My very talented sister-in-law, Katie, is now accepting new students for violin and viola lessons. She has been teaching for ten years and playing for 21! She is amazing with kids. Here are the details ~

I don’t often post images of my kids on my blog because it is nearly impossible to photograph them most of the time. In years past I have shed tears, and those were not tears of joy. However, this time it was different. They completely cooperated with me and I teared up a little bit when I reviewed the images when we got home. I am sure it helped that we had a gorgeous location full of fun things for them to do. We visited a beautiful farm with lots of chickens. Henry had a blast watching them and checking out the large selection of tractors. Helen wanted to spend her time playing with all of the kittens that live there too.

Here are some of my favorites. I can’t wait to put this first one above my fireplace.

I love when Henry stands like this.

This is so Helen – posing like a model with her self-applied fingernail polish.

It occurred to me recently that I have not shared images of my own children in far too long. The reason for that is actually that I have not taken any pictures of my kids (other than iPhone snaps) in quite a long time. So sad.

Henry, who is almost 2, loves to make a camera out of his Legos and then walks around holding it up to his face and yelling “Cheeeeezzzz!”. I have no idea where he got the “cheese” business because I don’t think I have ever suggested that my kids say “cheese” when I point a camera at them. The other day, he saw my camera and insisted that I photograph him (by yelling Cheeeezzz).

Helen, who is almost 7, is far less cooperative when a camera is involved. She frequently wants me to photograph her, but then she makes all flavors of goofy faces or runs away from me. This must be her way of torturing me. But, every once in a while I can get a glimpse of her genuine laugh when my camera is in hand. It probably helps that she was in the middle of making fun of me.

Speed of Life Photography

Every year I do a big photo session for all of the kids in my family. This year, it was 12 kids all 6 and under. Phew. It is always a crazy time. My Father-in-Law has been hinting for a long time for a really nice picture of all of the grandkids together and so I set out to make that happen. This is what we got. What I love about this image is that each of the kids’ expressions are really, truly them. It was really fun on Christmas to watch them open their gift.

We just returned from our family vacation to the beach. We stayed with friends that live near Destin and had a wonderful time. Helen has always loved the beach. She has a great time playing in the sand, jumping in the waves and finding shells. She could spend all day there. I was a little worried about Henry though. He just turned one and isn’t quite walking yet. The sand and water could have easily been no fun for him. But, he had a great time too!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the week.

I did a little mini session with Henry today. We are both completely worn out!

Here are a few of my favorites… (click to see them bigger)

This little pea pod hat was Helen’s.

I am very excited to make this post! Our son Henry was born yesterday - on Father’s Day! He is just perfect. Helen is totally in love with her new little brother and Bill and I could not be more excited about our beautiful family.

Look at this proud big sister!

(click to see the images larger)

My sister Anne and her husband Robert were married this past Saturday. The day was beautiful – the ceremony was lovely, the reception was elegant – everything was perfect. Sara McDermott of SJ Macky Photography photographed their day. She did an awesome job. First of all she knew and remembered everyone’s names all day long. She truly captured Anne and Robert’s personalities – as well as the rest of us. She took some gorgeous images. You can see some of them on her blog including a slideshow of the highlights of the day. Sara is definitely going on my list of Recommended Wedding Photographers.

Here are a few shots I took at the rehearsal of Helen and her cousin. Helen has become quite the little poser. How adorable are they in their sailor outfits?! (Click to see the image larger)

Throughout my pregnancy clients and friends have asked me if I was going to have do maternity portraits. I have kind of gone back and forth on the idea – not because I don’t think maternity portraits are beautiful, but because all along I have not really viewed my belly as beautiful. I have had bruises and little blood blisters from injections that I do in my stomach. Sure, I know how to “fix things” in Photoshop, but I decided if I was going to document this pregnancy I should document it how it really is. So, I decided to do maternity portraits and to do them myself. Welcome to my self (with a bit of assistance from my husband) -portraits!

We did these today – my requested Mother’s Day activity.

And last, but not least, some of me and my bruises.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms and Moms To Be!