a ONEderful year

We’ll pretend first that I’m not several months behind in blogging. Then, we’ll pretend like the year hasn’t raced by in epic fashion. Lastly, we’ll pretend that this beautiful family lives much closer to me so that I can see them more often. Deal? Deal.

This little man turned ONE last week and I am SO glad that I got to celebrate his ONEderful little life with his ONEderful parents and other awesome friends and family. He has changed so much since I last saw him… and even more since we took these. My how they grow!

I think my favorite part of it all was coming full circle from the engagement photos we took so long ago. These were the photos that signified and celebrate their decision to become a family and now they aren’t just husband and wife, but mother and father.

It’s beautiful. :) I feel so fortunate to watch the love continue to grow.

Cover Shoot!

I’ve been holding on to some exciting news and I’m so glad I can finally share it!

Last month, I did another photo shoot for the San Diego Natural History Museum – this time with their Annual Report in mind! It was so much fun working with the Museum again and these adorable little boys were great too!

We headed to the Zorro Garden in Balboa Park – more commonly known as the Butterfly Garden. The kids were such good sports and so gentle with the butterflies and caterpillar! Maybe they have entomology in their future!? :)

You can find the report here and see the photos they chose from our shoot (and the great work the Museum is doing!).! Here are a few of my favorites:

Tea For Two

She takes her hand. She watches over her. She loves her dearly.
She’s the big sister after all.

But in a moment, the full name is yelled out followed by “that’s mine!” She is still young herself…
a big little girl.

She takes her hand. She looks up to her. She loves her dearly.
She’s the baby sister after all.

And in a moment, tears erupt because big sister has taken off down the trail without her.
She wants to be big too.

Big Sister. Little Sister. Forever Friends. Bonded.

Awfully Big Adventure

Last Sunday, I met this beautiful family at the entrance to Balboa Park Trails and we nearly had to call it a day before we even got started. The drizzle began, the clouds in the sky threatened, and the forecast said RAIN. Yikes!

But it wasn’t raining just yet and I am so thankful that the H family was willing to adventure down the trail with their two small boys. I had so much fun wandering the trail with you all. Watching the boys swing, pick flowers, find rocks, and race across bridges. They are a joy… and the two of your are wonderful parents. And S? I still maintain you are a total rock star adventuring through the trail, over rocky creek beds, and up marshy hills in those heels. Seriously… especially when all of your boys were equipped with sensible shoes. :) But, with two curious and energetic boys, I’m sure you have many, many more adventures to come.

“boy (boi) n.- a male child, lad, youth, not yet a man, often a magnet to dirt, toys, and adventure.”

Christmas Time is Here Again!

Christmas time is here again! And you may be thinking, “But Auntie Mame, it’s one week from Thanksgiving Day now!” But, and maybe it’s just me, I “need a little Christmas, right this very minute.” Yes, I “need a little Christmas now.”

Plus, who can resist beautiful children in adorable clothes? Not me!

I’ve said it a million times before, but I adore these girls. I had such a wonderful time with these little ladies at the gorgeous Old Poway Park. It was a fabulous location and I can’t wait to go back again… maybe next time when the little lady doesn’t want to eat every rock and leaf in sight.  I’m so glad the weather decided to cooperate for us on Sunday.

Liz, I hope you love the pictures and they continue to bring you joy and memories for many more Christmases to come.

Tis the Season!

The holiday season is here and photo sessions are increasing in leaps and bounds. Here’s a sneak peek from Sunday’s session – expect the full post later this evening or tomorrow.

And let’s discuss the cuteness of the boots, can we please?

“All you girls stand up
Put your hands up
Come on lets rock
Gonna go all night
Gonna watch the dust fly
Show em what we got
Come on lets take a ride on top of the world
All you soul shaking heartbreakin little cowgirls”
“Cowgirls” by Kristy Lee Cook

Make Her Laugh.

The bond between siblings is remarkable to witness. I can get her to smile and look to the camera… and so can mommy. But big brother? Big brother can get to laugh from the innermost part of her soul and make her eyes light with joy. And that light? You can see it in his eyes too. He thrives on how he has the ability to entertain and captivate his baby sister the way no one else can. He adores her. And she him.

I had such a wonderful time visiting with and catching up with all of you – the kids get more amazing every time I see them.

Pear of Little Ladies

“There are moments in your life that make you, that set the course of who you’re gonna be. Sometimes they’re little, subtle moments. Sometimes they’re not.”

One of my favorite things about photographs is their ability to capture the little, subtle moments… and freeze them before they change. We remember the big moments – they might be a haircut or going to school or they might be learning to crawl and saying your first word. But, we may not remember exactly how her eyelashes fluttered when she slept or the way she looked beyond her own backyard into the world. Somewhere down the line, we look to photographs to remind us of those gummy smiles and those baby teeth grins.

I hope these photographs of your little ladies can do that for you. They’re beautiful, wonderful little girls and it’s such a blessing for me to get to watch and document them as they grow.

Little Cousins

This year, I’ve taken a lot of trips home for holidays and wedding-related activities (this amazing couple gets married NEXT SATURDAY! Can’t wait!).

One of the benefits is seeing my younger cousins more often. One of the other benefits is having a constant stream of photos that I can edit at my own leisure. :)

I’m still working on Easter photos from this year and this past weekend, I also got a few pictures of my now five year old cousin Elise and my now 13 year old cousins Megan and Savannah at Megan’s birthday party (with them is our other cousin Dylan).

Beautiful girls… all of them. :)

“Cousins are different beautiful flowers in the same garden.”

A Time to Dance

Here’s the extended preview of the lovely little Jocelynne from earlier this month. She’s a fantastic dancer and just a gem to be around. Thank you again Christa and Jocelynne; I had a wonderful time with the two of you.

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair…” ~Susan Polis Shutz