let's be friends, wanna?

Jun 15, 2012 | posted in Personal, vacation oahu | 5 comments

Sunset at Shark’s Cove. Remember this post, from over a year ago? Same place pictured above.

5 comments | add comment
  • Annie: You are truly remarkable. With a lens, with your life. I stand in absolute awe. And love. Now, go to bed. June 15, 2012 2:41 am
  • Laura Radniecki: Now that the goosebumps have gone away from my whole body... I only spent 9 months living on Oahu while my husband was at the Marine Corps base, but those 9 months left a lasting impression on my soul. This photo... your words... I don't know whether to laugh or to cry. It's with both remarkable joy at being given the opportunity to live there, and with severe sadness at having to leave, that I remember my time on Oahu. [Which is exactly why I read your blog so often. :)] June 15, 2012 11:34 am
  • sally: Oh this shot takes my breath away. Thank you. I grew up across the street from Sharks cove. This is my childhood, my whole life happened here. I long to go back and take my children one of these days. As for now, we are in Hilo. Aloha. June 23, 2012 7:39 am
  • natalie: Sally, Aloooooha. I hope you find yourself back with those kids of yours someday very soon. July 3, 2012 2:49 am
  • Aloha « katieokeefeblog: [...] 07/09/2012 Me at age 8 / Shark’s Cove by Natalie Norton / Ala Moana Surfrider / Waimea [...] July 9, 2012 5:37 am

Jun 13, 2012 | posted in moms best, parenting, Personal | 9 comments

Summer Bucket List Challenge!

Sincerely, what greater memories do you have from your childhood than those of summer fun?? Sure, Christmas is great, birthdays are a blast, but SUMMER?? It can’t be beat. Otter pops, starry nights, the smell of campfire, sleeping in, staying up late. . . oh. I could go on for days.

This is why it’s so vitally important to me to make summer GREAT for my family. I’m completely committed to making this summer a time of family togetherness, bonding, love, healing and rejuvenation. This is MY time. The rest of the year, my boys spend 6 hours, every.single.day, away at school. They go to an excellent school, mind you, with exceptional teachers and friends, but they are outside of my  . . . um . . . bubble of motherly adoration, love and protection?? for SIX hours a day! I see summer as my time to love on them like ca-razy, to remind them just how special, amazing and downright AWESOME SAUCE they really are. (Not that this kind of loving-on-ing is reserved exclusively for summertime, obviously not, but this is my chance to make the love and praise and sense of absolute belonging totally INCESSANT. And I plan to!)

The Norton family has joined The Happy Family Movement’s Summer Bucket List Challenge and this is our list!

I’ll be posting an Instagram image every time we complete one of the items on our list (NatalieNorton on Instagram or follow on the web here). If at the end of the summer, July 31st for us (I know, right?!), you notice that we’ve missed something on our list, email me at aloha@natalienortonblog.com, and the first 5 people to call us out will get a $25 iTunes gift card from yours truly. How’s that for committed?!

Want to participate in The Summer Bucket List Challenge with the Norton’s, the Solar’s and other awesome families across the globe? It’s easy, enter here (the Solars are giving away all kinds of exciting prizes all summer long)!

Once you’ve entered, join me in posting all your shenanigans on Instagram, be sure to tag your instagram photos #summerbucketlist and at the end of the summer, I may just decide to feature my favorite image(s) here on the blog. . . I may even decide to give one lucky family an exciting little gift. :) Lots of ambiguity here, no? I guess it’s all dependent on just how exciting all y’all decide to be! Prizes, should there be any, will be awarded for fun and creativity. . . it’s not about crazy pants activities, expense or being elaborate. I’m all about simplicity, real life and HAPPINESS!

Enough talk! It’s time to fight against TV, video games, the internet and even friends (we all know we compete with our kid’s friends for their attention ALL.SUMMER.LONG). I hope you feel as empowered as I do to  get out there and make this summer your best yet!

