Moments by Murray Photography

First Snowfall

2012-02-05T02:50:00.000-06:00

It started snowing last night and this morning the earth was just covered with white powder. This is the first snowfall of memory for our kids as we saw nothing of the sort the 2 years we were in Florida and our first year here in England. Their excitment was through the roof!

With p.j.'s under as many layers as we could wear, we spent the early morning attempting to make snow angels, snow balls and a snow man.

Happy Sunday to everyone!

A Walk Around the Village

2012-01-22T13:26:00.000-06:00

In between the rain showers this mild, mid-January day, we took a walk around our village. It soon became a game, the little ones found long sticks to drag around and we saw some evidence that perhaps Spring is around the corner (fingers crossed).

Stoke-on-Trent (English Pottery Shopping)

2012-01-17T02:33:00.000-06:00

This is what we were greeted with Monday morning! I loved the combination of early morning white fog and the stunning colors in the sky.

This was my first trip to Stoke-on-Trent with some friends.

My favorite English pottery is the Burleigh. They are England's last working Victorian pottery (with their factory next door to the shop). Burleigh has been handcrafting with original machinery for 160 years, they uniquely use the traditional of glaze tissue printing (a 200 year old English process).

Welcome to the Motherland!

2012-01-11T12:59:00.000-06:00

It has been a year since we have been graced with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in the motherland. No matter what time of year, no matter where you may be, this island is full of adventure, surprises and unexpected, vivid color. This is what we have been greeted to for the past few mornings and evenings. Unspoiled beauty.

A Nice Surprise

2012-01-06T02:47:00.000-06:00

Outside of E.'s preschool this week we were greeted with a blossoming cherry blossom tree. What a nice sight, perhaps Spring is shortly to come?

2012 with the G's!

2012-01-02T14:50:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorite photos of the G. Family Four, Cambridgeshire!

I love these two, it felt like I was taking their engagement photos.

The secrets of an old English barn.

Hello there, T.!

A Happy New Year with the G. Family!

2012-01-02T14:43:00.001-06:00

The G. family was my first Photoshoot of 2012 and it did not disappoint! The English weather was nippy and was probably the coldest day in the last few days. We were lucky, however to have the sun pop out and no rain (even with a 100% forecast).

Little T. was on the run, but we were able to catch up with her!

I especially enjoyed watching T.'s sweet relationship she had with her daddy.

And all the love and affection C. has for his beautiful mama.

Happy 2012, G. Family!

Just Practice

2011-12-30T06:18:00.000-06:00

Just getting some practice in before my next photo shoot. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

Even in the middle of winter England never lacks for vibrant color.

When it gets to the point when their noses and toes are chilled, I say "RUN" and that makes the end of a Photo Shoot even better.

Rochester Cathedral & Castle 2011

2011-12-24T06:48:00.001-06:00

Rochester Cathedral is an ancient building with stones over 900 years old. Just think of its history.

Bewitching Brugge, Belgium

2011-12-23T08:49:00.004-06:00

We enjoyed some window shopping....

Beautiful views....

Belgium waffles and chocolates.....

...and some Murray family history (the founder of Clan Murray was a Flemish Knight who came from this area).

Dynamic Dover, December 2011

2011-12-22T13:27:00.002-06:00

Words can't describe the many layers of Dover, here are my favorite photos of an amazing city!
The White Cliffs:
"Why do the British cherish the White Cliffs of Dover so greatly? A lot of the affection for these tall chalk ramparts was crystallized during WWII. They resembled strong teeth bared defiantly at the enemy; they delineated the boundary of home with a decisive white slash; they sheltered fugitives from German bombing in deep tunnels. In peacetime, seen from across-Channel steamer, their advancing shape, a porcelain wall in the sea, assured every Englishman that he was returning to his country and his comfort zone. As Shakespeare put it in King Lear, 'There is a cliff whose high bending head/Looks fearfully in the confined deep.' It doesn't get more iconic than that." Christopher Somerville

The Marina:

The English Channel:

The view of Calais:

The Dover Ferry Boats chugging along the English Channel to France.

