Things are calming down

It is so nice to have some breathing room for a change. Things are calming down as the season nears, and I find that if this small business does become a career, that is actually good timing. Now with roughly twenty-five days left to get my life ready for the holidays, I feel I can focus on my family. Everyone was so smart in planning October and November sessions to get their cards out, and prints for presents made. Thank you to everyone who did that.

And to not blog without a photo.....I couldn't resist these cheeks! Every photo of this cutie pie was adorable. She was a great subject. Thanks Lucy!

Boy it has been a while

In the short time I have neglected this blog, my sessions have gone full circle.
A marriage..... a pregnancy....
a baby...
and a ton of families...here is one of my favorites,
So I won't let it be so long next time. I promise.

Meet Super Kid...

Not joking on this title. He could jump, climb, kick, throw, play golf, he had all the talent. So you think with all this going for him, ther is no way he could have an amazing personality too! Look at this smile....
He won my heart right away. He cracked me up! No wonder he was so special, his parents were so loving and kind. They had such a great connection. I love this picture of super kid tucked in his parents arms. So sweet.

You know the saying......

He who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart.
So this entire family has taken me by my heart. They are like CJ's other family. He thinks he is their third child. To say he loves this family, is a huge understatement. Hunter is like the very first friend he has ever had. Kristena has been such a blessing in our lives these past two years, I have been so thankful to have her take care of CJ when she could. But now, she goes on to bigger and better things for her and her family. I am so proud of all the descisions she has made, but we miss her dearly! Not that we never see her!
So that is what made this photo shoot such a delight!!
And you know I love you too Aubrey!

I am so in loooooove....

with these eyes!

Besides that, he is like a little CJ, so full of places to go, even when there was no where TO go. Thanks Deanna!

Beach Mini sessions

were tons of fun. The best part is meeting all the new families. This beach session was an entire block of children that hang out together. One of the neighbors organized it, and I was like an observer of a really fun outing. The kids were great, and I may just have to move down on this street.

Hip Hip......

Hooray!

East coast fun...

What do you do for that fall look in a state of evergreens and unclimbable trees? You recreate that east coast season, you drive into the wilderness, buy some colorful leaves, and bundle your children up. Believe it or not, all that was planned, and then we show up, and it is freezing for California weather, and to top it all off, it was raining, and that made those leaves look red and orange. yeah, I said "rain" in California. Like the third time this whole year. Luckily I bought an umbrella at Target the day before. Nevermind I was going to use it for shade at recess duty. The boys had a blast. I did too!

Regina's Wedding

Just some pictures of a recent wedding. I don't know why I love the shot of her dad walking her down. My new goal is to try and capture as much emotion in each image, and this one speaks to me with sadness and happiness all at the same time. Thanks Regina for such a great day! We had a lot of fun.

Talking to Ariel

Couldn't picture a sweeter child. So behind in what I promised I would post, but came across this tonight, and had to post it! More on "Ariel" later.

My sister

Okay, this relaxed with days to go. Unbelieveable! I wasn't this calm and ready for my baby EVER during my pregnancy with CJ. Does it have something to do with the 10 books on natural childbirth she has read? Maybe it is that older sister, I-know-what-to-do-at-all-times syndrome. Is it because she has this amazing sister to offer advice and support? BINGO! Just love this picture, and it sums up her whole pregnancy. Honestly Alana, I have never seen you happier.
Can't wait to give out those kisses to my new niece/nephew!

Family Reunion

The most amazing thing about this family is that the three different branches live in three different states. You would never be able to tell this from watching them react and love each other. The cousins were like siblings. They were amazing to photograph, and not only because of those crazy blue eyes! If you check out their slideshow, you can tell they have a lot of fun, no matter where they are.
Tanks for letting me be a part of it!

So much fun

Sure, I am one of five kids, and sometimes I forget. I forget how great my childhood was, and how much fun every day was with all that chaos and energy. But now, as a mother, I don't know how my mom did it. This family had four, and there were two sets of twins. Both mom and dad were dashing around the whole time we were there, saving the kids from the high tide, crashing waves. It was a great reminder why I SHOULD NEVER complain about my one little adventurous two-year old.
Thanks for a great time Kristan.

My first engagement session

Thanks John and Regina for battling the rain and all for a great enagement session. You were troopers for sure.
I can't wait until the wedding!

Sneak preview

Back to school night is tomorrow, so even you are probably too busy to check this blog brandee.. but here is a little peak into your session. I couldn't love Olivia more. She is so loving, and reminds me so much of CJ. Imagine if your girl is this much of a firecracker, what will your boy be like. Watch out!

Two boys...

...that were a ton of fun. Can you believe how adorable, a photographer's dream really. Since the day I met this older brother I wanted to shoot his picture. In fact , the mama (a good friend) had to remind me we were taking "baby" photos of her newborn. And that newborn was equally adorable, and has that same sweet red hair. What a beautiful family!

People vs. Places

Now I am convinced beyond all other ideas, that the people I am shooting totally outweigh location, any day! This family was sweet, hillarious, and so beautiful, they made my day. We met downtown Monrovia, a pretty cool place, but we could have been anywhere and we would have had fun. Maybe I was just happy to try something other than the beach for a refreshing change.

Senior Girls

Can't believe that summer is over, and school begins this week. So much to do to get my classroom ready, but luckily I have a partner. Teaching only 40% of the week, leaves the other 60% to an amazing teacher that I am sooooooo lucky to work with. Seriously, she is great, and she just happens to have twins that are seniors near by. So, I kidnapped them, and made them take pictures with me for their senior session. We had so much fun....well, er I did, and they seeemd to. Thanks girls! I had a blast, and you were such troopers, especially in the tall grass. City gals.

Check out their entire slideshow here.

4th of July

The forth of July is so much fun when you can actually shoot off fireworks in your own driveway! Even better when all the houses around you are shooting off illegal fireworks! CJ was lovin' all the cool snakes, sparklers and other small ones, and then a pickalo pete scared the CJ right out of him. He couldn't even get up enough courage to watch from inside the house after that.

Weddings?

Okay, so I never thought I would do weddings. I guess that seemed to big of an event, too much pressure. Last Saturday was a first. Kelly and Artemio let me come and take pictures at their wedding, and I had a blast. At the end of the night, I felt like I had known the couple as best friends. I am totally looking forward to the next "big day"! Check out their slideshow here.