Family – Page 3 – ALLYSON ELL PHOTOGRAPHY

February 28, 2015

Letters to my Littles | February 2015

It’s time for another Letters to my Littles blog circle. After you enjoy my words to my children please go to my friend Jess’ blog to see the words she has written for her little loves.

Dear Caleb & Liam,

February has been all about family. I hope this month has brought you memories of wonderful times that you will always remember – not because of the events, but because of who you shared this time with.

We spent the Family Day weekend at a wonderful and relaxing house on the water – which you two have dubbed “the mansion”. Our whole extended family stayed together under one roof enjoying each other’s company, eating, relaxing, play games, watching movies (and hockey), fishing and canoeing/kayaking. Caleb you caught a lingcod with Uncle Regan – you were both so proud of this first catch. Liam, you set up Monopoly Junior and taught poh-poh how to play. I love that we had this special time with her and the whole Sunday dinner clan.

Your great grandmother has taught me some very valuable lessons in life. The most important lesson is that family is everything. Spending time together with those you love, and having rituals together, make family bonds that bind tight together. Poh-poh has taught me to cherish not just the big holiday traditions, but also all the little moments too. She has taught me to document and remember all the little moments. Time goes fast, she always says. Enjoy life.

Enjoy life… this is something we are trying to do a lot of. Especially in these next few weeks and months – I want you to really enjoy and appreciate the life you have. There are going to be some big changes soon, and sadness. So for now, enjoy life.

We get busy. But we will always make time for family and friends. You both enjoy spending time with your social circles. Some of those friends you have we now think of as family too.

Liam you always know how to make your friends laugh. Have I mentioned you also have a new found love of hair coloring? I’m so happy you are such a loving and accepting friend. You try to include everyone into your games. You love to make people smile. It’s no wonder people love to be around you.

Caleb you are a loyal and devoted friend. You are also someone who is accepting of others and tries to get everyone included. You have such a kind heart and gentle soul. People are drawn to you too. I’m so happy that you have some very close best friends. You and B have been friends for almost 5 years now. I love overhearing conversations you two have about being roommates in the future and living an apartment with heated toilet seats. I’m so glad you that you have Cub Scouts together, and still spend so much time together, even though you no longer share a classroom at school.

I hope as you both grow older you will also see the value in being friends with each other. Although you fight – a lot… I know you do love each other. I know it’s hard for you to be affectionate, and Caleb you are indeed having a hard time hugging your brother back. But family is everything. No matter what changes life brings – you will always have each other. Remember as brothers, you’ve got each other’s backs.

I’m glad we’ve been able to have some fun together as a family this month. I love that as we make present memories we are also reminiscing about the past. You are learning about your family histories and a little about your culture. Caleb you have finally embraced the fact that you are half Chinese! Liam, you like to tell this fact to people.

Life is an adventure, especially with you too. I’m so glad I get to enjoy life with you.

Love,
Mama
XO XO

February 25, 2015

The Q Family | Day in the Life | Victoria BC Lifestyle Photography

In the fall I had the pleasure of photographing the Q family – in their home, with the kids doing what they loved: playing with their trains, jumping on the bed, snuggling with their parents and walking around outside. What made this session wonderful for me was that the kids were relaxed, and the smiles were real. Mom and dad really love these boys, and the love they have for these two really shows. The love they have for each other shows too. I hope when they look back on these images, they remember how fun their kids were at the ages of 2 and 4, and despite the hard times, the busy schedules, the long list of appointments, and the stress of being working parents – they were also four people who love one another, love to play together, and love to laugh together. Thanks for sharing a morning with me Q family.

I’d love to capture your family this way too. If you are interested in booking a family playtime session or a day in the life of us session please contact me. I’d love to help you showcase the love you share with your family in your everyday moments.

February 10, 2015

Life in Black and White | February

Once again I am participating this year in my Life in Black and White blog circle with an amazing group of photographers. After looking at my post please following along in the circle to my friend Pamela’s blog post for a glimpse into her monochromatic life.