9 comments | add comment
  • Jamie: I am in!!! We already made our summer bucket list and have ticked off a couple items. Ill be sure to post on IG now! :) June 13, 2012 3:48 pm
  • Penny Palmer: What a great idea... Especially with our move to Maui that we are making on July 4th! June 13, 2012 4:58 pm
  • Jenny Solar: YAY! We are SO glad to have the Norton's on board!! I hope your summer is amazing!!!! June 13, 2012 7:54 pm
  • Jess: I love this idea! Can't wait to give this a go when Summer returns for us in Australia. I look forward to seeing your bucket list adventures. xx June 14, 2012 8:10 pm
  • Jenn: Do you tie-dye? We had our end of school tie-dye open house yesterday with 60+ kids in my back yard. Totally awesome! If you need a tip, use Procion MX dye by Jacquard...it's the best! Have fun! June 16, 2012 5:04 am
  • Kate: Brilliant! Way to take back family summer. Thanks for sharing your adventures with all of us! June 16, 2012 12:35 pm
  • natalie: Jenn, We did our tie dying and it all turned out great! Messy, but fun! We just used some kit you buy at Walmart.... June 23, 2012 2:57 am
  • Andrea: Natalie! What a fun idea. Xander is only 22 months, but it never hurts to have adventures early. So much fun. The Davelines are on board! June 26, 2012 9:55 am
  • HAPPY FRIDAY - a little part of the world: [...] to do for ‘training‘ for a baby is hilarious…and so true!Love this idea…a family summer bucket list…Adore this terrifically organised kitchen…jealous!How to pick the perfect neutral paint [...] November 16, 2014 8:55 pm

The Rock at Waimea Bay.

Jun 13, 2012 | posted in Family Portraits, Personal, vacation oahu | 25 comments

Visiting the rock at Waimea is an Oahu vacation must!

Don’t be fooled by his bravery. A) It’s higher than it looks. B) My kids are always the youngest jumpers (generally by at least a decade). I’ve seen many a grown man humbly climb back down the way he came.

JUMP AT YOUR OWN RISK. I am not endorsing this activity for any individual (except for myself, because I love it) or for any family (except my own, because it’s awesome).

Aloooooha!

PS. Woke up at 3:30 this morning and figured out my silly computer mess. Bam. Take THAT technology!

Per request: PHOTOGRAPHER INFORMATION: Canon 5d MK II, 24 mm 1.4 lens, set at f 5.6 and 1/500th of a second, AI Focus.

25 comments | add comment
  • Shari Hanson: so cool! i would love to try that someday! yay for your computer not being broken!! June 13, 2012 10:14 am
  • Liz: I was just transported back to a childhood milestone, only mine was off a boulder into a river - and it took me about 3 hours to summon up the courage to do it. I still remember the feelings of complete and total nervousness, followed by the elation at overcoming a fear. Something I should probably take a cue from in my grown up world :) Gorgeous photos Natalie and how blessed are your boys to have a mama to capture their big and small milestones. I love your summer!!! June 13, 2012 10:18 am
  • Jamie: Brave boys, BRAVE MOMMA! I am such a chicken when it comes to jumping off of high things! I would be humbling staying at the bottom, maybe I'd climb up to take pictures, but mstly I'd just be having major butterflies in my tummy watching! June 13, 2012 11:06 am
  • SarahV: LOVE these! You are so wonderful at capturing the moment. Can I ask you a nerd question? What settings is your camera at to get all of these to be in focus? Small aperture? AI Servo? Pretty please share :D June 13, 2012 11:11 am
  • Shelly: Brave, Brave Cardon! I'm SO HAPPY I get to be there through your amazing photos, Nat! Please tell him how impressed and AMAZED I am! WOW. Your boys are so much braver than I. June 13, 2012 11:36 am
  • natalie: Sarah, ALWAYS ask these kinds of questions if you're curious! This is the only way we learn! I'll post camera data in the body of the post! Looking it up now! June 13, 2012 12:54 pm
  • SarahV: Thank you, thank you!! You are awesome! June 13, 2012 1:46 pm
  • amanda: um- that rock is TERRIFYING! i've only every watched. in awe at those who are brave enough to make the leap. speaking of brave- you brought your CAMERA UP THERE?! i'm impressed. June 13, 2012 2:07 pm
  • natalie: Sarah, You bet! xo! June 13, 2012 3:11 pm
  • natalie: Amanda, I was a LITTLE nervous climbing DOWN with the camera. Up was easy, down was TRICKY-PANTS MAGOO. June 13, 2012 3:12 pm
  • lani richards: Our 9 year old son braved a deadmans dive on the secon day of our arrival in Hawaii, 23 years ago. the Big Boys watched incredulously! I caught it on camera on the descent! What a memory! June 13, 2012 3:24 pm
  • Annie: My heart is pounding RIGHT OUT OF MY CHEST! Fabulous Fotoooooos!!!!! June 13, 2012 4:15 pm
  • Jo: WOW, that's a massive jump - for legs AND brain matter! Awesome photos! xx June 13, 2012 5:24 pm
  • kati: these are FANTASTIC natalie! even though i just about threw up my heart looking at them! is there a rock at the bottom that he has to clear on the way down or is that just the tip of what you are standing on? because i'm dying that you have such brave, incredible, HAWAIIAN boys! print these huge and put them up all over your house. love love love. i can't even say it enough! June 13, 2012 6:52 pm
  • kimberly oyler: there is so much life and joy in your hawaii pictures. i love that. and i loooooove when there are camera settings to go with beautiful pictures for those of us who are still learning. ps. i owe you big time! i won the kindle giveaway on your husband's blog and i never would have if i didn't read yours first. thank you! :) June 13, 2012 7:45 pm
  • josh: These are beautiful. June 15, 2012 7:58 am
  • Phoebe: Yes!!! I love this post. I'm new to your blog but I've been following your instagram for a bit now. I love the adventure in your world, so lovely to see people doing life. I also love that you have 3 boys, we have 2. Aren't boys the greatest? Also? I freaking love cliff jumping. This looks awesome. Thanks for sharing! June 21, 2012 9:14 pm
  • Noel: Jumped this last week! Its a MUST because of the freedom and awesome energy you feel when you do it! Love ya Natalie July 6, 2012 2:26 pm
  • Janelle: Your black & whites are faaaaabulous! Do you mind sharing your action set or post processing for that matter? August 20, 2012 6:38 pm
  • natalie: Hi Janelle, These were processed with VSCO! August 22, 2012 12:47 pm
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  • Family Photographers Oahu: Aloha Natalie, I love you day in a life shoot. Awesome work!! September 8, 2018 11:17 am
  • Hawaii Photographer: Cool Black and whites, Natalie :) September 8, 2018 11:21 am
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man down!

