just some (really nice) pics

We chose to take some maternity photos (by we, I mean that I did. The Mr. agreed and played along) to document this exciting time in our lives.

Our dear, dear friend who did our engagement photos in 2011 and took some wedding photos is busy with her OWN pregnancy and job and life a few hours away, so we chose a local photographer, who also happens to be a friend from high school. Ain't it grand when your friends are talented and creative people?

Jill Simonds, of Simonds Photographic, took our photos and we love (luuuuurve) them (we also had them within a week!). The hardest part has been deciding which ones to print and frame in the baby's room...

If you are looking for a photographer in Northern Colorado, I can't recommend Jill enough. She does weddings, engagement sessions, maternity & newborn photos, senior portraits, family portraits, and lifestyle shoots. Not only is she a great photographer, she's also a really nice person.

True story - she used to drive me home from high school sometimes ;)

Horsetoothin' around

A few weeks ago, some of my husband's family came up to visit us for an evening. My mother-in-law packed a lovely picnic lunch, and we all took a drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of Fort Collins.

Confession: I've lived in the area for several years, and this was the fifth time I've been to the reservoir...once was at night, twice on hikes that overlooked the water (no time to look, only concerned about breathing and getting back to the air-conditioning), and the other was a boating expedition, where I was more focused on tubing and drinks.

So, we went to Horsetooth, picnic-ed (is that a word?), and I was gently reminded how beautiful the view is. The view, the water, the mountains, and all of the green trees and bushes. It was warm, but not hot, and of course there was a breeze to keep everything moving.

In essence, a lovely summer evening.

I threw on these anchor print shorts after work, going for a monochromatic look with my navy blue shirt. The anchors also seemed a bit fitting because of the marina and boats at the res (in retrospect, of course I dressed for a nautical theme ;] ) At times, these shorts can look pajama-esque, but a navy button-up helps to elevate them a bit, and keep them looking more sharp & smart than lounge-y.

I'm trying to enjoy all of the summer things before fall gets here and we are inundated with Pumpkin Spice lattes and pictures of leaves and sweaters and boots (can you tell how I feel about fall taking over everything?).

On that note, I've got plans today to celebrate a new friend's wedding at a poolside reception, and then enjoy a free music festival with more friends (and great beer).

Here's to a few more weeks of gorgeous summer, Colorado!

button up: thrifted (J Crew)

shorts: J Crew Factory

sandals: Target

beautiful nature: c/o of Colorful Colorado

linking up:

DC in Style // Shopping My Closet // Sydney Fashion Hunter

The Red Closet Diary // A Pocketful of Polka Dots // Classy Yet Trendy

Tucker Up