This past weekend my boys learned some fishing tips from their great uncle. They had a great time out on the water, and my oldest even caught a ling-cod. I’m so glad they get a chance to have this connection with their extended family. (More photos from the family day weekend to come).

January 31, 2015February 28, 2016

Letter to my Littles | January 2015

Welcome to a new series: Letters to my Littles. I have joined in a blog circle chronicling the lives of our children through monthly letters. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my family life. Please continue to read through the blog circle, after you have read my letter please click over to my friend Ann’s blog.

Dear Caleb and Liam,

When you were both born I started writing you monthly letters describing everything you had learned, milestones you had reached, and the fun we had as a family. Over time, I sadly stopped updating our family blog. (I think the last post there was from August 2012…oops!) Recently I showed you this old blog Caleb, and all the stories and photos from your early days. You have loved looking back on your early childhood. So I have decided to try again. I want to be able to share in words and pictures the story of us, so that you can one day see your childhood through my mommy eyes. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of this moment in time.

It is hard to believe 2015 is here. This is the year Caleb turns double digits – I can’t believe my little Squishy will be 10. How did you grow up so fast Caleb? And Liam Bean, you will be turning 5 and going to kindergarten in the fall. It is bitter-sweet for me. As much as I love watching you both grow up and experience life, I miss out little snugly baby days.

This year started with skating for both of you. Liam you were so determined to make us keep our promise to take you skating at the outdoor rink. This was your first time on ice skates ever. You loved it! I did too, and I’m so glad daddy captured this moment for us.

Caleb you also went skating in a school field trip with all the other kids in your grade. You did not love it. You struggled a little. Although you tried to have fun, at the end you were frustrated and tired. But I am so proud of you for trying. I know it is harder for you than your peers. One day we will talk more about your past therapies and your DCD. For now thought, I just want you know how much I love you and how glad I am that you tried. Your friends were pretty proud of you too.

I always find January a little sad because we have to take down Christmas. You two were sad to say goodbye to our elf Jack, but were pretty okay to demolish the gingerbread houses!

This month we celebrated great grandpa’s 89th birthday and had our first cousin sleepover. You loved having our little cousin Brayden spend the night. You were both so good at watching him and helping to take care of him.

This month we also registered Liam for kindergarten. It’s hard to believe this big milestone is coming up so soon. Liam I know you are ready for kindergarten… but I’m not so sure kindergarten is ready for you and your antics!

This is going to be a big year of growth and change for all of us. I can’t wait to see what adventures you will both get up to. I love you both!

Love,
Mama
XO XO

January 5, 2015

Happy New Year | Victoria Family Photographer

Happy 2015! I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season with their loved ones. This year I am once again trying to complete another 365 on my big camera… third try will be the successful attempt, right? I am also doing a 365 on my iphone through Instagram – this will be my third year, and the previous two were successful. I’m squishyprints on Instagram if you want to follow my 365 over there.

Here are my first four days of my 365. I will be posting them every Sunday night.

day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4

Thanks for joining me on this journey once again! I’m excited for this new year and all things coming for Squishy Prints Photography in 2015.

December 9, 2014

Life in Black & White | December

It’s hard to believe we have reached the end of the year already and December is upon us. This December is different from last year… we’ve recently lost a loved one, and will be losing another in too short of a time. So this year we are trying to cherish each moment even more. In many ways, though, this December has been much like the others. We have our family traditions that we do, and our holiday routines. As I have gotten older and become a mother, I have learned to really appreciate the significance of tradition. This year my children seem to really value and appreciate it too. And while we may see the same Santa at breakfast each year, and my children will always order the same things for breakfast, there are so many other little details that I can see within the sameness. Each year, I will see my children physically growing bigger. I will watch their mannerisms as they eat – how they start to refine their grip on their forks, how they sip their drinks, how they order their meals. I will watch as the magic gets questioned, as they seek to find the truth and hold on to belief. And I will watch as they bicker and bug each other. As they try to push in each other’s photos and compete for our attention. But I know that my children watch too. They watch how we do things, and remind me when I forget things. They tell me about the traditions they find important. They remind me that these traditions are creating lasting memories that they love to share with others, and that they will grow up to cherish as much as I do.

