Another year has whizzed by. So much has happened this year in my life; in the lives of the people I know. Maybe life has always been like this, but this year I seem to have paid more attention. Maybe it’s because I’m older. Maybe it’s because my perfect little bubble popped and I saw the world for what is was. Whatever the reason, this year has certainly made me realise what an incredible gift we have to be here, how important it is to stop for a minute and look at the stars with your children, to make time out of your busy lives to see old friends, to not put off for tomorrow what can be said or done today. Life is such a fine balance, it’s hard to get right, and when you do get it right, how do you know? I know that I need to live my life, to LOVE my life, because this is it.

Some memories from this year; I think in the end I had to randomly choose as I have so many cherished photos of the people in my life.

Starting off with my eldest ice skating for the first time ever with her honorary Auntie

Me larger than life expecting our third baby due in January….

However, it wasn’t until February, 17 days late, that our little baby boy entered the world within the hour! 2.2.12 ♥

Smitten Daddy

Family of 5!

I go on a road trip with my eldest to visit family in North Wales, Isabelle has always been drawn to the sea

Learning how the world works with her Great-Grandpa

I didn’t know it then, but this was the last time I would see my Auntie. She met Sonny for the first time.

My Ella-boo turns 2!

Elle starts pre-school

I meet up with my best friend from back home and her littles

I start thinking about making a start on photography in our new home town…new business cards arrive!

I visit my mum in the beautiful countryside…

And Izzy gets to spend time with her Uncle

We spend our first Spring in our new home, and hunt the great outdoors for it’s beauty

David’s Nan celebrates 90 years of life

Isabelle turns 4

I visit an old friend of mine who is expecting her first baby!

We take a family holiday to Pembrokeshire and visit David’s mum

We have a good catch up with super-oldie friends

I’m asked to take some photos of a fun day for Musical Monkeys and start doing photoshoots for their groups

My brother and I add more card designs to our collection, and they are a success!

I do a photoshoot of the cutest puppy ever!

I start taking bookings for family shoots

I meet my best friend for a surprise birthday lunch

I often find Eloise asleep randomly around the house

We do more exploring

I turn 30!

I shoot my second ever wedding

I do some commercial work for a clothing line

I meet my old friend from home often

My work has been recognised by Getty Images,  I am so stunned they have chosen nearly 100 photos to licence!

I spend time with my loved ones

We go to our first Balloon Festival as a family!

My boy is 6 months!

I photograph my biggest ever wedding reception, 150 guests!

I build ever-lasting friendships in my new town

The kids spend time with their cousins

Her first day at school, 4 years old

A mad flurry of photoshoots on a trip back to Wiltshire

shoot 2 of 4 of the day

Number 3

My final shoot from Wilts

More shoots local to me

The weather starts to turn, the light becomes lovely and soft- love this time of year

Isabelle making friends for life

More happy customers…

Heartbreaking loss of my Auntie who fought hard against cancer, I go to North Wales to spend time with my family. My heart will ache forever.

Time away in Bournemouth with my girlfriends to get some space. My friend Catherine braving the cold sea.

So beautiful

Isabelle learning how to read her first words

My gorgeous boy and his amazing hair…. getting signed to a model agency!

And my two gorgeous girlies, I am so lucky

More photography work my way

My wonderful friends are expecting their third baby, a little sister for their two boys. I am excited to be recording her baby bump until she arrives!

A surprise 30th Birthday dinner party for one of my closest and dearest friends

I am so utterly humbled when I see my work hanging on a friend’s wall…

The weather turns again, winter has arrived.

We end the year celebrating Christmas with our loved ones

This really has been a year of complete joy, of utter loss, of recognition, of pride. Of love, of ambition, and a drive for the future. I am ready to close the door on 2012 and open it to 2013. I have my heart and head set on the opportunities awaiting in the New Year. I have learnt that life keeps going on every day, whether you want to shut the door on it it’s still there, so best to get on and face it with open arms.

Whether your year has been full of success, love, tragedy, happiness, excitement, or maybe a mixture; I do hope that 2013 is full of promise of a better year that is full to the brim with health, happiness, love, & prosperity.

Life is beautiful. Enjoy & embrace it. Happy New Year my friends, I can’t thank you enough for being a part of my life.

♥