Jun 13, 2012 | posted in Personal | 5 comments

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Doesn’t summer look delicious??!

Oh, by the waaaaaayyyyyyyy…

My lap top crashed today. Insert huuuuuge, ginormous, teary eyed, snotty nosed, hairy-as-heck frowny face: here. So bummed. So.

Hoping beyond hope that when I take it in to the apple doctor tomorrow, they’ll be able to repair it. I’m not worried about data. I’m totally backed up. I just reeeeeealllllllly don’t want to have to buy a new computer.

At all.

Meh. What will be, will be, right? No use worrying over something you can’t do a lollywaggle about.

Enjoy these beautiful clouds over Waimea Bay, and every one of my fingers are crossed that I’ll be back again with real posts in the next day or two!

PS. Cardon’s new thing is making an INCESSANT farting sound by blowing air out of his floppy lips (does that explanation make a lick of sense??). “Frrrrrrrrrrrr frrrrrrrrrrrrrrr frrrrrrrrrrrrr,” all.day.long. All I can figure, is that from a sensory stand point (SPD, remember) it must be calming. Anyone out there have any input for me?? I’m about ready to crack. Going bat-freaking-crazy listening to this all day long!!! Snort.

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And PPS all images were taken with the self same phone from which I’m posting this very post. Technology is so amazing…when it WORKS. ;)

5 comments | add comment
  • The Rock at Waimea Bay. | Natalie Norton Photography The Rock at Waimea Bay. | Blog: [...] Woke up at 3:30 this morning and figured out my silly computer mess. Bam. Take THAT technology! no comments | add [...] June 13, 2012 10:04 am
  • Linds: I don't know what it is about that noise, but my boys do it all day long and it drives me batty! June 13, 2012 10:28 am
  • angel: SIMPLE SOLUTION: EARPLUGS. No joke. just the little squishy ones, grab a pak at Foodland. I learned that boys hearing spectrum is less than girls. So boys love louder noises for simple auditory stimulation (that's even before sensory issues), and then imagine us, MORE sensitive to sound = ANNOYING! Squishy earplugs decrease sound by 29 decibels...it's pure "AHHH!" I keep a pair in the car and one in my purse. When I feel on edge because of the endless sound effects and loud talking/shouting, I just plug 'em in. Seriously...do it. Then tell me if it is not the greatest sanity trick in the world for mothers of boys! June 13, 2012 1:12 pm
  • cassie: Cardon's thing is more than likely sensory, my daughter hums, does that same farty noise or clicks her tounge constantly. Eventually you learn to tune it out. Good luck! June 13, 2012 2:54 pm
  • Sarah: Definitely sensory stuff! My son does that, and hums, and makes this high pitched sing/whine noise when he plays that drives me batty. A piece of gum or giving him something to suck on is a life saver for me some days. In spd solidarity! Sarah June 14, 2012 12:22 pm

beautiful birthday girl.

