Moving On

Ok, everyone it is official!!! Rachel Neumann Photography (the blog) has a new home! Go to www.rachelneumannphotography.com/blog
or just click here.
I will still keep this one open, but no more post will be added. I have so many sweet memories on here to let it go.
Thank you all!
♥ Rachel

Uncle Rick

The earliest memory I have of my childhood was when I woke out of bed on my third birthday. I walked down stairs with a big grin on my face where my Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Rick greeted me and wished me a Happy Birthday. I remember my uncle saying, “You are three now”!
I have many great memories of my uncle that I will never forget.
Growing up we lived about 45 minutes from Vancouver, WA where my aunt and uncle's home sat in a quiet cul-de-sac. My sisters and I spent weekends and holidays at their house, my cousin Charlie usually came back home with us. Looking back it was a nice little trade off and I am sure both set of parents enjoyed the break.
I loved going to their home. They had a pool, a club house, and Becky and I got to take over Charlie’s water-bed.
When I was small I remember my uncle being a loud and tall man. He would imitate Donald Duck to get me to smile, it worked every time. He wore turquoise rings and had long hair. He pumped iron (not knowing what that was as a little girl), and had a punching bag in his garage. Every time my parents loaded us kids into the car/truck my uncle would run out with paper towels and Windex and make sure our windows were clean before we got on the road.
As I got older he would tease me and I eventually learned to tease him back. It was a game we would play. We were buds.
He called me Rodent, and the rest of the family followed. The name stuck.
We were the artist in the family. We both drew cartoons. I would love to watch him draw. I drew a picture of him pushing a lawn mower in his cut off jean shorts and brown leather belt. I gave it to him, and he loved it.
He also had the nicest handwriting I have ever seen from a man. Beautiful cursive letters.
My uncle loved the earth, he had a massive garden that grew fresh vegetables year round. We would love the home made spaghetti sauce Aunt Cheryl would make or the zucchini muffins that surprisingly didn’t taste like zucchini. I remember my uncle loving his ranch dressing on his salads. If it was running out, he would add a little milk to make it last.
We spent several weekend working for their landscaping business. I will never forget the feeling of bark dust in my shoes.
When the quiet cul-de-sac was no longer quiet they moved to a bigger house across town. The spaghetti dinners continued along with the memories.
When I ran track my junior year my aunt and uncle drove to Naselle to watch me win The District Championship. It meant a lot that they were there for me. I can still see my uncle coming to me excited for my win. It was the first time he had seen me run.
My childhood would not have been the same without the influences of my uncle. It takes a village and he was a big part of it. I will miss him dearly. I love you Uncle Rick.

Cousins

I have had a few days to reflect on my own memories growing up with my cousin. In honor of cousins I wanted to share a little picture of two of the cutest little boys, who happen to be cousins.

Comments??

So once I do publish my new blog I will be having some fun giveaways and prizes for my lovely fans that like to leave comments. Right now that would be my family and close friend so....
start leaving comments so I can spread the ♥ (not that I don't want Mary and my mom to win).
Thanks!!

Me

I had a fun day today with friends. I had two amazing outings that left me feeling fresh and recharged.
Jana Lee a former client of mine was wanting to learn some photography. Her family owns a couple of ranches in the area and today we decided to go to one of them. This was an older ranch full of charm and personality. It sits on acres of beautiful green hills. I can't wait to go back without my little man, who just happened to be busier than a bee today, and really take in the scenery. I will be posting some more pictures in the next few weeks.
Then I headed for a late afternoon stroll with my friend Keely to get some exercise. We went to the The Bluff Trail in Montana de Oro. I left the camera in the car so I could get my heart rate up, but I will be going back with the camera very soon, I will tell you that.
That being the reason why I am feeling rather good today. Good enough that I am posting a few pictures of myself (taken by Jana Lee).
The new blog is almost ready friends, I finally decided on my logo!! I am saving several post for the new blog too, if you are wondering where your pictures are, ;).

Bad Blogger

Yes friends, I am officially a bad blogger. My apologies for being absent. I have had a busy few weeks with work and life. I have had some ups and downs in the past weeks and I am grateful for my friends and family who helped me get through it. Thank you! Alas, I am happy to say I am feeling better and back to work.
I have so many pictures to post but I want to save them for my new blog, that should be ready in a few weeks. Which is another reason why I have been absent. I LOVE the look of my new blog and it has made me not use my current blog!
If you are a fan on my fan page on Facebook you have been seeing all my previews from the birthday party, wedding, and many more!! But for those who are not fans, stay tuned they are coming.
Well I can't have a post without a picture, so here is my now 3 year old little man, whom I love so much!!

Scott and Kuuipo♡Engaged

Do you remember last week when I was heading out the door for my very first engagement session? Well, I am happy to finally be able to post these beautiful pictures.
Before I rave how exciting and awesome it was to work with Scott and Kuuipo, let me first introduce my partner in action.
Being that I was taking on a big project of photographing my first wedding. I was lucky enough to have a friend, Kamil (who just so happens to be an awesome photographer and web-designer) offer to assist me and in return I could assist him while he shoots a wedding in May. Assistant turned into partner along the way, and I certainly can not take all the credit for these amazing pictures. We worked great together, I think we were both a little surprised. I love all the different angles we were able to capture with two cameras going. So be sure to take a look at Kamil's amazing work here.
Now, on to the happy couple. We met them at Louisa's Place, which happens to be their restaurant. I thought the restaurant would make an excellent setting and I am happy to say, I was right. We then headed towards the mission and creek with a few other stops along the way.
Scott and Kuuipo are a beautiful couple together and are so in love. It took very little direction for them to hold each other and kiss each other.
I can't wait to be there is just a few weeks to capture their special day.
Congratulations Scott and Kuuipo!
Click here to view the slide show.