Rikki Rivera | Photographer » Wedding & Portrait Photography

Mornings are my favorite. I’m not a morning person by nature, but I’ve been working on that for a few years now. In Florida, if I was up early enough, I could join my dad on the front porch with a fresh cup of hot coffee, watch the morning mist fade off or the morning rains turn to sun. During those times, the most colorful birds would enjoy the seeds my parents left in the bird feeders. Flying as quick as can be from tree branch to tree branch, I am always captivated by them!

This morning in particular was one of my favorites. Quiet time with my dad, coffee, pretty birds, and then a cool rain. All of that followed by family visiting and part two of my sweet niece’s birthday. It was all quite simple this trip, and we couldn’t help but enjoy it.

Also see, Florida Part I.

Florida took our breath away.

In early spring, we aren’t used to that brilliant circle in the sky making itself so known and giving so much warmth. We left Washington in hoodies and hiking boots, and arrived in Florida wearing shorts and flip flops. It was a welcome change, and I’ll admit we may have made a few summer apparel purchases.

We spent every bit of our time with family and friends, we ate good food and laughed into the night with people who knew us in one way or another. My niece, Lexy, turned 5 – and how I love spoiling that little girl! My brother never gave up his quest to make his niece comfortable with him, she can be a shy one! Although, Lexy and Kate became the best of friends almost immediately. They may live far apart and not see each other often, but you wouldn’t guess it if you saw them together.

We rode in monster trucks, bbq’d most every night, went fishing, watched the sunset. It was magical every day and night. You can never ever go wrong spending your moments making memories with people who love to be around you.