This weeks I heart faces challenge is “Beach Fun”.  Living Northwest Ohio, sand, waves, and beaches are not words that would normally come to mind.  Although Lake Erie is not an ocean, we can still enjoy somewhat of a ‘beach’ atmosphere.  During a recent senior session, we decided to make our way to the lake shore for a change and I’m so glad we did!  We made it just in time for this awesome sunset.  When I took this picture, I knew this would be my first I heart faces challenge!

Check out more “Beach Fun” photos here!

Last week, my good friend Charlotte Stringer called me with a request from her son Wes.  They were reading the book about Flat Stanley and he choose Ohio for his great adventure–and what an adventure he had!  We did a lot of traveling while he was here and visited Michigan and Indiana state lines.  He went with me to work to on St. Patrick’s Day where he helped us out and even had his dental check up!  We also took a day trip Cleveland where he saw Lake Erie, Cleveland Browns stadium, The Great Lakes Science Center, and much more.  Thank you Wes for allowing Flat Stanley to visit the great state of Ohio, and I hope next time YOU come to visit!

Flat Stanley getting his teeth cleaned and counted….nice and shiny and NO cavities!!

Flat Stanley’s adventures in Ohio

I am not one to get spring fever, but this winter has lasted  a bit too long for my taste.  We are in for a weekend of nice weather and I thought I would start this Friday with some positive spring vibes.  The signs of spring are emerging…birds chirping, longer days and I even read on facebook yesterday, some said their tulips had broken ground!  We can’t forget the big yellow sun against the blue sky filled with white puffy clouds…which reminds me of this shot I captured a few weeks ago for a photo challenge.  It’s a sweet reminder that the Vernal Equinox officially starts in 15 days!  Think spring people and lets get out there.

February is a very special month for me.  Not only is it the month of Valentines Day, but also my birthday, my parents wedding anniversary, and my fathers birthday.  Tomorrow he celebrates 85 years on this earth!  He is a true inspiration and I am lucky and blessed not only to have him as my father, but to know him as well.  The good Lord broke the mold when they made him.

I would like to take the time to wish  him a happy birthday and everyone reading this a very Happy Valentines Day!

As I take time to look back on 2009, I am grateful for all my awesome clients!

You all have helped me grow as a photographer and without your awesome word of mouth,

I wouldn’t be where I am today.  Look for new and exciting things from Gloria Avina Photography in 2010

Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas.  Lets remember the reason for the season!

With Love, the Avina Family

And it was sure hot!  We sat in the heat for a few hours while at Cleveland Stadium for family day.  This was our niece and nephews first time at the stadium and we got to watch the team scrimmage for a while.  We had to leave at half time cause of the heat and took refuge at Dave and Busters.  We had tons of fun despite the heat.  Just wanted to share some of our day.  The last shot is very special because I have an almost identical shot of my nephew J around the same age at his first time at the stadium.  Thank you for looking!!

Welcome and thank you for stopping by.  I have decided to jump into the blog world.  Hope you like what you see and you’ll stop by often.