Operation Dynamo: 27 May-4 June, 338,226 Allied troops were rescued from Dunkirk and the beaches of France, safely back to British soil. What an amazing demonstration, it deterred the Nazi Germans away from invading this Island.

A Christmas at Leeds Castle, Kent England

2011-12-22T12:41:00.001-06:00

A Wee Christmas Nativity

2011-12-15T08:25:00.002-06:00

A Chilly English December Day with the D. Family

2011-12-10T15:27:00.003-06:00

You might not be able to see just how chilly this December day was, but if you look closely you can see the windows on the phone booth are iced over.

The D. Family were great sports, with a baby not feeling too well and it being a tad bit chilly with only one layer, this 15 minute photo shoot was short but sweet!

I think this one was one of my favorites.

We did have a little audience of dog walkers and curious English neighbors.

Merry Christmas from the D. family in England!

W. Turned Three!

2011-12-09T07:15:00.002-06:00

Debating...

2011-12-08T07:50:00.001-06:00

...whether or not to camp outside of Kings College to be privillaged to hear them sing on Christmas Eve.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet W.!

2011-12-06T11:24:00.001-06:00

Sisters Four Strong

2011-12-05T03:23:00.001-06:00

One of the things I loved best about this Sisters Photo Shoot was that it reminded me of my three sisters. There is something special about having a sister, it's like having a best friend for life.

Sisters are there to help you unlock your full potential.

Sisters are there to cheer you when you are down.

Sisters have secrets.

Sisters watch over you.

And sisters are always there to help even if you don't think you need any.

The B. Family Sisters!

2011-12-03T09:31:00.000-06:00

One can never be too sure as to how the English weather will behave mid December. The sun did peak out during our photo shoot so we bundled up went out. Here are some of my favorites of these four lovely sisters.

This photo just cracks me up every time I look at it....I love baby A.'s face!

The W. Family

2011-11-28T08:47:00.001-06:00

A Thanksgiving Weekend at Stonehenge

2011-11-26T14:41:00.002-06:00

Bath, Bath, Bath!

2011-11-26T14:34:00.001-06:00

Our view of Bath as we drove the back roads into the old city.

Bath is one of my favorite cities in the world! We got to enjoy a busy Christmas Market right outside of the Abbey.

The South of England - Cornwall

2011-11-26T14:18:00.003-06:00

Our first visit to Southern England did not disappoint us in the least. The coast was windy, beautiful and a delight. Mount St. Michael's island.

The views of England from the castle was amazing!

Visiting Devonshire - Family History

2011-11-26T13:58:00.001-06:00

There's nothing like visiting the home of your great-grandmother and the 300 years of family that came before.

Although we did not see any visible marking that they lived here, we were able to breath in the crisp country air, enjoy the quaintness of the village and feel our family presence.

A Thanksgiving Full of Thanks

2011-11-24T12:39:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends and family! We have been extremely blessed with health, happiness, faith and to be reunited as a family once again. This Thanksgiving we thought we'd celebrate by traveling to the South of England. Our first day of travels took us to Avebury Stones, the oldest stone ring known, older than Stonehenge. Speculated to have been created about 2600BC, its exact usage to ancient civilizations has not been discovered yet. We spent the afternoon enjoying the sights and each others company.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Making her Debut January 2012....Raylee

2011-11-20T00:49:00.000-06:00

Maternity Photos with the B. Family!

2011-11-20T00:30:00.000-06:00

We were lucky mother nature decided to lift the fog just enough to enjoy a morning of photos with L. and W. and of course baby Raylee (soon to make her debut)!

This Southern family wouldn't be complete without their other baby, Reece!

Beautiful L.!

Keep posted, baby Raylee will come in style with the New Year!

Book Your Christmas Card Photo Shoot Today!

2011-11-20T00:21:00.000-06:00

P. Family Photo Shoot, England 2011

2011-11-15T15:39:00.003-06:00

One can never predict the English weather. We held our breaths and crossed our fingers for a non-foggy, non-drizzly, partly cloudy (at least) day for the P. family photo shoot.
I must say as I was madly editing them, I couldn't help but thinking what a beautiful and sweet family they are! Here's some of my favorites:

Practice Makes Perfect

2011-11-15T04:49:00.001-06:00

This week I have booked two Photo Shoots. I've been preparing in my mind (I even had a dream of one) so this morning before Miss E.'s preschool started we took some back roads and practiced for the P. family later on today!

