Family Friends

It's been crazy hectic at la maison Russell. However, we both still have one more week of work left, before we get to leave on our vacation. Yippie!! Seriously, I've been in vacation mode ever since the month of June rolled around. We will be heading up to MT to visit with J. family and to celebrate the marriage of his oldest sister Jesse. Then we will be heading out to West Point, NY to spend some time with my niece Naomi Li and my nephew Jr. Of course, we will be taking the train into NYC to celebrate my BIG 30! I'm excited and just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. I'm soo excited.... Ok, enough of me singing. LoL.
This past weekend, we had the chance to spend sometime with my bestie. It also gave us a chance to spend some time with her hubby, before he leaves on his big "D". Naturally, I took this opportunity to shoot some photos of them. Please check out my photography blog as well.

*Pssssssssssh! Posted a different sneak peek photo of the Austin's. So head on over there.

Practice Makes Perfect

Check out little Brandon on my photography blog. About two weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting my friends son. He's such a cutie pie and such a natural in front of the camera. It made shooting him super easy.

I must say, slowly but surely I'm improving on my photography skills. Looking back at some photos from a year ago, I can tell a definite improvement. Guess that's why they invented that saying "practice makes perfect". Oh, and I finally adjusted my layout, so that I post larger photos. =)

The Yosemite Adventure

Our one year anniversary fell on Mother's Day this year, therefore we didn't really celebrate. Yet, we still wanted to squeeze in a quick weekend getaway. Nothing to fancy and nothing too expensive, since we were planning on taking a vacation for my 30th birthday day. Camping up at Yosemite National Park, seemed like an ideal choice, especially since we hoped to hike up the infamous Half Dome. During the planning process, we mentioned our plans to our good friend M. Her husband wanted to go camping for his birthday as well. Naturally, we asked them to join us. Not only that, but we would be able to share in the cost. And coincidentally another couple had to go up to Yosemite that weekend as well to attend wedding. What better way to spend  a weekend camping with good friends?! I will say this, it was definitely an interesting time for this self-proclaimed city-girl. But I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Mariposa Groves: As you can till we still had beautiful weather. 

It was pleasant, not quite freezing temperature yet.

We look like midgets next to these gigantic tree stump.

Loved the moss on this fallen tree.

In awe of the width of this tree. =)

Later that evening, the temperature definitely dropped.
I definitely layered up. And ended up looking like a child. hahaha

This city girl, didn't know that the cold would zap my battery, so the next few photos were taken with my trusty iphone. We definitely had some crazy weather at Yosemite.  We actually woke up to snow the very next day, but unfortunately I forgot to take a photo.

On our way to the Chilnualna Falls, we were hit by heavy fogs. 

The fog brought some rain, snow & hail.

 

However when we reached the top of fall, the sky cleared just long enough for us to rest and enjoy some beautiful sunshine. This lasted for about 5 min before the clouds came rolling back in. 

It was beautiful while it lasted.

 Chilnualna Falls

So this wraps up our Yosemite Adventure. =) On a funny note, when J. relayed our trip to his family the first thing they asked and I quote: "Oh wow! Snow huh?! So, how did Nina fare?" Hmm....wonder why they would ask that. lol

Mission San Juan Capistrano

This past Sunday, we met up with my best friend Marlith, and her family down in San Juan Capistrano. It was a belated birthday get together for her husband. Since they hadn't been to the Mission, we thought it would be perfect day to grab some lunch at this cute little restaurant near the Train Depot, and then head on over to the Mission.
San Juan Capistrano is one of the prettiest Mission in California. The Mission holds a special place in our hearts, since that is where we took our engagement photos. It was also one of the first places I took J, too, when he came to visit from Montana.  For some reason, I didn't take that many photos that day. But I didn't manage to capture a family photo of the Austin's.

The Austin's

If you haven't been to San Juan Capistrano Mission, I highly recommend it, especially now. All the flowers are blooming and the grounds are simply lovely. The next few photos I found via flickr.

via an written life

via ladyinpink1

via frogmiller

Last but not least a group photo of us. =)

*Sidenote: Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded by Junipero Serra in 1776. The mission was destroyed by Earthquake a few years after being founded. Definitely check it out! I guarantee it, you'll love it.

Busy, Busy, Bee

Whoa, I've been quite busy. Working, gym, photography, applying to jobs etc...no wonder I've been soo tired and exhausted lately. Perhaps, my energy level isn't quite there yet, since I was sick. While I was on the mends, I was just going, going & going nonstop. Oh well. Life's too short right?!
Anyway doesn't look like I'll be slowing down anytime soon. This weekend I'll be tagging along with my photography friend Aileen to a wedding. I'll be her 3rd shooter for her event. I'm not getting paid, but still looking forward to shooting this wedding with her. It will serve as a great learning tool. And I get to shoot/learn from a friend a peer. John Ruiz is her second shooter. You can check out some of his work here. Must confess though, I'm a tad bit nervous too. What if I screw up?! What if non of my photos turn out? What if Aileen doesn't like any of my photos? Argh!!!!! Can you tell I'm super anxious? Pretty sure, I won't be able to sleep the night before. =/
Almost forgot to blog the most import item. Head on over to my photography blog to see my friend Jenny and her beautiful baby bump. Shooting people is definitely challenging, but I love it.

