Cancun Mexico | A Family Adventure | 2013

There are few things which I love more then traveling.

I found myself on a plane headed for the paradise known as Cancun Mexico. 

 There it was after a long plane ride. Almost in my reach.

The giddy little kid inside of made me anxious like no other.

We were sooo close! Yet so far away...

 The bleach white shore line crept up, and I felt my heart begin to race.

Finally, we were here!

 Oh yes, a mother and her eldest three daughters in a photo together is a must.

 We ventured “down town,” and saw the lovely palm trees, and other gorgeous plant life.

There were a bazillion little local shops all over. 

Handcrafted toys and clothing were just some of the items. 

 Oolala! My sister is gorgeous!

 Ok, so all of them are. You get my point. ;)

 Yes, that is my mother...guess my sisters got their good looks from her. 

 This pool was quite epic! Is snaked around forever it seemed. 

 Yup, this is my fam bam.:)

 The parentals. ;)

 The sunsets in Mexico are too beautiful for words.

The way the light would reflect down on the aqua water, and the sand would turn to gold was just breathtaking.

It was an adventure that I will never forget, a dream that came true, and moments unreal.

Although I was some what sad that it was time to leave, I soon I found

 myself gazing down at a different kind of paradise. 

The paradise in which I call home. 

♥ Dakota Nicole

It’s The Little Things | 2013

  It’s so easy in life to look over the little things in life. We are so easily consumed by other things that we don’t allow ourselves to notice other details. So stop. Take a step back, a breath of fresh air, and a new perspective to notice these "oh so” precious moments. After all, who knows if you’ll ever get these moments back? It could be something as simple as your little sister running around begging you to play princesses and pirates with her, yet you get aggravated by the constant noise and ask her to stop. Perhaps you’re getting ready for an event and you walk in your room to find your little sister with lipstick all over her face because she wanted to wear make up like her older sister. Maybe when you’re little brother goes to (try) and tackle you, it aggravates you. Most likely you think to yourself “Why are my siblings being such nuisances.” That’s the thing though...enjoy the moment. Make the most of it. The little sister who wanted to play princesses and pirates will someday wanna play a sport. Your younger sister who once got into your lipstick will soon have some of her own, and the little brother who once tackled you will be you’re strong brother who will look out for you. So next time your siblings make you upset; enjoy it. When you’re older sister is pestering you while you’re trying to take a picture...soak in that moment. 

 Those random trips to Krispy Kreme & the doughnut eating dare between me and my older sister are moments, memories, and something to treasure. It’s a little thing, sure, but it means something. Somehow eating doughnuts until we felt sick was something to look back on and smile about. Even though in the moment my stomach was very upset with me. 

 Live. Love. Laugh.

♥ Dakota Nicole

Message to The World | 2013

   “Your life is your message to the world. Make sure its inspiring.”

                  Constantly throughout the day I was reminded of this beautiful quote. 

                  Now I challenge you to ask yourself, what is your message to the world? 

            Is it inspiring?

             ♥ Dakota Nicole

Goodbye 2012 & Hello 2013

Yes, I am aware that this is a tad late. ;) 

This year has been more than just exciting, but also full of adventure. I have grown in many areas that I would’ve never dreamed of. I’ve accomplished things that I would’ve never dreamt of, and all I can do is look back with a simple smile.

This year has held everything from going to local rodeos to...

Painting my room...

Having the best cousin, Triston fly from California..

Random photo shoot with this beautiful girl...

Shooting my first wedding...

Having friends over from California, Oregon, Idaho, and of course Washington! It was a blast having them all at our house for the annual “Free Ski Week” our local ski resort hosts yearly.

Hello dancing! (A must for all special occasions)

I was able to capture this beautiful family this year...

Got my drivers license.. Whoop! 

Was able to play Varsity soccer for my 2nd year! (Yeah, I home school, but I am still able to play a sport) :)

Got my dream lens, the 50mm 1.4!

Adopted two new miniature ponies into our farm..

My parents won a free trip! More on that HERE.

Countless trips on the lake. Ahhh..

Not to mention this picture was published in the one & only Salon Magazine! You can check that out HERE.

Took pictures of this cute little baby..

Went to one of the last drive-ins in the United States! It was beyond amazing!!

Had a girls night in this beautiful city...

With these beautiful people!

Took pictures of my very first Senior...

I’m sure some of y’all remember Hannah's beautiful face. I took some portraits of her pretty recently. Love this girl!

Went to Seattle & got to see the famous “gum wall."

While in Seattle, we went to see the very first Starbucks, can you say SCORE!

& last but not least, a spend the night with these lovely girls!
It was an amazing year & I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for this girl. ;)

How was your New Year?

♥  Dakota Nicole