Holidays + Family Time = LOVE

The holiday season has been so fabulous this year. I mean, December is my favorite month EVER!!!!! This month did not disappoint.

I would summarize the holidays as this....family time, friend time, giving, traditions, good food, birthdays, card games, twinkle lights, board games, general dreaminess, christmas light hunting, Bailey's with hot chocolate, candy canes, baking, Joy tea, cabin time, skiing, flashlight tag, long walks and fleece!

And on the eve of a new year, I feel super grateful. Grateful for cousins and aunties and uncles and grandparents and friends and family near and far. I'm grateful for the women in our life who my daughter can look up to and aspire to be. And for the men that my son can play with and wrestle with and see what it means to be be a good man.

I'm grateful for the village that is our family and friends.

Happy New Year!

The photos that follow are just a few holiday highlights for this year!!
















Cheers to 2014!

xoxo

-Stacy

Merry Everything - From Our Family to Yours!


As we wind down this 2013, I sit here feeling so grateful. 
I still have many blog posts swirling in my head and things I want to write about. 
But simple is my game these days. 

Keep it simple and keep it meaningful. 
And choose to make each day special in some way.
I think that is my mantra for 2014. 

So cheers to all the people that have touched our lives in small and big ways all year long. 
Every day is special because of those we love near and far. 

'Merry Everything' really does wrap my family up in two words!
And we mean it. 




Much Love from the Gendreaus

xoxo

Oliver Turns 6 Months {Olympia Family Photographer}

Turning six months old at the holidays makes for a VERY fun photo shoot!

This is Oliver.

I first met this gorgeous and kind family when Oliver was just two weeks (click here for a reminder). I was so excited when his mom had me back to capture the magical 6 month mark.

SO. MUCH. FUN!!!

You better prepare yourself for some major cuteness.

Ashley and Ryan - your boy is so sweet! And I just adore you! Merry Christmas to you all!!!







Only 6 days til' Christmas!

Hope you are having a FABULOUS holiday month.

xoxo

-Stacy

Inspiration......

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” — Nelson Mandela

Happy Holidays.

-Stacy

"7" | Nathan | Time Flies

Nathan.

You are THE most joyful human being I know.

The word JOY. It's how you have been described by others since you were little. You take the mundane and make it fun. You take nothing and make it the most enthusiastically awesome experience. It's your gift, really....spreading joy!

Being your mom is awesome. And I feel grateful for you every. day. of. my. life!

I wish you the greatest 7th birthday ever!

Love, Mama





Arden {Tahoma High School Senior} - Basically AWESOME!

Arden is amazing and hilarious and witty and so smart. She is a fabulous student, good friend and fantastic volleyball player!! We were pushing the envelope for finding any fall colors this late into fall, but we did and the day was super gorgeous and totally perfect. And Arden, well, she is pretty much a supermodel, as you will see. Her inner beauty just radiates!!!

Since our shoot, she has been accepted to two colleges (way to go!!!) And continues to succeed in so many ways! 

Arden - you have such a bright future! I loved our morning together and wish you the best always!!









Happy Saturday! 

We are gearing up for a weekend of 7 year old birthday celebration here!! More of that to come!

xoxo

-Stacy

Blogging this because I never want to forget it......

No words needed from me.

Best give I could EVER have received ever ever ever!

Audrey and Nathan - just when I think being your mama couldn't get any more fun - it does! Watching you grow into these smart, kind, witty, loving, hilarious, goofy, awesome people is the best gift I could ever hope for.

You two are my favorites.

Always.


Barry and Emily's Crew | Tacoma Family Photographer

The end of fall brings so much.....the hint of the holidays, gratitude, family, decorations, great food and tons FUN!!!

This family just wrapped all that up for me!!!!

We played (and took pictures) a few weeks back and I'd say we successfully captured the "season" of this family! Age 3.5, age 10 months. I LOVED IT!  How quickly we forget this phase when our own kids have entered a new season of their own.

The days are long......and the years FLY by!!!

Jackson and Lainie - your brother/sister love is well rooted and you are the cutest!!!


LOVE!



Can I just say I love real family photos like this! 
Yes, we have some with everyone looking at the camera. 
But truly, this is so the reality of life with a 3 year old and 10 month old! 


Mama's love! 

Jackson LOVES his trains and showed me all about them! 


Barry and Emily - I just had a blast with you guys! And I love your family and easy going way!!!

Happy December!

-Stacy