Merry Christmas everyone. Yesterday 12/24 we traveled from Littleton, Colorado to Hampton Bays, New York. We are spending Christmas with my Dad for the first time since I was a kid. We traveled for about 12 hours. Even though we were very tired. We stayed up late talking about many things. Laughing, hugging, and really enjoying each others company.

My Dad, and I are very close. As I get older (I’m only 42), I am realizing how important my family is. We were only there for

2 days, and we are making the most of it.

I think this is one of the reasons I love wedding photography is Family, and sharing time together is what is really important. When we are at the end of our days. We are not going to be thinking…”I should have spent more time at the office.” We are going to say…”I should have spent more time with my family.”

Take the time to really enjoy those around you. Make the most of it. Give an extra long hug to everyone, and after today. Hug, and let everyone know how much you care about them. Even when the holidays pass.

The second leg of our trip took us to Dover, Delaware. I reconnected with one of my best friends on Facebook. We had drinks, apps, lots of laughs, and it felt like we were back in high school. We are so glad we made a effort to make it happen, and are looking forward to the next get together.

We then headed down to Charlottesville, Virginia to visit my wife’s Mom. We had dinner, played cards, and had some great conversation. It was short but sweet.

The fourth leg of our trip we found ourselves in Arlington, Virginia . One of my other best friends that I reconnected with lives near Arlington. Also, my wife reconnected (through Facebook) with some friends from high school. It was a mini reunion. It is so much fun to get together with old friends.

While in the area. We decided to visit the Arlington Cemetery. My wife’s Dad is buried there, and we went to visit. If you haven’t ever visited. You should make the time. It is very moving to see all those that gave their lives for our freedom.

The fifth, and final leg of our trip was in the western part of Virginia. A group of my wife’s college friends rented a house for New Years. We were there for about 3 hours before I was struck with a horrific stomach bug. Not how I wanted to end the year, or start the year.

I was sick for 3 days. Then my wife had the “pleasure” of getting it. Then 2 other friends in the house got it. It was terrible. It took about 5 days to eat normal.

Besides the stomach bug. There was a lot of laughing, and photo opps. Most of the couples have children. So, I couldn’t help but take some photos of those cute faces.

Again, this trip was about spending time with those that are important to us. It was a crazy trip, and well worth the time. We created memories to last a life time.

Have a great day!