A Warm Welcome Home

2011-11-14T04:55:00.001-06:00

There are some moments in life that seem to go by quickly and others that seem to last forever. We have been counting the days until our hero returned safely home. This will be a Veterans Day we will never forget!

Perhaps it came as a shock, just how much colder England felt after spending 4 months in Africa. What do you do to overcome that? Get out your snugly fleece, start a fire and roast some marshmallows! S'mores anyone?

Book Your Christmas Session!

2011-11-06T09:30:00.001-06:00

I'm currently doing Christmas Card Photoshoots....email me for current package deals!

Crusing the Hartford Marina

2011-11-04T15:14:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the teacher work day, we spent the afternoon with good company at the Hartford Marina.

Pumpkin Picking with the S. Brothers!

2011-10-22T13:42:00.002-05:00

Three brothers at the Pumpkin Patch! This was baby W.'s first outing to Hill Farm!

Everyone had a great time picking their perfect pumpkin, I loved the picture perfect country English farm home...when can I pick one of those?

Pumpkin Picking, Hill Farm 2011

2011-10-22T10:10:00.002-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday, Miss A.!

2011-10-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

Room with A View

2011-10-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

Indian Summer

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

We have had an unusually warm September, what the local English call an "Indian Summer". The days have trickled now into October and this was the first day we wore long pants and felt like finally, Fall had arrived.

Little Buddy and I in our new garden to explore.

Cambridge, Punting and Aunt A.

2011-09-17T15:45:00.003-05:00

I (HEART) London!

2011-09-17T15:44:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Bath, England

2011-09-11T16:07:00.001-05:00

the Ladybug Whisperer!

2011-08-23T13:10:00.000-05:00

Determination

2011-08-13T13:15:00.001-05:00

There are days when Miss S. pulls out her violin 2, 3 times a day to learn a new song. I watch her and wish I had more of that determination. I'd love to just jar it up and use for myself!

Ladybug Magnet

2011-08-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

Lucky Bite!

2011-08-09T14:49:00.003-05:00

Look where Miss S. lost her second tooth!

What a lucky girl, she lost her tooth in her favorite fruit, an English strawberry.

"What Debt of Gratitude is Mine...."

2011-08-02T13:14:00.003-05:00

1. Sweetness like his:

2. Creativity like this:

3. Obedience like hers:

4. Peacemakers like her:

5. Obedience like:

6. Quiet evenings hearing this:

7. Fresh fruit like this:

8. New responsibility at church like this:

9. Perseverance like this:

10. Pure Faith to echo like this:

What Do You Do In the Summer Time?

2011-07-26T06:05:00.001-05:00

Adventures on a Steam Engine!

2011-07-16T06:21:00.000-05:00

She's Had A Birthday!

2011-07-11T15:06:00.002-05:00

Here's my birthday shout out to little Miss S. she turns! There have been some things she's been wanting to accomplish before her 6th. Here are a list of the six:

1. Loose her first tooth (check....did it in Scotland).
2. Master riding her bike (check....she even rode it all the way to Ella's school and back.
3. First chapter book (check).
4. Learn to play the violin (check....first Recital & has learned 4 songs).
5. Grow her hair super long (check).
6. Found her whistle (check....found it in Scotland).

Sweet girl, Happy Day to YOU!

4th of July, B. Family Six!

2011-07-04T14:58:00.002-05:00

Today is the 4th of July (my favorite holiday might I add). It isn't any typical Independence Day for the B. family, in fact it is the prelude to a very long deployment they have ahead of them. I had the pleasure of a Daddy-Daughter photo shoot before he leaves in three days time. The Navy is not only sending him for a year to Bahrain but once that is complete he has Sea Duty which will take this Daddy away from his family for another 6 months plus.

Five beautiful, beautiful girls! You just might recognize the youngest baby girl, I had the privilege of snapping some photos of her when she was just a few days old.

