Memorial Day | Memphis Family Photographer

We took a quick trip to Nashville this weekend, to hang out with some friends. After an extremely busy week, both with kid activities and work, I was highly stressed by the time Friday afternoon rolled around. After spending part of the day uploading photos for clients and processing preschool orders, I spent the next few hours going back and forth between the girls' end-of-year parties. And somehow ended up agreeing to be a foster mother for Audrey's class fish. Because I needed one more thing to do. (Although I am a little bit in love with Mimzy).

I gave the girls assignments when we got home (including repacking some of their earlier choices for clothes) and sat down to process more preschool print orders. John showed up around 3p, and I told him I was absolutely not leaving until I had finished. And I still hadn't packed.

So I finished, then packed (at least all the laundry was done) without thinking too much about it. I changed Mimzy's water and gave her some food. We released the butterflies we've been hatching (sorry, no photos available). I watered my hanging baskets out front. Then we finally left. At 6p. Only about two hours later than I had planned. It is by far the most poorly planned trip I've every organized.

But once I sat down in the car, I instantly relaxed. I was not going worry about work or all the things left undone. I just wanted to have a good time. And I truly did. I slept in both days and took a nap on Saturday. We went out for a steak lunch, then had a deep-fried turkey for dinner. All the kids played beautifully together. All the adults got lots of talk time. It was just what we needed.

I started packing up Sunday morning and John could see the glint of workaholic in my eyes, but I kept it at bay until we got home. And it was back in full force this morning, as I had a Baby's First Year shoot this morning.

Now I'm ordering photo books and burning disks and trying to declutter my studio. I am by no means caught up. But I just had to take a break to see what photos I got of the kids. And I must admit: I love them. 'Cause even when I'm on vacation, I'm always working. Just don't tell John.