What. A. Year. My goodness, I thought years before were busy, but y’all, 2018 was a special kind of year. 2018 was a year full of travel and adventures. I was blessed to see a wide array of the United States, including: Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; Washington, DC; San Antonio, TX; Nashville, TN; Phoenix, AZ; Boyne City, MI; Gatlinburg, TN; and Los Angeles, CA. For the first time, I flew on my own, checked into hotels on my own, and navigated large cities… all on my own! It was a huge learning experience that brought a lot of personal growth. This year also reminded me that no matter how flashy some places sound and look, a night at home with family, sleeping in your own bed, and cooking your own food can be just as magical. In addition to large trips, Hayden and I traveled multiple times a week back and forth from Missouri to Illinois. I often say we live on the interstate. We are so blessed to have two working vehicles!!

With Haley Nicole Photography, we grew exponentially! Weddings and senior sessions were a big hit, and I can already tell that 2019 will already be bigger than this year {WHATTT?!?!!}. I’m so blessed that families choose me to capture such big moments and incredible life events. My Spokesmodel Team grew to 10 girls from the Class of 2019, and I have loved becoming friends with each of them. It has also been a blessing to get to photograph so many weddings {& having Hayden second shooting several of them with me}.

Hayden and I were able to go on several adventures- picnics, hikes, overnight trips, dinners out, movie nights, and so many more dates! When Hayden is on break from school, we try to spend a lot of quality time together and think of creative {& extremely cheap} date ideas. If you’re ever needing a cheap date night idea, I’m sure we can share a few, we’ve become masters of it!! When school is in session, our adventures are typically restrained to movie nights and watching TV shows with the occasional ice cream run. We’ve loved watching Sherlock and FRIENDS on Netflix, and we’ve started watching Monk on Prime. We’re always looking for family friendly TV shows and movies – so feel free to send some our way! 

I’ve also been blessed to continue to serve as a middle school life group leader. My girls are amazing, and I am so blessed to get to be a part of their lives. I felt called a few years ago to begin ministering to middle school girls, and I’m so thankful that I followed God’s path. God’s plan is seldom convenient, easy, or understandable, but I firmly believe it is ALWAYS best. I would never know the joy I feel leading those girls and watching them succeed. I challenge you to ask God where He wants to send you, and instead of questioning Him, say yes. 

This year has been so much fun, but it has been so BUSY. Next year, we’re trying to plan more time for no work, no electronics, and just quiet time. I’ve loved all of the adventures and opportunities, but it FLEW by. I can’t believe that it’s already the end of the year. I’m learning that you have to be intentional about slowing down. It just doesn’t happen. If you really want change in your day to day life, you have to make it a priority. So, we’re REALLY trying to invest more in our marriage this year by being intentional with “no work” weekends. It’ll be a challenge because I truly LOVE what I get to do. However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. I know in order to fully serve and love on my families, I need to be filled with things that help me relax and refocus. We’re praying that this next year were able to slow down and enjoy more little things in life.

xoxo,