Safe journeys and God be with you!

Nessie Watching

2011-07-03T16:45:00.002-05:00

This wee lad was a believer, he had his eye on the Loch during the entire boat ride.

We might not have found the Loch Ness but someone lost something on that Loch....one happy five-year-old lost her first tooth! Urquhart Castle, now known as the castle where S. lost her first tooth!

Wee Sisters

2011-07-03T16:05:00.001-05:00

"Nice wee handful you've got there", a Scottish lady said to me (when reading this insert the roll of the /r/ and say it with a Scottish accent, it's much more fun that way!)

"Welcome Home, Your Highness"

2011-07-03T14:52:00.001-05:00

We have been traveling all over the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland tracing my family history. It has been an amazing week of castle hopping, haggis testing, Highland Festival going, Loch Ness watching, hill rolling, ice cream tasting, non-stop picture taking, bag pipe hearing, steam train chasing and constant "wow" saying!

Huntingtower (built in the 15th Century) was given to the Murray's in 1643. When we arrived there the lady at the gate asked if I was a member. I wasn't sure what she meant, so I told her I was a Murray. She then bowed and said "Welcome home, your ladyship". She went on to say she we were not there to reclaim the castle. Now that is what I call an amazing experience!
She gave the girls the keys to the castle, the silver one is the original and she asked we don't loose them, as t hey are the only keys that can unlock the castle.

Of course the kids had to try out the keys in the castle door. I guess being Murray's we have some privilege in Perth.

A Curious Highlander

2011-07-03T14:26:00.003-05:00

Midnight on the Loch Ness

2011-06-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

I am not sure I will ever tire of the Highlands and the summer midnight sky.

Clan Murray Exploration

2011-06-29T08:42:00.002-05:00

There's something exhilarating about family history! Yesterday we visited the 1st Murray Castle (Duffus Castle) outside of Elgin, Scotland. Although it is a castle ruin, and hasn't been occupied since the 17th Century, it was still thrilling. We climbed up the steep hill, imagining the motte that once protected the castle. The sky was crystal clear and as we walked around the stone rubble, I couldn't help but think that this was where the Murray's once lived.

We feel so blessed to be able to share moments like these with C. before he deploys for Africa.

A father and son moment.

We also paid our respects to the Clansmen who perished at the Battle of Culloden.

O Bonnie Scotland!

2011-06-27T15:50:00.001-05:00

This chilly summer morning we headed out to Fort William. We couldn't resist but join in with all the travelers watching the Hogwarts Express (Harry Potter) train cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Our family hiked up the side of the mountain with our three small children, my husband draping one child over his broad shoulders and carrying the second small child on his back. Many huffs and puffs later, even loosing his shoe in the muddy bog, he finally made it to the top to capture this view.

Loch Eil mid day, the loch was so clear it was mirroring everything.

Murray Family History

2011-06-25T16:13:00.002-05:00

Blair Castle, in Perthshire Scotland belongs to my clan, Clan Murray. One of the many stops on our way up to the Highlands. This is going to be a good week!

Some beautiful blossoms in the castle garden.

We found a home to rent for a few days during our stay in the Highlands,the view is my favorite!

Nearly midnight and there is still light.

Garden Lovely

2011-06-23T12:11:00.002-05:00

My new favorite....I just love this Fuchsia!

Nothing But Blue Skies - London!

2011-06-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

For a forecast of rain all week, we were graced with nothing but blue skies! I don't think we could have asked for better weather, I think London was just showing us her best side! It was just brilliant, spending the day with my sweet heart of 8 years. Happy Anniversary, sweet C.!

Lovely York!

2011-06-13T07:43:00.000-05:00

Cambridge American Cemetery, Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T13:33:00.001-05:00

"They paid the ultimate sacrifice so the world would be free of the tyranny of evil."

"They gave up their hopes and dreams so we can live out ours."

"When their country was in trouble they answered the call to serve and that makes their sacrifice worth it."

"It's a high price free nations pay for freedom".

"Grateful are we who sleep under a blanket of Freedom from those who sacrificed."

