{El's Rockin' Surprise Birthday Bash}

This past Saturday we celebrated the 40th birthday of one of our best friends. He's Ty's "BFF" and he was also the best man in our wedding. His girlfriend Amanda planned the whole surprise and hosted the party at her house. Being that it was a couple weeks after his actual birthday, the surprise was a huge success! Amanda made arrangements for El's family and friends to drive out from Tucson, and the party was complete with massive quantities of amazing food, great music, good times {and a Rocker Theme.}

Thanks to Amanda for being a rockin' hostest... and a fine chef. ;p
And -- El, we hope you have a fantastic 40th year!!

The fabulous hostess

The cake was an exact replica of El's bass

They are just tooo cute together. 

This was the first time I had met El's parents, and oh. my. gosh. They are so cute and sweet!! 

El's mother was wearing this on the back of her jacket. "Autumn's End" is El's band. 

It makes me proud to see my husband's art in other people's houses. :)

This is a framed photo in Amanda's house... I thought it was too awesome to not take a picture of it!

Best Buds!

Surprise! 

Decor.

My incredibly handsome husband showin' puppy some love...

Bro-mance

{Star Of Wonder}

Last night, we had the pleasure of joining Ty's parents at Phoenix First Assembly Church for their 32nd Annual Star of Wonder Christmas Celebration Performance.

I wasn't exactly sure what this was going to be like... but, this performance definitely exceeded my highest expectations. The music was incredible, the actors were amazing, it was just such a wonderful performance right down to the tiniest details. And, how can you beat live Elephants, Camels, Zebras, Tigers, Etc?! This show had me crying within minutes... and of course a lot of laughter too! It was just awesome.

Check out their website for more details & information. I believe that tomorrow is last night they will be showing this performance - so, if you're looking for something to do tonight... I would highly recommend it! (Especially if you have children!)

{Ugly Sweaters?}

This was our friends Krystal & Sturgis' 7th Annual Christmas Party. It was the first "Ugly Sweater" party that I've attended. However, everyone still looked pretty hot!

Unfortunately, we still refuse to use our flash at night -- and most of the photos come out a little bit too "warm." We didn't get to capture the true ugliness of the sweaters... but, these are our favs from the night.

Thank You to the Waters for a fabulous party, drinks and food -- Once Again! We love you guys!!

{36 Cents ~ And a Dream}

36 Cents and a dream is (one of) our friend Bobby's bands.

We saw them play at the Sail Inn in Tempe... and it was such a fun night!! This band truly rocks -- and they're fun to hang out with too!!

In addition to seeing them play for our first time -- it was also Daynalyn's birthday and we got to eat some heavenly cupcakes made by Alicia Thompson. (The wonderful fabulous wife of the drummer of the band we saw play -- and also a very special friend!) I am not sure if Alicia realizes that her cupcakes are like heaven on earth... but, I have a strange feeling - they might make her famous someday. ;p

As we are still having trouble photographing in the dark, (and I still hate flash) ... We also need some practice when it comes to photographing bands, but here are my favorites from this night :

Sail Inn {with DAD}

Last night we went out to the the Sail Inn in Tempe. This place was awesome! I love the lay out (especially for live bands) and it has art written all over it... :)

Our friend Bobby just joined a new band "DAD" (he's a fantastic drummer) -- and we've been trying to make it out to see him play (with his other band) for quite some time now. With my new work schedule... I can actually have a life now. And, his band seriously ROCKED the house! We had such a great time! =D

There was also an exhibit of Pen & Ink drawings by Patrick J. Ditko -- which were incredible! 

I think it's pretty clear that Ty & I are probably not going to specialize in "night life photography" as it is super challenging. (Especially to get Bobby to smile on stage.) ;p

But -- Here are some of our favorites (shot by both Ty & I):