Seeing Jess, my best friend, was so needed.  We had spent a many days sitting in her old home drinking tea and eating brownies while chatting about life.  I miss that so much!  I absolutely love her & her family.

It was so nice to spend time with old friends, just relax, and let the day(s) come as they will.   Trip was low key and sadly flew by too quickly!  But I am thankful for the time we did get to catch up and relax with our very good friends.

 We spent the last few hours at this beautiful park where I took advantage of the scenery and this beautiful family by getting some family portraits.

This is the Price Family~

Thanks to Ryan, I have a few images with Joel and the kids too.  Back in Milwaukee I would see Stella often, and was a part of her childhood- It does sadden me that I will be missing that with Nova, but I am so happy we had this chance to meet her, and see Stella, make new memories and enjoy the Price Family.  They are much missed since we do not live in the same city anymore.   Coming back to the house, we finished packing up and enjoyed the patio…of course I snuck a few more photo’s in there too. Till next time… You will all be missed. Love you guys

There is nothing better then heading home to welcome the newest member to the family.  Congrats guys, I love you!!!

* Meet Everett *

On top of the excitement of welcoming this little guy to the family I had some time this trip to visit the beach, hang out at a pumpkin patch, visit the park, see my younger brother and just simply enjoy my family!  All in all, it was a lovely trip filled with lots of love and joy!

* Hello October *

* Beach Day*

After a night at the beach, we returned to my brother’s house for one last night, and then said our goodbyes.

 So we wouldn’t miss the birth of my brother’s second child, my husband and I drove out to Philly to be close by for when we got ‘the call’ that this little one has arrived.  We were in town for 4days before that wonderful moment happened.  Since we were gonna be in town for a good week or so we made sure to use our time wisely by enjoying the city of Philadelphia and getting some quality time with my niece Delphine and the rest of my  family members.

 We had lots of play dates at the park and walks to coffee shops together

Delphine loving on her Momma’s baby belly… awaiting her new brother or sister!

On March 24, 2012 Julian Matthew Petruccelli was welcomed into the world.  He weighed 9.7 lbs and was 21″ tall.

I can’t put into words how much I adore my family and seeing my brother, Matt as a father melts my heart.  The joy Mere &  Matt share of parenthood is so contagious, and I can not wait to experience that feeling when I am a Mother some day.  They truly warm my heart.

This is his little family! I hate knowing that because I live so far away I miss out on things with my family.  This becomes much more obvious when there is a new little one around  because I know when we see Julian next he will have changed so much already.    But, I am very thankful that my brother and sister-in-law allow me to take so many photo’s of their kids so I can see their faces as much as I need till my next visit back home.

After spending several days in the city we decided to go to Delaware for a night and stay with my Mom.  During our stay we enjoyed a nice walk on the Brandywine .  We always enjoy getting a side of nature to our trips.Then it was back to the city for a couple of days before heading back to Milwaukee.  So, I made sure to sneak in a few more photo’s…Enjoy! Before we knew it – we were saying our goodbyes and on our way home.

Longwood Gardens. My Sister-in-law planned a day for me to be around my loved ones and beautiful things- It was perfect!  Plus, I got to use my new lens that I got from my Mom for my bday!  It was a win win.   Once the clouds started rolling in, we quickly packed up and headed out. The day ended with some delicious pasta and an ice cream cone.  Pretty perfect if you ask me.

April 30th, Delphine’s 1st Birthday.

This year was filled with lots of family time!  And this holiday season was no different.  My Christmas began with lots of cookie baking which is a very important family tradition.  I literarily spent a good week in my kitchen preparing Tot-Tots, Poppyseed cookies, Pizzelles, Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Nut cookies, and ginger cookies. Once the bake-goods were completed I begin to enjoy the snow outside and fun xmas gift wrapping.  Which I will admit, I love to wrap presents!  Once we left our house in Milwaukee it felt like we hadn’t returned till after the New Year.  My husband and I started in Beloit (where my In-Laws live) and enjoyed their traditional tree decorating party.  Which is a very special tradition that I have grown to love more than Christmas day with them.  Had a pit stop in Chicago for our ‘Friends-Mas’ Christmas party that was hosted at Whitney and Dustin’s new apartment.  And then back to Beloit for Christmas Day with the family.

On December 29th we flew back east  to have xmas morning with my side of the family.  I was particularly excited for this visit because it was my nieces 1st Christmas!  I also managed to have several mini-photoshoots with her…and that is what I have chosen to share for the majority of this post.  With that being said, I hope you enjoy adorable babies and big eyes & cheeks.

After a lovely xmas morning (celebrated on NewYears Eve morning) at my Mom’s house we went to Philly to spend New Year’s Day in the city.  Besides continuing my little obsession with taking photographs of Del we got the opportunity to enjoy the Mummers Parade. I would like to add that I have never experienced anything like it.  City Love experiences.

Monday, 3rd of January we met up with my Older Brother, Sister-in-Law and miss Del for one last meal with my Mom before our flight and said goodbye to the City of Brotherly Love until we return again. So, I am leaving all of you with one last adorable photo and wishing all a Happy New Year that is filled with joy, love, adventure, and good health.               

Knowing that Stella is a kid that likes to be on the move, we walked to a local park and let her run around a bit, playing witness to the fact that this little girl doesn’t miss a beat.  She is an explorer!!  Every little thing that she see’s, she has to pick up and examine.  You can tell she gets this feeling of ease when she is outside.  She absolutely loves it!  So, while she was doing her thing, I was doing mine (trying to capture every little cute thing she did).

But in all honesty, Stella is one of the most captivating kids (in addition to my own niece and nephews, of course) I know.  I truly feel that my life has been enriched by knowing Stella, as well as her wonderful parents.   I am so blessed to know such wonderful people.

With all that being said, here are a few photo’s showing what it’s like to follow around this awesome 1+year old. At this point, Stella was completely done with being at the park.  I was trying to get one last shot of her in the grass with the trees behind her.  And as you can see in the bellow photo’s- her smile has worn off.  She was so tired at this point, and just wanted to go back in her stroller, and head home.