A Sister's Bond

2011-05-24T02:36:00.002-05:00

The bond of sisters is strong, I not only known that from growing up with three but I can see it with my two little girls. Some secrets they share with me, and others are just between the two of them.

Climbing up the front of our home is a prickly plant that is in bloom. The girls have been asking me if we could pick a few. Flowers are nice, but it seems like the ones that bloom in your own garden are the sweetest.

Even though the sisters are very close, they look after their little brother. I think he is the luckiest brother in the world to have these two unconditionally loving him.

Those Baby Blue's

2011-05-23T07:13:00.000-05:00

Those Baby blue's can melt any mother's heart, especially this mother!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

2011-05-18T03:46:00.001-05:00

Enjoying an English Spring

2011-05-12T07:09:00.000-05:00

English Farm + Sunny Day + Two Brothers

2011-04-23T14:54:00.002-05:00

What a perfect day for a Photo Shoot, on an English farm with two sweet brothers!

A sword fight in the middle of the Fields of Yellow (rapeseed).

Taking A Break After Ballet, Miss A.

2011-04-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

Sea of Yellow

2011-04-19T07:52:00.002-05:00

Punting in Cambridge

2011-04-19T07:50:00.001-05:00

In Honor of Those Who Have Fallen

2011-04-18T12:35:00.001-05:00

Over our Spring Break we had the chance to visit Cambridge, we couldn't pass up the chance to pay our tribute to the American Cemetery there while we were in town. It was simply a sobering morning.

Before we left Florida, one of our friends mentioned her uncle was buried in this cemetery. We sketched his grave stone, took some pictures of the head stone and the girls brought some daffodils. Here's a photo with Miss E., who was in her Nursery Class at church.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Erwin Freese. We will definitely return, next time on Memorial Day.

Little Miss S. is nearly six!

2011-04-15T09:05:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure where time has gone, but my little S. has a birthday in just a few weeks! Six seems so much older than five. So here are my six favorite things about Miss S.

1. She's the best helper!
2. She really enjoys school and is a good student.
3. Her voice is like an angel, crystal clear with perfect pitch.
4. She's a daddy's girl all the way.
5. She loves to draw pictures of the family (that makes me smile).
6. Empathy is her middle name, or should be!

Sweet S......will you just slow down a bit, you are growing up way too fast!

An English Garden of Our Own

2011-04-12T07:52:00.002-05:00

Exploring England

2011-04-08T15:59:00.001-05:00

As a family we've been trying to make the most of our time here in England. Today we went to Lincoln Castle (about an hour North of us), spent the late morning around the castle and also saw England's Magna Carta.

The castle and cathedral are right there in the city center, here's a peak from the castle.

The door of where the Magna Carta is home.

Spring has Sprung

2011-04-01T03:20:00.001-05:00

I look forward to Spring all year long. This will be our first English Spring. Our garden in the back is coming alive, it is exciting. This morning W. had his eyes glued on the visiting birds and new growth through our conservatory room. We've got bright yellow and purple flowers growing, we are all curious as to what else the landlord planted, perhaps we'll have more surprises as the season changes.

Photo Shoots! I've got some great ideas for some locations of Photo Shoots, contact me if you are interested and I can email my rates!

Discovery

2011-03-28T08:41:00.002-05:00

Old Windows

2011-03-28T08:40:00.001-05:00

Bonnie Edinburgh 2011

2011-03-25T11:53:00.001-05:00

Cambridgeshire in the Spring

2011-03-20T13:23:00.002-05:00

My Favorite Time of the Year

2011-03-14T08:16:00.003-05:00

I do believe I've found my favorite season in England, Spring. I love the crisp air, the bright green grass and flowers scattered here and there. Before I turn onto my street I am greeted every day by these bright yellow daffodils, these are my favorites.

On our walk this afternoon we saw a few other travelers.

Big Brothers

2011-03-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

Here's C. We were visiting Salisbury Cathedral, this is in the inner garden area. In this moment he seemed so sweet to me. I love his eyes.