Jun 11, 2012 | posted in Personal | 28 comments

This is my mom.

Her name is Annie.

But we call her “Grammie” (and my kid’s friends call her “Auntie Grammie”. . . because it’s awesome. . . and because I make them).

She’s brave. She’s generous. She’s kind. She’s FULLLLLL of joy and light and perfect empathy and unconditional love. In complete sincerity, she’s unlike anyone you’ve ever known. These aren’t simply sweet birthday words from a loving daughter. Truly, ask anyone who knows her. She’s exceptional. Completely and totally so.

We love you, Grammie!

Love,

Alllllllll of us

PS. Lincoln: “I love Grammie, because she’s really nice, and she lets us visit her, and she lets us be her grandkids.”  Cardon: “I love Grammie, because she’s nice, and ’cause she loves me.” Raleigh: “I love Grammie because she’s AMAZINGLY nice and she helps us with EVERYTHING.”

28 comments | add comment
  • Ashleigh: I love Annie! She is the sweetest. June 11, 2012 2:54 pm
  • shelly: Happy Birthday, Annie!!! You know how much I love you, but birthdays are such a great time to remind you of such things. Ours is an amazing relationship, I believe. All mothers-in-law should care about each other as we do. I'm so grateful that you were born, and that you grew up to be my son's mother-in-law and my grandsons' "Grammie". May this be your BEST birthday ever! I love you! June 11, 2012 2:59 pm
  • Jamie: Wow! Ok I am not just saying this but I totally though she was your sister!!! Whew women with great genes!!! People mistake me and my mom for sisters all the time too! Happy Birthday, Auntie Grammie! (I love that by the way!) June 11, 2012 3:00 pm
  • Bridget: Happy Birthday Grammie Annie! June 11, 2012 3:03 pm
  • Carol: Happy Birthday Annie!! It was so nice to finally meet you in person yesterday! Thanks for spending time with us in YW! Hope you have the best birthday ever! June 11, 2012 3:09 pm
  • kati: natalie! that bottom one, wow!!! June 11, 2012 3:23 pm
  • Erik Norton: HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ANNIE!! We love and miss you lots! June 11, 2012 3:24 pm
  • natalie: Thanks, Kati. :) June 11, 2012 3:34 pm
  • ashmae: I love Annie because she is genuinely excited about good things. I also love her because sometimes we cry when we see each other because we like each other that much. Happy Birthday Annie! June 11, 2012 3:47 pm
  • Jill: Hi Natalie, you once you posted something your mom wrote on her blog and when I read it, i found this quote ~ " The years have rolled by and I've whispered so many prayers. Few of them have been answered in the way I had planned. Yet still, my life has been perfect." It is perfect and I love it!! She sounds like an amazing person! Happiest of birthdays to her!!! :) June 11, 2012 4:41 pm
  • natalie: Jill! I love you for remembering this! What a treasure! June 11, 2012 5:25 pm
  • Mandy Kongaika: Dear Annie!! I LOVE YOU!!! Thankyou for making SUCH a Positive impact on my life!! I think you are wonderful and amazing and Im so grateful to have you and your example in my life:D GO Team Aunti Grammie:D Love Mandy and the monkeys and Jake:D June 11, 2012 5:36 pm
  • Freddie: Happy Happy Birthday Annie!! Not sure if you will see this but I want you to know that your one person I never see enough of, and when I do, I never get to spend enough time talking with you, but I treasure the short sweet times we have as friends. Its always nice just to see you too ( cuz your so beautiful) and when I leave you, I always work on trying to become a better person. Love your influence even if its only across the table in a restaurant for 2 hours. :) love ya Grandmafreddie Jewkes June 11, 2012 7:53 pm
  • Heather: Annie is one of the greatest, most wonderful examples in my life! She is truly amazing and I have learned so much from her. I always want to be around her and wish I could just drive to her house every day to just sit in her kitchen and chat. There are so many things I love about Annie! Her smile, her spirit, her kindness, her generosity, her love, the list goes on and on! She is absolutely one of the most thoughtful people I've ever met! June 11, 2012 9:12 pm
