November marks 2.5 years of being in Okinawa. Two and a half years! I could slap a binder on all of the written experiences of these Okinawa years, and have it listed on the latest B&N top 10 list. But, I digress…. With the holiday portrait rush over, I’ve enjoyed getting out and shooting a little personal photography around the island. Coming home from the airport, I made a pit stop at Fukushen Gardens in Naha after several failed attempts to visit (the locals close up shop on the most random days of the week–PS, don’t go on a Wednesday). I have to say, this is probably the most uniquely beautiful place I’ve visited on the island! I had to rush through because Braeden (my two year old who felt the need to test out his lungs in the tranquil silence of the oh-so-serene gardens) just wasn’t havin’ it; however, I managed to snag a few keepers. =)I love hopping in the car with nothing but my Canon & a map (and a few friends never hurt) to go photo’sploring. I’m not even sure if photo’sploring is even a word? Well, heck, I’m making it my own. If you have a spot in Okinawa you’d recommend for anyone to go photo’splore, share below!

Halle was such a ham to shoot! She has turned one, and is on the move now since we first met 9 months ago. And, that smile! That bigger-than-life smile! Just looking at her makes you smile, doesn’t it?!

We darted into a shelter for a few minutes for a passing rain shower, and Halle was taking a little milk break when I captured this shot. It’s my fave.