There is no more adorable family for me to break my blogging fast with!

The Shepherds are not only a gorgeous and well-coordinated crew, but they are also very dear friends of mine. And I love them. A LOT.

I can't even begin to tell you how sweet and wonderful these people are. Since words can't do them justice, hopefully, these images really show off how amazing they all are.

Every summer, my boys and I make a bucket list of the activities we want to do when the days of summer seem too long or too filled with video games.

We've lived in the VA burbs for the last three years since moving here from Texas. Some things on this list are the typical tourist things we haven't done yet or the touristy things we love and want to do again and again. Some touristy things may be missing altogether because we've been there, done that. Some things are free and some things are pretty pricey. And then there are also items on my list that are just simple things to do around the neighborhood. Maybe you already know about all of these things to do, and maybe you don't! It's not a perfect list, but it's a fun list! And we cannot wait to cross things off!

I've included the links {in pink} to as many of the activities as I could as well as a few links to discount sites for reduced costs! Know of other fun things to do in the area that I've left out?!?! Please add in the comments below!

Feel free to follow me on Instagram HERE as I photograph all of our summer adventures! And now, get out there and ENJOY!

1. Order pizza delivery to the pool

My kids think this is the GREATEST treat! Why?? It's just pizza. But for some reason, pizza at the pool holds way more excitement than regular at-the-house pizza. So, this is always on the list every summer! Also, I don't have to cook so this might be a more than one-time occurrence!

2. Library Reading Program

Almost every local library has some sort of summer reading incentive program from either a list of books to read or a challenge of pages read! And if our library doesn't have something like this, you can always make one up for your kids and take them to the library as your own adventure.

3. Rolling Rewards Free Summer Bowling {Bowl America}

My big kid works hard for his good grades -- and earns free games of bowling for every A and B on his final report card!

4. Georgetown Pirate Ship & Baked and Wired Cupcakes

Take the kids down the Potomac on a Pirate Ship Cruise with giant water guns that departs from the docks in Georgetown. Certifikid deal HERE. After the cruise -- eat the BEST cupcakes in Georgetown. Yes, you heard me. The best cupcakes in Georgetown. I personally recommend the Smurfette.

5. Lion King {or any show} at the Kennedy Center

See the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King from June 17-August 17th without having to hop the train up to NYC!

6. Washington Monument

You can go to the top again! You can go to the top again!! Get tickets in advance for a small fee.

7. Visit the National Zoo or even better, the Snore n' Roar Sleepover at the Zoo

You can CAMP OUT AT THE NATIONAL ZOO!!! Seriously!? How awesome is that!?

8. Visit the Smithsonian Museums or even better, Smithsonian Sleepovers

You can SLEEPOVER IN THE SMITHSONIAN!!! Seriously!? How awesome is that!?

9. The Van Gogh and the Cassatt/Degas Exhibits at the National Gallery of Art

Maybe not everyone's kids will go for this but I loooove the National Gallery of Art. It's just so beautiful. I can usually bribe a decent level of interest with promises of a swing-by trip to Baked & Wired afterwards. ;) If your kids would not be able to handle a visit to an exhibit, but you'd still like to introduce them to the museum, see #10.

10. Stories in Art at the National Gallery of Art

11. White House and/or Capitol Tour

You need to contact your Congressman for tour tickets. Does anyone actually know who their congressman is off-hand? I don't. Luckily, google is always there for me. {Loudoun County is Frank Wolf and Fairfax/Alexandria/Arlington/Falls Church is Jim Moran}

12.  Paddle Boats in the Tidal Basin

We haven't done this yet! This is definitely one of the activities I may need to coerce my husband to come to as well because I do NOT want to paddle all by myself once this kids tire of it after 3 minutes.

13. Sunday Home Games at Nationals Park

After every Sunday home game, kids can run the bases! My kids absolutely go NUTS for this. And if you sign them up for the Jr. Nats Club, they get priority entrance for this which is a major time saver!

14. Minor League Fun with the Potomac Nationals

This is a Minor League team in Woodbridge. This may be more budget (and traffic) friendly!

15. Wolf Trap Concerts on the Lawn

We will be going as a family to the Pixar in Concert event on June 20th but there are lots of other wonderful events on their calendar as well - including one of my favorite children's' musician Dan Zanes on June 24th! I love that you can bring a meal and picnic during the concerts - great for picky eaters. Also, you can DEFINITELY plan a date night here.

16. Take a Cookology Class or Camp

17. Great Country Farms, Bluemont, VA

Pick your own fruits and vegetables, picnic under the trees and then spend the afternoon on the giant jumping pillow (my kids' very favorite thing ever) or petting the animals. Certifikid Deal HERE

18. Picnics at Gravelly Point

Watch as the planes from Reagan National Airport fly right over your head as they take off and land!