  Isn't she glowing?! More photos are on the other blog, right here.

Oh, here is also a photo I snapped of J, while we were waiting for my friends to arrive.

Santa Monica Mountains

Some photo impressions from my hike in the Santa Monica mountains with some friends. Unfortunately, J. had to work and couldn't enjoy the beautiful mountains of California. I managed to bring home yet again another souvenir. =/

The mosquito bite I received yesterday.

This is how my elbow looked this morning. Argh!

San Diego Fun...

Blog post. Coming soon. Near you.

Firecracker 10k Run

Yesterday was our 10K run in Chinatown! Boy, was it brutal. Actually it was more so for me than for Jared. Unfortunately, I haven't been running as much and I underestimated the steep, steep, steep hills the course had. So, I had to walk some of the hills. Oh well! Will hopefully do better next time. It was a beautiful course though, but unfortunately I forgot my camera and didn't take any pictures. All the photos you see I've stolen from my sister Nita. She, her hubby and bunch of her friends ran the race as well, in honor of her 27th birthday, which happened to fall on that day. Nowadays, at least in the Mente Family her birthday gets over looked, since it's Naomi's birthday is 3days later. =)  And after the race, we all had a yummy breakfast/lunch at a dimsim restaurant. Now on to the photos:

 

Race T-shirt, they don't look to bad. Just wished it was a dry-fit shirt. 

  

 Michael Chang - US Tennis Champ opened up the race ceremonies

Dragon Dance prior to race start

 

 One of the views along the race course

 

Like I said, we had a some great views along the way. 

Downtown L.A. 

No smog, since it rained the day before.

Think Blue, that should give it away!

 

If not, I'm sure this will help =)

 

 Last but not least, we did manage to get a photo together of our First Race. 

Thanksgiving

This post comes few days late. Oh well. I was simply to lazy to blog, even though I didn't do much over the weekend. This was the first Thanksgiving, where Jared and I aren't dating. Amazing, huh? With my dad in Africa, my mom in Virgina, Jared's folks in MT, it was left up to Nita and I to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Now, I know why people order pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinner. It's soo much easier and you don't have to stand all day in the kitchen. Enjoy the photos. 

Roasted Turkey Breast

Ham

 

Broccoli-Cauliflower gratin

 

 Spinach Salad with apples, cranberries, candied pecans & walnuts. Dressing: Honey Dijon Mustard Vinegrette

Nita's homemade apple pie 

 The Austin Family , who I had invited to celebrate the holidays with us.

 Calvin & Spencer passed out in the Living Room.

I think Marlith and I were the only people awake after our Thanksgiving meal. Jared was passed out as well. Then again, that was to be expected, as he had worked the night before. And know surprise here, of course, Nita and & Nat were passed out upstairs. Other dishes incl.: Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, string beans with mushrooms & bacon, bruchetta, chocolate chip pie, baked macaroni casserole, platter of fresh fruits. If I'm not mistaken that was it.

Holiday Cards: The Austin Family

I created some holiday cards, for my best friend Marlith and her family. You can read more about the details of their photo shoot and cards on my photography blog here and here.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, it's been a month since I've actually blogged. We've been really busy and with Jared working nights, I'm the one who typically blogs. And their is simply isn't enough time in the day. With my commute, work out, study time, & my search for a new employment...something has to take a back seat. Unfortunately, it's been my beloved blog. With that said, I'll try to recap in bullet points on what we have been up too:

• Jared and I saw the musical Rent
• Two weekends ago, we had a weekend get-away with my best friend, Marlith and her family up in Big Bear. Planning another trip with them in the new year. Hopefully, there will be some snow up in the mountains, so the boys can hit up the slopes.
  
• With some encouragement from Jared, I signed up for my 1st mini Triathlon. It will take place in February 2010. Excited, since I'm able to cross off another item of my 2009 goal list.
• This coming week, we will see another musical called Spring Awakening with some friends. Jared had to rearrange his schedule so he could go with us. This means he'll be working six days straight. It's unfortunate, since we will basically see each other for 15 min in the morning before I head out the door for work. On the bright side, he has 5 days off coming up soon, but has to entertain himself, since I'll be at work. Simply can't win. =/
  
• Other than that, we're simply busy with life, and other projects that I will reveal soon.
  

Now on to the important stuff. Photos!!! As usual hanging out with Austin Family consisted of Fun.Food.Laughter & Relaxation. Not to mention a fun Family Photo Shoot.


And here's a sneak peak of the family photo shoot. I will write more about them in the next few days in my photography blog.