2016 Photography Challenge: Monthly Themes. November = Family

November is a month that reminds us about the importance of family, and I was so grateful to be able to spend it with all sorts of family- my work family, two of my three sisters, quality time with Clancy. Not to mention Thanksgiving with so much of my chosen family friends and some of my actual family. But two moments in particular stood out that I've captured below.

The first is a photo I took just after my sister Kara finished the 2016 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day. After losing two childhood best friends (both 44 and with five children between the two of them), Kara and her friend Trish decided to participate in the Komen 3-Day. Due to months of dedicated training (and an amazing fundraising performance which landed Kara in the top 25 fundraisers out of 2,600 walkers and with $12,000), Kara and Trish easily completed the event. Their training more than payed off, and it was so fun to have them on the last 3-Day of the season.

Here's a photo of Kara and I shortly after they crossed the finish line. For the record, I'm proudly wearing a hat that was gifted to one of their friends who passed away, Linda.

The second photo was taken the day after Thanksgiving. Steve and I spent the holiday apart for a few reasons, but mostly because he's playing the main role in helping out with his father (whose declining health and broken elbow requires a lot of hands-on care these days). We took a quiet moment to watch the sunset and catch up. 

I know just how much is resting on those shoulders right now and I love that I caught Steve deep in thought as the sun was setting.