Thanks for following the Black and White blog circle with me this year. I have truly enjoyed it.

Please follow the circle to Jennifer’s post.

October 14, 2014

Thankful | Life in Black & White | October

It’s time for another glimpse of my life in black and white. Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I decided to share about how thankful I am for the life I have. The last two years have not been easy. Our family has faced the loss of life, life changing illness, mental health problems, marital issues, job loss, and a car accident. There are times where my husband and I have hit rock bottom, sometimes individually and sometimes together. But through out it all we have managed to hold on. The ability to support one another, and to gain strength from one another is something we work hard at. I am so grateful to have the love and support of my husband, and my whole external family network. But mostly I am grateful for my children. They have been the light and joy in my life that reminds of all the good there is in the world. Their smiles, hugs and innocent view of the world, has kept me grounded and helped me to survive being an adult. They remind me daily to slow down and focus on the little joys of everyday moments. And throughout all the stresses, they have remained calm, happy and loving.

I am thankful that they have sat patiently and offered love during a few too many hospital visits to see family:

I am thankful that they have have given me hugs and wiped away my tears as we remember the little brother or sister that they lost. My four year old even offered his loving and gentle perspective on life when he and I recently visited the Little Spirits Memorial Gardens to remember his lost sibling:

I am thankful at the maturity my oldest has shown as he has persevered through missing a month of schooling. Now that grade four has officially started for him, he has taken on his studies with such a quest for knowledge and eagerness to learn:

I am thankful for the way my youngest keeps us laughing with his wonderful personality. No matter what happens he is the one we can rely on to make us smile:

I am thankful to be a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend, a documenter of all the things that make up our life. I am thankful that I am reminded daily by my boys to stop, pause, breathe and just be.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Please follow the circle to Vanessa’s post.

October 9, 2014

Brave

Every day people are devastated to hear the news that someone they know and love – a co-worker, neighbour, friend or family has been diagnosed with cancer. It comes in many forms, and destroys in many ways. My family has been faced with this demon a few times, and this year it has touched particularly close. So when a friend of mine asked if I would take some photos of her celebrating her mum, I was honoured and very greatly touched to be a part of it. Lynn had her last round of chemotherapy today in her fight against breast cancer. To celebrate and spread awareness, her daughter-in-law, my friend, Stephanie shaved her head in solidarity, and as part of a fundraising effort for the Run for the Cure. It was such an inspiring and loving event to witness, as Lynn removed Stephanie’s long locks. (It also had it’s fun moments too – you can really rock an ’80’s punk mohawk Steph!) I am so proud of you, Stephanie, for being brave and putting yourself out there in support of your mum. And Lynn, I am in awe of how brave you were to do this as you journey through your battle.

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Steph has surpassed her fundraising goal. But every dollar towards research to end breast cancer or cancer of any form helps. Please consider donating to this very personal cause for Steph, Lynn and the Nelson family: Stephanie’s Fundraising Page

Thanks for letting me be a small part of this. You are beautiful Steph, inside and out!

September 9, 2014

Life in Black & White | September

Welcome to another glimpse of my life in black and white. After reading my post, please continue on in the blog circle to see a glimpse of Melissa’s life in black & white.

It’s September… and it should be the second week of school for my son. Usually by now he is settled into his classroom, pencils sharpened and notebooks tucked into his desk. He would be telling me about who he gets to sit with, who is and isn’t in his class this year, and what his first impressions are of his new teacher. But this year is different.

Here he is waiting for his little brother to finish breakfast so we can leave the house. But he’s also waiting to start fourth grade.

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This year has started the way the school year ended in June… no kids in the classroom and no teachers doing their jobs. Instead they are walking the picketlines outside of empty schools, trying to fight so my son can have an education he deserves.

