preschool days

My oldest is getting ready to start preschool tomorrow morning. I am so excited for him and still a bit sad that this milestone is already upon us. Only one more year and he'll spend a majority of his childhood in a classroom. But no need to think about that tonight. Tonight I am excited for him! He is ready for school and I know that he will do well!

Today we had a back to school session, just the two of us, at the cutest little schoolhouse where I attended preschool when I was 4 years old. I had visions of getting pictures of {N} sitting on the same steps that I sat on for my class picture 30 some odd years ago. And although a lot has changed over the years (for example, the steps are not exactly the same and the playground seems much smaller) the little schoolhouse still looks just as I remember it. It was where I remember singing "He's got the Whole World in His Hands" and "If You're Happy and You Know it". Where I helped ring the old fashioned school bell, won a goldfish at the school carnival, and dressed up as a tooth fairy for the Halloween parade. Where I LOVED playing in the real, full size, non-operational, gutted out car that was on the playground and learned to swing all by myself!

I have fond memories of preschool and as my little man begins his own new adventure tomorrow I hope he is blessed with precious memories too!

All grown up:





SO excited!







He will definitely NOT be the class clown...



He is ALWAYS well behaved!



And snacktime is sure to be his favorite part of the day!





The cutest little schoolhouse:

project:52 {week35}

While I was working on the computer processing some photos this week I overheard {N} and {L} gathering chairs and food for a "meeting" they were having at the trampoline right behind me. After the table was set I heard {N} say, "OK, now let's pray and thank God for our food." At that point I jumped up grabbing the camera in front of me and started shooting! Unfortunately, that caught {L}'s attention and he quickly lost focus but I was able to capture {N} in this tender moment talking to his God.

These are the precious moments that I adore capturing in my little boys' lives.

fun at the beach

This week I'm entering my first photo challenge with iheartfaces! This week's theme is Beach Fun and I loved this image of my littlest man at the beach this summer. You can check out the other entries at www.iheartfaces.com.

project:52 {week34}

{N} has been dressing himself for quite a while now but just recently he has been more into dressing up. For weeks he would come out of his room in the morning and after naps wearing his train engineer overalls (from his Halloween costume last year!). When we would get ready to leave the house he was always good about changing into "going out of the house" clothes but would often ask if he could wear them again at naptime. Recently, he found one of his "church" shirts hanging in his closet and a tie from a few Easters back and now faithfully gets dressed each morning in them. This is the face (and outfit) I see each morning when I awake. The other day he told me that he was all dressed and ready to go to work. I'm curious to see what he comes up with next!

marathon session

Not too long ago I got together with a few fellow photographers and a friend of mine for a fun creative session. Denise and I have been talking about her idea for photos with her husband, Jim ever since last summer. We finally scheduled a date and once it arrived we spent 5+ hours shooting away. We were all exhausted but excited at the end of the session. I had so much fun processing these and since I couldn't decide which images to leave out I'm posting ALL of my favorites!





















Thanks for hanging in there for our marathon session, Denise and Jim. You were such good sports and Jim you've earned the husband of the year award for your patience alone!!

looking back

This session was dear to my heart because I've known this family for over 20 years! Hollie has been a dear friend of mine since high school, throughout college and beyond. She has been someone that I can pick up with and talk to no matter how much time has past. She was a part of my wedding and I had the privilege of being a part of hers. I remember her children being born and now they're growing so quickly! Because of our friendship her family was always accepting of me and made me feel like a part of it. Looking back, I can't believe that 20 years have past. I am blessed to have known this family so well and honored to photograph them.

The two that began it all (with their precious pups):


The whole family:












Thank you {S} family for all the years of friendship and for the honor of photographing your family. What a beautiful group you are!

project:52 {week33}

We've been busy over the past two weeks with swimming lessons. {N} loves the water and has exploded in his skills and love of swimming this summer. We are so proud of his efforts and look forward to many games of Marco Polo in the future!

new faves

Valerie and I have been planning this session over email for months! I was so excited about it that I woke up the morning of with new creative ideas for their session. This family was so easy to get to know and I enjoyed every minute of our time together. They were such troopers as we spent the better part of the morning at the park, then down by the river, and finally we pulled out the backdrops for some studio shots too. I hope that they are pleased with the images that we were able to capture. They are definitely some of MY new faves!!



Isn't she just gorgeous?!




{B}'s smile is contagious...what a sweet boy!


My fave alert...this one and the next one too!




I liked both of these and couldn't decide on color or black & white. Which one do you like best?




Thank you Valerie & Rahsaan and {B} for the laughs and your flexibility. I can't wait to meet baby {M}!!

project:52 {week32}

After a session with my own kiddos I thanked them for being so well behaved and patient and asked them if they wanted a lollipop as a reward. Little {L} was so excited he could barely contain himself. My boys sure LOVE treats!! Just like their mommy.