It is always an honor when another photographer invites you to take their family photos. I spent a few hours with Mary Kelting, her husband Scott and a very spirited young man, Bennett. I hope I did you proud.

I really have to say a big thanks to my husband who planned  about one of our best family vacations ever.  I did not realize how much I need this pattern interrupter until it was all done.  For the last month, we traveled to 3 states, visited countless county fairs, went fishing, saw James Taylor, John Mayer and Colbie Caillat in concert, saw volcanos and giant trees, went scuba diving with fishes, went to countless beautiful beaches, visited wit family and at the top of my kids list - we had an absolutely amazing time at Great Wolf Lodge.  WOW, like I said we had a wonderful time.

Since we spent about 50% of our vacation doing something that had to do with water, I thought that I would start by sharing a few photos from our day sailing around Monterey Bay and some from our day out fishing (yes, 8 hours out on a boat and we caught zero fishes -ha). Jet now wants to be a “Ocean Scientist” and Gio now wants to be an Olympic swimmer - see to much time on the water.

Well I have finally made it back home and boy am I exhausted - a month vacation is way too much.  I have tons of photos to post over the next few weeks and then we will also be announcing the winner of the win an iPod contest - I have had several people email me answers, but not everyone has followed all the rules.

Back to business now.  Many of you know how much I just love Matilda Jane clothing and that I have been dying to have a trunk show.  Well the wait is finally over, it looks like I have an official date for a trunk show.  Mark your calendars for October 25th and stay tuned for more information. If you are interested in attending just drop me a line and I would love to see you there.  Here is a sneak peek from their fall collection please visit their site see more:

I thought that would grab some attention - and yes one lucky winner will win an iPod Nano by completing my scavenger hunt.  I want to see how well you have paid attention to my blog over the last few months and want to encourage those of you who stop by to leave me a little thought. 

Here’s how you play:

a)  you must first log in with a comment under this post - just say hi and introduce yourself.

b) you must share this link with  two friends (that do not know about this blog) and both friends must also leave a post and state who refereed them (I won’t mind if you tell more than two and the can play along also - the more the merrier).

c) complete the following scavenger hunt questions and email me the answers (labellavita@mac.com) 

1.  How many weddings do I have posted?

2.  Name 3 speciality products I offer.

3.  What is the name of the children’s store I do monthly portraits for?

4.  Who was the first person to leave me a comment?

5.  Name five of my 101 things I want to do in 1001 days.

6.  How many portrait sittings has Gracie and Hannah done with me?

7.  What is one of my kid’s favorite TV show and what did we make?

8.  Name 10 children in my son’s first grade class that I photographed.

9.  What color balloons is Sarah holding?

10. What workshop did I attend in April?

11. What was it about the “spirited” girls that reminded me of my son?

12.  What class jacket did Alyssa have on?

13. Who is it that still has got it?

14. What water park will me family visit while on vacation?

15. Where did Tonia go to school?

16. What was the answer to my first  contest?

17. What brand of cupcakes did my kids make for Valentines Day?

18. What color polish does Hannah have on her toes?

19.  How many wall collage samples do I have posted on my blog?

20. What is the name of the gym I shot for?  

d) only one entry per person

e) comments and answers must be submitted by August 30th

f) one name will be drawn from all those who have left a comment, told two friends (who also have left a comment) and answered all questions correctly.

Have fun, play along and good luck! 

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Before we know it, the Holiday season will be here and I plan to be ready for it this year.  I am now booking holiday portrait sessions starting September 1st through November 30th.  To reward those who plan ahead, I am offering $25 off all weekend sitting fees & $50 off weekday sittings for those who call and book their sessions this month.  Sittings are limited so please do not wait.I have a whole new line of Holiday fun and festive cards available this year and I am sure you will find one that will fit your personality - stay tuned to see more samples.  Don’t let the holidays sneak up and get you!