Three is the new two - {Lawrence, KS children's photographer}

The moving boxes were not yet unpacked, heck they were barely off the truck! Yet, the mama of this cute face stopped everything to let me capture her daughter, to celebrate being THREE! She contacted me prior to the move and we made the appointment, they just had to get here from Tennessee! Priorities folks, she's got them. Stop and enjoy, the boxes will still be there.

It was chilly on this March morning but she toughed it out and we got some cute shots! Welcome (back ) to Lawrence, I hope we can work together again...maybe when it's a tad warmer!

At least she had this warm and stylish coat to cozy into!

The sweetest curls.

Lovin' love - {Lawrence, KS engagement photographer}

Neither of them were looking for a relationship, I love that. Sara was working, raising her daughter and keeping up with all her activities. The same for Jay. But Jay had some neighbors who saw something in both of them and insisted that they meet. Sara taught their daughter in Sunday school and they wouldn't give up that the two should meet. Sara and Jay finally caved and well, the rest is history. Two years of dating and now a wedding in the fall! The funny part, the wedding date happens to fall on the match-making neighbors anniversary. That too was unplanned.

This engagement isn't just the brining together of two people but five. A new family. So, of course they were all part of the session. It only make sense right?

I have many more family photos but I kept going back to this one.

They weren't "ready" or expecting it and that is the very reason I love it.

Rawr.

I have to say something about these three.

They were adorable.

While I was just shooting Jay and Sara, they were off teasing each other, hanging out and laughing. Sara's daughter hasn't had siblings and I have no doubt these two will fill that role for her!

Sara...she is all grown up!

Stunning!!

Thank you so much for asking me to capture this time in your lives. Your love and admiration for each other is so evident. I am so happy for you all!

Weems family - {Perry, KS family photographer}

Back in early January I was thinking that we had been pretty blessed with a fairly mild winter thus far. I shot this session in that time frame, it was probably in the high 40's which was very bearable! I know that as I type this we have about 10" of snow on the ground and it is currently 13 degrees out. I think 40 would feel balmy! It doesn't help that I just got back from Mexico, warm, sunny, sand between my toes, ahhhh... Our mild winter is over but thank goodness the groundhog is saying spring is around the corner, because I need it!

I met this family thanks to one very special little girl, Violet. Meet her dear god-parents. Violet touched so many, many people in her short time here on earth and she continues to daily. Lives forever changed.

Men are generally the least excited to get photos taken and I can't say Mark was any different than the rest of them. I can tell you however, he never complained and I could tell he was there for one reason, his family. Capturing memories. We just never know what tomorrow might hand us.

One of two new tattoos.

His son's initial, LOVE it!

This guy on the other hand didn't mind my camera one bit!

Having some fun sneaking up on dad!

So, so sweet.

I love the emotion in this photo...

The other arm...

in honor of Violet.

I heart faces- best face

Best face? Really? Do you know how many wonderful faces get in front of my camera? Brand new ones, ornery ones, innocent ones, loving ones, REAL ones. So instead of digging through files for hours and agonizing over a decision, I went with the first one that came to my mind. This is of one of my cousins little boys and it has always grabbed me. The blue of his eyes, the pink of his lips and the gold of his hair. The purity of it. I just love it.

I haven't placed a photo over at I heart faces in a long, long time. I am excited to post one again and to head to their site to look through many more wonderful faces. Join me! (click on the icon below)

*edit* just read further into the print for this week. I heart faces is usually on vacation this first week of the year but decided to try something different instead. No guest judge but a "peoples choice" type of voting...ugh. Not really my style but will stick it out any way!

What have YOU been doing?

It seems like I run from one thing to the next these days. It is Monday, the kids are out of school, I am caught up on my photography (whew) and Derek is done traveling for the year. I feel like we can finally sit back and truly enjoy the Christmas season. Or week I should say. No, my shopping isn't 100% complete, but almost. The UPS man knows us well. What did we do before online shopping?

Life with three little people and a business leaves me with my new fashion trend, dark circles! But I wouldn't trade any of it. We have been blessed beyond measure and I know this time in our lives will speed by. So for now we soak it all in and keep running. Here are a few things that have been going on in our household.

Josie got her braces off and is now sporting a straight smile...

but bottom braces are coming in January, her mouth is a bit of a mess.

So thankful for a great orthodontist!

Harper had her Christmas sing-a-long.

Nothing cuter than a group of 3 & 4 year olds singing their hearts out.

Maybe a few picking their noses.

-Josie had a music concert too-

We have kicked off Josie's gymnastic season

Her hours of hard work paid off!

She got 1st place on the bars, beam and floor (resulting in 1st place all-around)

& a 3rd place on the vault.

Looking forward to watching her all season!

I had never taken my girls to the eye doctor as I had no concerns.

This summer I decided they should all go in for a vision exam (it is free for 3 & under)

Ummm...the result, a follow-up visit last week and TWO kids in glasses.

WHAT?

I can blame their dad as I still have perfect vision.

But I must say they are pretty cute.

We are currently taking bets on how long until these beauties are broken.

We have taken in a few great Jayhawk games!

I rarely take my camera but I did this weekend and got some fun shots.

Our seats are pretty incredible this year so it is much more fun to snap away.

This is our view, no fancy zoom on my camera, just a 50mm.

This was against USC...another barn burner. I had a headache after this game!

Hoping for a great season.

ROCK CHALK!

A visit to Santa is a must. My girls requests?

Harper - a nintendo DS

Emme - a nintendo DSi and science stuff

Josie- a laptop

Electronics? What happened to good old wooden toys?

Christmas shopping.

The girls skipping their way to the Toy Store.

Ahhh....I love this time of year.

Now off to bake some cookies!

I hope you are enjoying the season!

Blogging absence

Yes, I am very overdue on my blogging. I have been busy putting out fires...

Ha. Not really, I am just in the "heat" of Holiday season (ok, enough of the tacky word usage). I am trying to put all my time into taking care of my clients. I will be back to share lots of images with all the great families I have been spending time with soon!

And baby makes four - Lawrence, KS newborn photographer

Sweet newborn goodness. She was right at three weeks at the time we took these photos, that still qualifies for newborn status right? They change so quickly! That is one of the many reasons it is so fun to capture them while they are still so fresh and new.

I got to meet this family for a photo session this summer to celebrate the end of the family of three and to capture the now big brother. So of course I was super excited to meet the newest member. A sprinkle of pink can now be found in this household. A little sister to be picked on for many years to come by her big brother. Thanks for letting me come over and spend the afternoon with you all!

She was pretty awake for most of the session, just chillin'.

Awww, some sleep.

Please don't wake me by moving me around lady!

A cute big brother playing with the rocks.

Fall babe

some quick love for his new sister.

Severn family - Lawrence, Kansas family photographer

We had so much fun last weekend on this shoot. These guys were totally relaxed and just themselves the whole time. It does help that their personalities are fun and full of spunk. All of them!

We met Dave while moving to Lawrence, he was our realtor. A friend of a friend situation and he led us to our house and our great neighborhood. He did not steer us wrong! They are only one street over from us so we see them regularly and the kids go to school together. Actually Andrew and Josie are in the same class this year and Clara is in a dance class with her. Denise is an avid runner, I am telling you energy pours out of all of them. Thanks so much guys, enjoy your peek!

I LOVE this picture!

We have some smiles too but these one jumped off the screen at me.

No serious looks for this guy,

all smiles!

They are a family that loves music too!

I told Dave all we needed was his baby grand out there with us.

This pictures was unintentional.

I was checking my settings and she was waiting on the family

I happen to love the unintentional.

Thanks so much guys!