Charla Blue Photography: Maugas

I devote so much time and attention to client images that I sometimes forget about our personal images. In an attempt to clear my computer from clutter, I was seriously surprised by the fun and adorable images captured from our dear friend KrisD's daughter, Kruiz's birthday party. She just celebrated 5 years and I kinda want to cry over that fact. I met her parents before she was conceived. I was even there to clean up when KrisD's water broke.

As neighbors, we would dine over conversations of Europe and travel and art and good wine (even if we couldn't afford it). I often blame Krisd for my affection for wine. We were kindred spirits and we have shared many of our life milestones together.

On another note, I pretty much compare all of Brooklyn's milestones to Kruiz. I know I shouldn't compare but she is my only recent frame of reference. Kruiz is brilliant! She knew the flag salute by the time she was two. She started reading letters at age three. The list could go on, but she is pretty much just a cool kid. I'm so happy to see her grow and mature!

Kruiz's birthday could not have been more fun or adorable...a make-up & hair station, bubbles, hot pink cupcakes, a teeter totter, and slide. What more could a girl ask for?

I love these next images

. Some day I may get in trouble for showing little Andrew (Kruiz's cousin) put on lipstick.

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July! I know we did. We celebrated by beaching and boating at Marine Stadium for the day. This is the 2nd year in a row we've done this with the Maugas, Volkoffs, & Fords. We set up camp beachside for the day and took turns exploring the canals of Belmont Shore by boat (thanks to the Maugas). For those of you that have never been through the area on this holiday, it's insane! We had no idea what we were getting into last year and were shocked (and angered) by the attack of water balloons and guns that doused us with water from every angle. This year we knew better but still braved it and got attacked even worse! Luckily there weren't any kids on the boat this year but that seemed to work as a great excuse for us last year. Oh well. It was a great day and wonderful to spend it with my hubby for the first time in 5 years! Seriously. Hope you had a wonderful day with your friends and family!