  • richie: Love you, Annie!!! June 12, 2012 7:08 am
  • Rachel Pack Whetten: Have to agree completely! She is Amazing! I LOVE your mom because she ALWAYS smiles at you and is so kind to EVERYONE! When she talks with you, you feel like she is genuinely interested in your life. Even if she hardly knows someone, she treats them like they are one of her best friends. Makes you feel SO GOOD! She is AMAZING! Happy Birthday Annie!!!! June 12, 2012 9:33 am
  • Lara Cheney: Happy Birthday to the darling Auntie Grammie! I know that I don't know her personally but she has raised an amazing daughter like you Natalie, so she must be awesome! June 12, 2012 11:58 am
  • Doretha Price: Happy birthday Annie!!! You are one of the nicest people I know. When I think of you, I smile because there is not a bad molecule in your body. Your smile warms the room. I Love you and hope your day was magnificent. June 12, 2012 2:35 pm
  • Dolly Wright: I totally want to sit on the beach with Annie and talk for hours. We need hats to keep our skin young because we both still look 30. We need sunglasses to hide when our eyes leak. We need a cooler of icy drinks to keep hydrated -- and then the angels will attend us. I love you Annie! June 12, 2012 11:42 pm
  • Liz: I'm sorry . .. . that's your MOTHER???? Are you sure you don't have a twin?? She looks like she's in her thirties - and probably feels it too :) Hope you enjoyed celebrating with your (glam!) mum! June 13, 2012 10:20 am
  • Katie: My mom's name is Annie, too. My boys call her Granny Annie. :) Hope your mama had a wonderful birthday! June 13, 2012 12:33 pm
  • kindsay norton: Annie is so full of love and kindness. And is amazingly thoughtful. Love you Annie. Happy Belated Birthday!!!! June 13, 2012 1:29 pm
  • Tami Nelson: Dearest Annie-this is a tad late and I'm so sorry you are sick......get feeling better soon. I have met you once for a short period of time. But from that short period of time I learned how amazing and selfless and loving and caring and brave and spontaneous and adventurous you are. It was 10 years ago last month that I met you....it was on my wedding day.....when you and Nat showed up at my in-laws house 10 minutes before I was leaving....showing up from driving ALL DAY to get there!!! That was the ultimate act of kindness and love and I have never forgotten it. Thank you for bringing your daughter to me.....I cherished that 10 minutes I spent having her help me get out of my wedding dress and being with her.....ALL day....you were in the car ALL day....that 10 minutes made a lasting impression on me for a lifetime. Thank you a million times over. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and thank you for being so wonderful and incredible.....I sure love you and your Nat!!!! Get well soon!!! Happy Birthday!!!! June 14, 2012 6:54 am
  • Rachel Bennett: I'm sad that I haven't had a chance to express my love for Auntie Grammie! We love Annie. I love Annie so much. She is just like you said such a KIND person. I hope to have her kindness as I mature, she is a GREAT example to me. We love you AUNTIE GRAMMIE! June 15, 2012 8:54 pm
  • erin croskey: your photos are amazing!!! what kind of camera do you use?? i also live in hawaii--you should check out my blog/photos on ourhilife.com. your blog is fantastic!!! i am always trying to get more followers to my blog--any time you want guest posts up let me know!:) August 2, 2012 1:14 am
  • natalie: Hi Erin! I use a 5d and a 5d MK II. :) Thanks for the offer for guest posts! I'm SO SWAMPED right now, that I only have time for a very limited number of guest submissions. I'll keep you in mind for the future though! xoxo! N August 14, 2012 3:12 pm
  • Kara: Natalie, as always your photos are so beautiful and emotive. And your mom is stunning! Would you mind sharing how you took this bottom photo? Did you use a wide angle lens and were you laying down? Its so cool! Thank you! September 15, 2012 4:39 pm
  • natalie: Kara, Sure thing! Yes I was lying down, and using a 24mm lens. They were up on a rock also, so there was a larger variation in perspective. Hope that helps! And thank you for the kind words! September 20, 2012 10:31 am