to deal with.  More than I will go into.  The results speak for themselves.  We were blessed with a daughter and then through adoption, blessed with a son. 

Lake Louise Tea Room at the Top

For all the moms out there, have a wonderful day.  There is also a prayer for peace for those that have lost their mothers, or lost their children, those trying to become mothers and all the other challenges that come with being a mother.  There is an unexplainable joy and it can also bring incomprehensible heartache as well, and I wouldn't change one thing.  Just wanted to share mine with you. 

God Bless...Cat

Mother's Day

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, I wanted to share a few pictures of my beautiful mother.  She was wife to a Marine, mothered 5 girls and continues to be a role model for us.  I love  you, Mom.

An 18 year old Beauty

Taken by my Aunt Dolores

Love that Smile!

Pismo Beach in January

The Colors of Spring

Shades of Blue

Golden Breezes

Soothing Shades of Purple

Some Dew Drops & Reflections Within

A few of my favorites as I strive to learn to use my macro lens.  I think I love it so much because it allows me to see things my eyes just can't focus on.  And when I magnify the image, I am amazed at what there is to see.  So here are a few to share.

So tell me, which is your favorite?  And why?

Dew Drops & Reflections

We have had much rain this season.  Good for the land, good for our water table.  So instead of trying to replicate dew drops on flowers indoors, I grabbed the opportunity this morning as the sun spread across the yard.  So in between breakfast and laundry, this is what I found in my yard.

From the Plum Tree already flowered out

To the young Maple

New Maple Growth

Apricot Blossom

So very interesting what I find through my lens....

Shooting Flowers in Macro

This has been a good day.  It started with shooting some flowers with my macro lens and ended with editing and sharing.  A friend shared different varieties of daffodils from his and his wife's garden.  So many beautiful shades of color, textures and shapes.  And I bought some bright Gerbera daisies a day before.  So, I cannot let this beauty pass me by.  Hope you enjoy...I am off to bed.  TTFN