It’s a new year and there is something magical about that. In one sense, it’s just another week, but in another, it’s a fresh start. It’s so easy to feel motivated this time of year! I don’t know about you all, but I opened my 2017 day planner with pride and excitement yesterday! Annnnnd it doesn’t hurt that I shot a proposal last night. If that’s not an awesome way to start the new year, then I don’t know what is!

Friends, the last week was SO, so good for our souls. We always love our end of year conference with Cru, but this year was definitely a favorite. We came in feeling run down from the holiday marathon and left feeling refreshed and refocused. And having Ollie there was an absolute DREAM! He was a champ all week long at the hotel and he made friends everywhere he went. It was amazing, and we certainly didn’t object to the childcare that happened for a couple hours in the morning and evening. We also get to photograph the conference, so it’s seriously all our favorite things in one! Time with our college students, awesome teaching, moving worship, and getting to use our skills in photo. It’s just the best.

Okay and when you add in the fact that we’re staying in a luxurious hotel for 5 nights and having a reunion with our staff friends from up and down the east coast…it’s just our favorite. Now for some feels:

• This is how you know we aren’t used to fancy hotels: David’s reaction to having towels everywhere. One night he went on a long rant about how he’s usually conservative with towels, but here?! He uses them as napkins! One use and they’re done. Lotion? It’s right here! Seriously guys. It was hilarious. He even wore the hotel provided robe.
• Quote from Christmas with my family…My sister: Didn’t I say Kaitlyn was in Hufflepuff House?!?! My mom: …I don’t know what that means.
• Just in case you don’t follow my instastories…I accidentally came across a behind the scenes look at a Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers concert. It was glorious and I watched the whole thing.
• In a state of delirium my mother tried to use my Mac as a touch screen last night. It took about 30 seconds of her poking and one comment from me for her to erupt into laughter.
• Shooting proposals are one of the most conflicting events in my emotions. I feel like I’m going to vomit and explode from joy all at the same time! Always worth it!
• Ollie started giving open mouthed kisses this week and it’s the cutest thing. He makes my heart melt.

Any guesses on this amazing proposal set up?! Stay tuned because I’ll be revealing them soon :]