19. Alamo Kids Camp

Free movies for kids! AT THE ALAMO! Which is only my favorite movie thither of all time in the history of ever. And it's FREE! My kids love the never-ending popcorn bowl and the cookie milkshakes during their movies. And hit the spray park out front afterwards for some outdoor fun as well.

20. The Family Drive-In Theater

About an hour's drive west of the VA suburbs is an old-fashioned drive-in theater! I googled and googled for one last summer and somehow missed this gem! Certifikid deal HERE

21. Sunflower Picking in Haymarket

Burnside Farms in Haymarket is AWESOME for pick-your-own tulips in the spring -- but did you know the fields grow pick-your-own SUNFLOWERS in July!? Not only would the flowers be lovely on the kitchen table but think of the PICTURES you could take of your kids playing in fields of sunflowers!

22. Monkey Joe's 

Room full of bounce houses? My kids say "yes, please!" Certifikid Deal HERE

23. Rebounderz

Room full of trampolines? My kids say "yes, pretty pretty please!!"

24. Monthly Mini Build at the Lego Store in Tyson's Corner Mall 

Visit the Lego Store on the 1st Tuesday of every month for a free build (next up is July 1st). This is FREE and only lasts as long as supplies. It starts at 5pm but I've seen the line get looooong. So grab some snacks and the iPad and head there early to get in line!

25. Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville

Spend some time at a pool that is WAY cooler than the one in the neighborhood! Certifikid Deal HERE

26. Dulles Air & Space Museum

My kids love this museum. We've been a million times and they're still thrilled to go. They love to watch the planes take off and land from up in the tower (get up there right around a late lunch time and see the big planes from Europe landing!). We also love to run around on the highest tier of walkway. And I've also found that kids can be a bit more free here as there is lots of space here and is less crowded than the DC Smithsonians.

27. DAY TRIP - Monticello Family Friendly Tour

28. DAY TRIP - Carter's Mountain Peaches

29. DAY TRIP - Brunch at Miss Shirley's Cafe and the Baltimore Train Museum

We love, love, love the B&O Train Museum in Baltimore. A 20 minute ride on a train is included with your entrance fee and the children can walk on and touch absolutely everything. Don't forget to plan some time to eat at Miss Shirley's Cafe before or after your visit - grits, fried green tomatoes and the Maryland omelet!! YUM!

30. The Capitol Wheel at the National Harbor

How very 'London' of us here in the Dc Metro area!!! I'm so excited for this!

31. The Winery at Bull Run

I know, I know. This doesn't sound family friendly - but it IS!!! We love it here as it's the closest VA winery to our house -- AND, they separate a space for FAMILIES. So you can have your wine with your hubby and friends while your kids run wild with all the other kids and the young couples from the city don't glare at you for it! Also, bring a picnic!!

32. Barrel Oak Winery

Another family (and DOG!) friendly winery, a little further away - about 30-45 minutes west on 66 in Delaplane.

And since I'm pretty obsessed with mustaches, I also had to have these mustache candy cards to hand out to Henry's preschool class. I love how they dress up the quintessential heart lollipops and also make a precious photo prop as well!!

The boys had way too much fun with them!!

Keep scrolling through the probably-too-many photos of my cute kiddos to the bottom of this post -- I am giving away $25 to Pear Tree Greetings for one winner to create their own Valentine's Cards!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am winding down the sessions I have left to edit so I am finding a little time to squeeze in some holiday decorating. Most years, I set up our Christmas tree in our family room but have always wanted my tree in the front bay window and have set it up there this season. Missing the twinkle lights as I cozy up with my family in the evenings, I decided I needed to add some holiday decor with lights to my TV room mantel.

Thankfully, I have some incredibly creative friends who share their ideas on social media for me to copy! This idea is completely stolen from my dear friend, Ami, owner of Ella Mella Market. She is an insanely talented artist {and also, she looks so much like me that everyone thinks we're sisters}. I give her all credit -- my only idea was to photograph the steps and blog it for all to share!

Gather your supplies!

• 5 yard sticks (Ami's tip: buy them from the paint section because they are the least expensive. I paid $.98 per stick at Lowes!)
• White Paint - I had Annie Sloan Old White paint on hand
• 100 Christmas lights
• Hot Glue

Then go on IG while you wait for the paint to dry. Like IG? Me too. A LOT!

Flip sticks over and paint the back. My star was going to go up against a mirror so both sides needed to be white. If you're just backing to a non-relfective surface, skip this step!

If you feel you need more time on Instagram, go ahead and let the paint dry under your careful supervision. :)

Paint a second coat, if you'd like.

Once everything has dried, set your yard sticks up so they form a star. Then hot glue the pieces together. Seriously, does it get any easier!?

Then, run to Target because you will need white lights on a WHITE string. And that didn't come to mind until just.this.second.