C. and his brother, J. waiting so patiently waiting, after a fun filled morning storming the Oxford Castle.

Salisbury Cathedral

2011-03-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

Stonehenge

2011-03-13T16:37:00.002-05:00

Oxford Castle

2011-03-13T16:31:00.002-05:00

A Little Ladybug

2011-02-26T14:15:00.000-06:00

This afternoon we found a little friend in our Florida room. It took some convincing but everyone agreed to let her out so next time we go outside we might find her again.

And She Asks Why We Hardly Eat Spaghetti for Dinner

2011-02-15T01:20:00.001-06:00

Facetime

2011-02-15T01:16:00.000-06:00

We don't feel nearly so far away from our family back home now that we have the ipod and facetime. Just the other night Aunt A. was reading the girls a bedtime story and they were loving every moment of it!

Castle Rising

2011-02-15T01:09:00.000-06:00

11 Days New

2011-02-09T03:56:00.002-06:00

I got to meet baby A. today! 11 days old, a head full of dark hair, alert as can be, sweet and ever so snugly! This was definitely one of my favorite shots, she just lit up hen her mama held her.

One Beautiful English Evening

2011-02-04T02:37:00.003-06:00

Empathy

2011-02-04T02:36:00.003-06:00

Secrets of Sisters

2011-02-04T02:35:00.005-06:00

Adding A Little Color

2011-02-04T02:35:00.001-06:00

Even in the middle of an English winter you will find beautiful color.

February's Beginning

2011-02-03T08:29:00.001-06:00

Even in the early days of February one can find fun things to do, bundled up and all. As we left Florida I told my girls that England had snow, so they keep asking "Where is the snow?" I'm not sure I'd like snow right now, it feels like the days are chilly enough, especially after moving from those beautiful white sandy beaches. But what England does have are pockets of sunshine throughout the day. Most days we are lucky enough for it to be right at the end of S.'s kindergarten day and that makes for a perfect time to play at the park.

He's pretty content watching his older sisters on the seesaw, some times he'll attempt to ride it but most of the time he becomes a happy bystander.

Ely Cathedral, England

2011-01-30T09:00:00.003-06:00

This was our first visit to Ely Cathedral, is it too early to say this is my new favorite place in England? We live just 25 miles from it and I can see us frequenting it often. Having been built in the 10th Century it is just an amazing place of worship! Ely is the only Cathedral of the Middle Ages that has an "Octagon" which holds the weight of 400 tons (lead and wood) to support the widest vaulted ceilings (50 feet across) of its time.

Here was a French family standing right outside of the Cathedral. I found it fascinating just how similar children are, no matter where you originate (their kids loved chasing the ducks as much as ours).

Miss E. Bella.

Self Portrait

2011-01-28T10:24:00.005-06:00

Great Gift

2011-01-28T09:48:00.004-06:00

Growing up in an Air Force family, I new nothing was permanent. We traveled around Europe and lived all over the U.S. and finally came home to Seattle, Washington. I never remember missing a place too much because it wasn't where we lived as much as who we lived with. Being the 3rd of 6 kids, there's really never a dull moment and you soon realize that your best friends will always move to each new place with you.
I feel one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given my children are each other.

Little One of Mine

2011-01-26T13:55:00.004-06:00

Little moments like these just make my busy-filled day of being a mom just worth it all. I love my job!

Great Stukeley Village Church

2011-01-26T12:57:00.005-06:00

Right outside of my window is a little English village by the name of Great Stukeley. It is a quaint little village located in the Northwest section of Cambridge, England. Just last week we thought it would be neat to explore a little bit more of this village and to also see the church which was built in the 12th century. It is a beautifully aged church house with a cemetery right inside its gates. This is the part of England I am most excited about.

Family Time

2011-01-22T04:39:00.004-06:00

A part of me keeps thinking "Okay, we are in England, let's journey to a corner of England we've never been to before!" But the reality of it is that we've moved, uprooted three children and moved across the ocean. The children are tired of traveling and just want to be kids. Maybe I'm too hard on myself with my photography ambition but it dawned on me that if it is subjects that matter most in my photographs then I've got it all right here in my backyard. So here we are, the school bell just rang and the kids are ecstatic to play at the school park.