Ashlee Rose | Trolley Square | Salt Lake Missionary Photographer

It was cold, but Ashlee was cooler.

Do you know Ashlee? She's going on a mission to Chile. She and I lived in the same neighborhood growing up for the better part of seventeen years and I learned about her what everyone who has ever been within earshot to learns about her. She loves to laugh!--and posing with a rose in the cold didn't change that.

She's a registered nurse, has spent months of selfless service at orphanages in third world countries, loves to travel and will inevitably feel right at home in the land of Chile.

 

Homecoming :: Hurst Family | Salt Lake Missionary Photographer

On May 17th, my husband's brother AND sister both came home from their missions. Chris came home after 2 years in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Harmony came home after 18 months in New Caledonia, which is an island off the coast of Fiji in the Pacific Ocean.

I remember watching CNN with my family after some US soldiers were released from China or Russia (I can't remember which and I couldn't find it through Google...it was a long time ago). The camera panned across the tarmac where the families waited for their loved ones to come off the plane. As the soldiers stepped off the plane in single file there was cheering in the background and the families were jumping up and down in excitement. But once the soldiers' wives leaped into their husbands arms, there was nothing but silence. And I started to cry.

go tell it on the mountain :: Alyse | Salt Lake City Missionary Photographer

It's that time of year again! The autumnal equinox is upon us (also known as...Fall). Even though it comes every year I still get excited when the leaves on the trees start changing color, when the days start getting colder and the pumpkins start showing up in grocery stores. (Give a city girl a break! I can't just look outside my window and spot a pumpkin growing in the wild.)

It's also the best time of year to visit Big Cottonwood Canyon! Take a long look at this gorgeous friend of mine! Alyse is headed for a mission in San Bernardino, CA this October. I know she'll make a great missionary--why? How many people do you know would be willing to hike out into the woods by Silver Lake in high heels and a cute dress? Or who would laugh hysterically after sliding down a rock into the dirt?

Alyse, you're my hero. Go get 'em!

charmed :: Harmony | Salt Lake City Missionary Photographer

My sister-in-law leaves for a mission to Suva, Fiji this month to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ--in French!! Nothing like leaving for a foreign country and warm climate at the beginning of a Utah winter. Just in time, I say.

We stopped by Gardner Village for some pre-mission pics, and even though it was the season for the annual Witches' Night Out event, we still managed to get some charming photos! If this missionary were at my door with her cozy personality, I'd let her in for sure.

Here's a peek!