Wrap those white lights all around your star.

If you're feeling you need some greenery, hook up that mantel with some fresh garland.

And some Mason jars with white candles. I love Mason jars. #masonjarallthethings

Voila!! Super easy, super inexpensive twinkly lights for the mantel!

Why shop this Monday when you can WIN!?

PBJ has had an amazing 2013 and that is all thanks to YOU - all my beautiful, wonderful clients and fans!

Instead of sales this Cyber Monday, I am saying THANKS and giving away a full session in the spring of 2014. Yup. I said FULL. Not mini. Not just just a couple of files. Not just a print or two. A full photo session with 15 digital image files included. 

There are a few terms and conditions like… you probably want to live in the DC metro area to enter or else you might have to travel quite a ways for your session that will take place in Fairfax County or Eastern Loudoun County… and I'd prefer if you were a nice person (meanies need not enter!!)… and the session is limited to 4 individuals… and newborns and boudoir are excluded… so, be sure to read all the fine print! :) A signed contract and model release will be required.

Already on my calendar for 2014? Don't be shy! Enter anyway! I'll drop those fees for ya' if you're my winner!

Like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram to enter!! Easy peasy!

Good luck and I can't wait to see you in 2014!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The government shutdown kept our original plan for a National Mall engagement session from happening -- but I think it was a blessing in disguise because Georgetown at sunset is so romantic. It's a perfect spot for an adorable couple to snuggle and smooch and run into the middle of traffic for their engagement photos. And with a stop at my very favorite place, Baked + Wired, for a cupcake tasting... I don't think anything could beat it.

Katie is the unbelievably gorgeous cousin of my best friend who I was lucky enough to meet a few years ago when we moved to DC. A ridiculous amount of dinners at Lauriol Plaza and a bunch of Yacht Rock concerts later and I feel lucky to know her as a friend. She is as sweet as she is beautiful and no one deserves a life full of love and happiness more.

I met Jeff  when Katie brought him on their third date to a 70s cover-band concert we were all attending and introduced us. Poor thing handled all of us asking him a million questions (probably slightly slurred questions, at that) and prying into what he thought of our dear cousin/friend. Luckily, we didn't scare him off because he is a gem himself.

Thank you guys so much for trusting me to step away from my usual under-five crowd of photography subjects to photograph your special moments!! Cheers to the happy (and gorgeous) couple! We are all very excited for you!

My friend, Mandie, is that person. The kind of person who makes everyone laugh and then is also the one with the laugh you can hear across the room. Her joy is infectious. She is the one who always makes you feel like you're the most special person in the room. The kind of person who touches your arm when she talks to you and asks you questions until she understands. The one who cries fifteen times in a day because she feels all the good in the world and in people. She is the one who makes every effort to be there for anyone - truly, anyone - who needs her.

Mandie is that person who donates money to those in need while trying to figure out how to afford things for her own family. Mandie is that person who works all day and then stays up until 3am because she is making another one of her amazing cakes -- for a party given to a child with cancer or a hospital fundraiser.

Why? Why does she do it? Because she believes in it. She believes in giving. Mandie is simply the good in the world. She is the kind of person who gives her all to others -- for absolutely no other reason than to simply give.

This weekend, Mandie, owner of Got What It Cakes, will be honored in our hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina for all of her amazing volunteer and charity work. Leading up to this award ceremony, she is raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in hopes that she can use this opportunity to give back, yet again. I want nothing more than for her to be named the STANDOUT Charlottean.

So, I am raffling off a PB&J minisession to those who donate just $5 to her campaign!

Follow this link HERE and make a minimum $5 donation to enter the raffle. $5 is all it takes but feel free to donate as much as you like! Then, leave a comment on this blog stating that you donated and you'll be entered to win!

The Details:

1. This raffle is open to absolutely everyone but the minisession must take place in Fairfax County, VA sometime in the year 2013 so keep that in mind if you're not in driving distance! :) And if you're far away, hey, it's only $5! Feel free to enter for the sheer good of it!!

2. Minisessions are for up to 4 people, last 20 minutes and come with 5 full resolution digital images of your choosing from a private online gallery. The perfect session for the holidays!

3. In order to leave a comment without signing in to a google account, you may select "anonymous" -- but you must leave your name and an email address in your comment so I can enter you and also, contact you, should you win!

4. I will make sure that the randomly selected winner did actually make a donation, so no cheater-pants, please!

5. If you have already purchased a minisession from me, you can still enter! I will return my fee to you if you are the winner!! :)

6. This giveaway ends on Thursday October 10th at 11:59pm! The ceremony is on Saturday, so let's do this NOW!!!

7. Don't forget to like mine and Mandie's Facebook Pages! It has nothing to do with the giveaway, we just really like having new friends!

Good luck everyone!!! Let's make it happen!!