{Introducing Bella Dolce Photography}

I'm finally getting my photography business up and running and I love it. Introducing my first photo shoot by Bella Dolce Photography...

Jessica is one of my gorgeous 16-year-old nieces. She is such a darling and I had so much fun with her shoot. Isn't she a knock-out? Here are some of my favorites.

[My website, www.belladolcephotography.com, is under construction, but hopefully I'll be unveiling it soon. Because I'm just starting out, I'll give you a really great deal...if you want to schedule a shoot call me at 949-466-4657 or email me at belladolcephoto@gmail.com]

{Lily - I Miss You}

Little Lily I miss you. Why do you have to live so far away in West Virginia? You stole my heart and now it aches without you. Come to California for a visit soon. Love, Aunt Steph

{Our 2nd Anniversary!}

Two years ago I married my prince charming that swept me off my feet. Time really flies. I still feel like a newlywed. We celebrated with dinner at Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ and a stroll at our favorite shops at Victoria Gardens. And to top it off Scott brought me a dozen multi-color roses that are gorgeous!! Love you my Lover! Happy Anniversary! XOXOXO

Nelson Family Reunion 2009

Last week we celebrated Melissa and Tim's wedding in conjunction with the Nelson family reunion in Utah and it was such a fun time! My parent's have nine children so there are about fifty of us total. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year! Wow! These photos of their thirty-three grandchildren (my nieces & nephews) are in order from oldest sibling to youngest.

Mom & Dad Nelson

Their grandchildren

Newlyweds: Melissa & Tim Clark

The Mark & Jaelyn Dean's: Melissa, Amy, Holly, Kim & Alex

Lisa Nelson's daughter Janice & her little firecracker Jocelyn (the only great-grandchild)

The Gordon and Becky Allred's: Tyler & Melanie (married), Devon & Kyle

The Todd & Becky Raine's: Jessica & Callum

The Paul & Wendy Nelson's: Lauren & Jolie (Natalya stayed home with 9 mos. pregnant Wendy)

The Bryon & Sheila Madsen's: Joan, Camille, Jeffrey, Nicole & Wesley (Katelyn is in heaven)

The Jared & Jeanette Nelson's: Tanner, Maddie, Emmy & Becca

The Merrill & Jenn Talbot's: Ethan, Natalie, Reed & Isaac

The Erik & Rachel Nelson's: Lars, Axel, Lief & Lily

Lily Nelson

We had a blast at the Nelson family reunion last week in Utah. It was hard for me to say goodbye. I fell in love with little miss Lily, my 14-month-old niece. Here are some cute shots. Um...in love.

Seaweed

My lunch today looked just like this big pile of seaweed that was on the beach at Corona del Mar a couple days ago. Yep, I had a black seaweed salad and some lump crab made by our sushi chef at Broadcom. And I'm an adventurous eater for sure...but, with every bite of seaweed the pile on my plate got larger and larger until it felt as big as the one in this photo...

Surf's Up

I love the beach and it's been so fun lately because the waves have been huge!

Dana Point Harbor

What is better than a Sunday stroll after church down at Dana Point Harbor?

4th of July Camping Trip

Over the holiday weekend we drove up to Little Lakes Valley near Mammoth for an overnight backpacking trip and we fell in love with the scenery...lake after lake and snow capped mountains galore. It lives up to it's reputation of being paradise (plus mosquitos). We applied mosquito repellent liberally as soon as we noticed we were entering Mosquito Flat, but still came away with about forty bites each.





After a brief detour at Mono lake to see the Tufa formations, we drove to Mammoth. That was my first time up there and I really loved it...reminds me of Park City with really nice shops and fun atmosphere. From there, we took a shuttle bus to Devil's Postpile National Monument and hiked to Rainbow Falls. Ask Scott about the cramped bus ride back with all the laughing Mexicans.




Next we drove through Yosemite via Tuolumne Meadows and we saw a gorgeous buck grazing away. Unfortunately, there was a fire that engulfed Yosemite in smoke, so we buzzed out of there and on to Sequoias and camped near General Sherman, the largest living thing on earth. Amazing.




After that we drove up the long narrow windy road to Mineral King Valley and hiked around fantastic old cabins and waterfalls. It was the wildflower mecca and home of yellow-bellied marmots. We saw about twenty of the cute little guys. We ended up traversing a small mountain and free-climbing some gigantor granite rock faces to reach our desired waterfall location that we caught a glimpse of from the road. Yes, we blazed our own trail and cheated death. I think that's Scott's favorite way of living, actually. His grin will attest. These two sunburned, pooped and thirsty hikers definitely enjoyed our reward cooling off in the frosty water.









We sure worked up an appetite and the little cafe in Silver City sure delivered. If you're ever out that way, stop in for the Pismo--grilled tuna on sourdough, slice of cantelope and the best chips ever. Oh, and a little slice of homemade Razzle-dazzle pie a la mode. Heavenly. But, be prepared to soak up the mountain air on the patio while you wait because pace up there is very laid back.