The BC Government is slowing tearing away at the foundations of public education. Students in BC get $1000 each less funding than other provinces. Teachers are spending money out of pocket to create resources, learning materials and educational supports. Children with special needs are losing access to much needed supports. The government insists there is no money to meet the demands teachers are placing on them for (well deserved) wage increases, and class size and composition. While I understand budgeting, the government is also being unrealistic with it’s expectations of these hard working individuals. Class size restrictions and composition supports were stripped out of the contracts with teachers a few years ago. These need to be returned. Two courts have ruled that the government needs to bring this back. And yet, the fighting continues. Caught in the middle are the kids. Kids like my son, who is a well behaved student, who does his work and doesn’t need much help. The silent ones who don’t have behavioural issues or extra needs that demand more time. Classrooms have gotten so crowded and teachers are dealing with so many challenging students, they don’t have much time to spend with someone like my son. They don’t have help to deal with those that need extra attention. Their time is spread thin. My child deserves better than this. Yet we can’t afford to place him in private school. We can’t afford to have me stay home and homeschool him. Why should we have to do that? My husband and I were educated through the public school system. My children have a right to that same education.

Wage issues aside, these two opposing sides need to get it together. They need to negotiate, mediate, arbitrate… whatever it takes to get the kids in the classrooms – with the supports they need; with teachers who feel valued and supported; with the education they all deserve.

I am frustrated, tired, angry… and most of all sad for my son, and the thousands of other students out there waiting… just waiting…

August 17, 2014

Happy Wedding Shower Day Doodlebugs!

In January of 2013, we took a trip to Disneyland. (One day I will finsih editing those and blog about the fun we had with the kids). While there we were able to meet up with my sister and her boyfriend who had gone on a trip to San Francisco. While there, Jordan proposed to Megan on the Golden Gate bridge . We were the first to know when they met us in Anaheim. We were sworn to secrecy… until they could get home and tell our family the news in person. I made them get the wedding Mickey and Minnie Ears to celebrate, and then dragged them around to take some fun photos of the newly engaged pair. At one point they even got serenaded by the mariachi band in California Adventure Park – how cool is that? I’m so glad I got to be a part of their engagement in a small way. And umm… Megan and Jordan – here are those photos a year and a half later. Just in time for the wedding shower we are having for my sister today. Happy shower day to my baby sister. I love you Doodlebugs!

July 30, 2014

Apple | Victoria BC Photographer

I am so lucky that I am part of a large family. We all meet every Sunday for dinner at my grandparents’ house. This is a tradition that started when I was a baby and has continued on. My children now spend Sunday evenings at my grandparents’ house. I love watching them get the same love, attention and experiences as I did. Right down to picking those apples off the trees. I know one day there may be a day when we will no longer be at that house and in that backyard; where Sunday dinners at that house will be only a sweet memory. But until then, I am going to suck up every delicious moment of these nights with my family.

July 3, 2014

Canada Day 2014 | Victoria BC Photography

I realized that I have never photographed an entire day of our life as a family. It’s on my list of things to do. I did shoot many moments from our Canada Day celebrations this year. It was a very busy, fun filled day, and I hope that these memories are ones that our children remember.

This year the boys made their own Canada Day t-shirts. I pretty sure I saw this idea on pinterest… if not someone can feel free to pin it. They traced their hands as maple leaves and then added the rectangles for the sides of the Canadian flag. They both signed their names and for good measure Liam added a cow, sheep and horse to his. This is the shot I got just before Liam pulled down his pants and mooned me. Sigh. Boys!

We then headed into town in the afternoon to join in the Canada Day celebrations. We met up with my sisters and brother-in-laws, and my adorable one year old nephew. (We snuck in that monthly family photo!)

Things got goofy.

These are moose antlers (not bunny ears) – we are Canadian after all!

Charlotte Diamond was giving a concert, but my kids and husband showed very little interest in those classic kids songs (I am a Pizza, 4 Hugs a Day, Slippery Fish… come on – those are classic sing along songs!) So we wandered. Liam really wanted a balloon – he got an orange dog. Caleb got a blue squirrel.