I loved getting to spend the morning with friends and they love on their newest addition.
Folly Beach Farewell
End of WWII - 75th Anniversary | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
September 2, 2020 marked 75 years since WWII ended on the decks of the USS Missouri. We have an unique opportunity in Hawaii to access the places where WWII started for the US and where it ended. The boys and I took advantage of some of the events taking place as part of the anniversary and you know I took pictures to prove it!
On Tuesday night, the boys and I went over to Ford Island to watch fireworks. There was something pretty neat about having our chairs literally sitting over strafing marks from the attack. The fireworks were a gift from Honolulu’s sister city, Nagaoka, Japan. They were meant to honor the greatest generation and give hope for the future of peace.
The next morning, September 2, we watched the programing and live stream of the ceremony that was taking place on the Missouri. As part of the event, there was a Legacy of Peace Parade with WWII airplanes. We were able to learn about the planes and then go outside and watch them flyover as the route took them right over our house. Apparently the Nerf Guns were shooting “healing power”. That’s probably because I scarred Landon for life and let him watch Pearl Harbor with me. Yeah… he’s too young and it was all too real for him since we are on base almost daily.
Then we watched the live stream of the ceremony, listened to Veteran’s stories and watched footage from when the treaty was signed. I am so glad we visited the Mighty Mo a few weeks ago because Landon was able to see video from somewhere he knew. It brought history to life for him (and me). And of course I cried like a baby when they mentioned how the greatest generation inspired a future of sailors to serve in the Pacific Theater.
I’ve always told Trip that there is something so special about this homeport. There is so much history here. I am so glad the boys are getting these experiences and I hope they remember them as they get older.
A Ford Island Maternity Session | Oahu Maternity Photographer
I always ask moms what they want to walk away from their session with. This mom told me, "I want to look back at these pictures and remember this as a joyful time since this year has been rough." I thought about that and really let it sink in as I edited their session. What a unique thing I can do as a photographer. Sure, the lead up to this session was stressful and I think we ended up on Plan D, but I found myself smiling as I went through their pictures. I'm sure this is not how she imagined her pregnancy would be, but at least for one evening, we could forget about everything else and just celebrate their growing family.
Back to School | First Grade during COVID 19 | Aiea Family Photographer
First Grade... here we go! We got dressed, ate breakfast, posed for pictures and then I dropped him off at the kitchen table to start online school.
We found the Rainbow Tunnel! | Aiea Family Photographer
The iconic Rainbow Tunnel was on our “To See” list since we moved here. With the beaches and hikes closed, it seemed like the perfect Aloha Friday adventure. The tunnel is located in a Mililani neighborhood, and admittedly, much smaller than I thought it was going to be. It seems so grand in pictures. I found that the trick was to put the boys just inside of the tunnel so that we could use every inch and ring of color. It was very bright outside and very dark in the tunnel which made it a challenge to shoot in, but I love these pictures. You'll also notice somebody (Mr Rhett) brought their A-game with poses.
Quarantine Week 5 and 6 | Pearl Harbor Family Photographer
Whew! It was a busy two weeks in this hale. We celebrated our family’s second quarantine birthday. Landon turned SIX! We ate cinnamon rolls (while his class sang Happy Birthday), had M&Ms as breakfast dessert, Facetimed everyone, opened presents, played outside and ended the day with cake. He said he had a pretty good day and we will celebrate again once daddy is home.
My favorite thing we did was celebrate Lei Day, by making our own lei.
Lei Day is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, or the aloha spirit. People commonly celebrate by giving gifts of leis to one another.
Landon and I walked around the backyard and our street to collect enough plumeria flowers and leaves. Landon strung his lei all by himself and it turned out really pretty (and smelled even better). Normally his school would preform a hula to Hanohano Wailea on the big outdoor stage for parents, but we settled for a private show in the backyard.
After this school activities were done, we placed the lei over the mailbox to show appreciation for essential workers. It was neat to see all of the leis on our run.
Other than that, we’ve spent as much time outside as possible.
Oh yes, there was an ER visit.
Rhett was eating popcorn and inhaled a kernel while trying to smell it (allegedly). I tried to get it out, urgent care tried and we finally ended up at the children’s hospital. He is still telling people, “popcorn….my nose…. so scary!”
Quarantine Week 4 | Kailua Family Photograher
Y’all! I’ve been sitting on these pictures of Rhett for a few days and they are possibly my favorite pictures ever. I usually check on the boys before I go to bed. When I saw this scene, I had to grab my camera.
Mimi sent us some pirate booty so we had a little pirate hunt. Turns out, Landon can’t read a map to save his life and both boys are blind as bats. I eventually just had to point out the treasure because the bottom dropped out. Luckily, dad ran down the hill to get the car to rescue us.
Our coconut tree is starting to drop some small coconuts. The boys love collecting them, peeling the top off (not sure why) and then trying to break them open. These will get much bigger, but a guy will come, climb the tree and cut them down.
Another week down. We’ve been mostly housebound for over a month now and we are starting to get really antsy. My house is always a disaster and it’s so hot inside. Hopefully we are in the home stretch.
Quarantine Week 3 | Kailua Family Photographer
Does anyone else feel like they have a routine? I just can’t get there. Online schooling is great because it’s so flexible, but I definitely like the structure the school year provides. I tell myself I’m going to workout, shower and put on real clothes while also making sure Landon gets his work done. The reality is that I move at a snail’s pace all morning, get my workout in and then stay in my gross clothes until after the boys go to bed and I can finally shower. Oh well, maybe we will get it down next week. Maybe.
Rhett is enjoying not having my full attention during the day. I caught him eating chips out of the pantry.
On Thursday, we did a family zoom call/ Passover Seder. I realized that Landon didn’t know much about Judaism so we took some time to watch kid’s YouTube videos explaining passover.
Saturday was my birthday. My in-laws were supposed to be in town and we were supposed to have a kids free weekend in Waikiki attending the Submarine Birthday Ball. However, those plans obviously had to change and we settled for a walk on the beach and carry-out steak (plus a bottle of wine) for dinner. It was still a sweet birthday.
Easter Sunday sort of snuck up on me so we didn’t have cute clothes or even take a family picture. The boys loved their baskets and egg hunt, so it was still a successful day spent together.
Onward….
Free newborn picture editing! | Kailua Newborn Photographer
I've sat here for two days trying to figure out how to write an eloquent description of what I want to do, but here's the truth. CoronaVirus sucks. It's ruining so much for so many people. But, I'm seeing people all over the community step up and offer whatever skills they have. Turns out I can't sew masks (my attempt ended in the trash), but I can edit!
From now until May 3, I'm offering FREE editing if you've had to take your own newborn pictures due to current events.
Details
You don't have to be my client or even live in Hawaii.
I'll edit 10 newborn pictures free of charge.
Images must be submitted by May 3.
DSLR and cell phone pictures are accepted.
Please allow 7-10 business days for edited images.
There is a video with tips for taking your pictures at the bottom of this post.
Or email them to ashleigh@followingseasphotography.com
I made this video with tips for taking your own newborn pictures at home. Hope this helps!