Improvising on a hot day

Who would have thought it would be 95 degrees on April 25th? The warmth did feel great and we spent the day mostly outdoors with a flag football game in the morning and then a little water fun in the afternoon. Brett loves anything that has to do with water. I've found him more than once standing in a bathroom sink with the water on full blast; he loves to put toys in the dog's water bowl and splash water all over the floor; and today was no exception with lots of hose and sprayer fun. The water coming from the hose was COLD despite the 90+ degree air temperature but that didn't keep him from spraying himself in the face, body and head. He loved it. I had planned to get him a plastic pool for the summer but since it is only April, I haven't gotten around to that yet. So we improvised. A snow sled was still in the backyard and he occasionally calls it a boat and sits in it. I let him fill that up with water and he played in it just like a plastic pool. He still called it his boat so at some point we will have to teach him that filling boats up with water isn't actually a good idea! But, today it was a perfect idea and made for a couple hours of fun!

Serious, determined, thoughtful, flirty, bashful-all in one

Too cute for words!

I have been wanting to photograph my neighbor's little darling forever and even though we see each nearly every day of the week at the bus stop and have numerous playdates, I've not had the opportunity to really catch her little spunkiness in photos! She came to play with Brett today for a little while and I grabbed my camera and took them outside. Her mom left me with two hair bands, some clippy thingies and a brush "just in case I wanted to take some photos." Well, let's just say this mom of 3 little boys doesn't know much on the art of fixin' up girls' hair! I tried! She's a cutie pie even if a inexperienced mom fixed her hair!

The two were having so much fun in the backyard that "Yanie" as Brett calls her, didn't slow down a bit for me to get any portraits so we went for the action shots. I discovered that even little girls like big yellow Tonka trucks! They filled it with rocks and dumped out the rocks and pushed it around the yard. They also stood at the back of the yard and Brett would yell "GO!" and they would run down the hill and back up the other side. So much fun to watch two little ones interact. She's actually 3 months older but Brett outweighs her by probably 10 pounds and has at least 4 inches on her. He is such a big boy!

I'm going to have to get some more camera time with "Yanie" this summer w/o Brett competing for the shot! She's too cute for words!!

Successful Baby Shower

A little Mama-to-Be scare the day before the shower landed Em in the hospital for a night and gave us all a little concern she might miss her shower. But, with reassurance from the good doctor and determination on her part, the shower went on as planned and was a success. I think she's set for at least a few months (well, maybe weeks knowing babies!) with diapers, wipes, clothes, books, and all the necessary new baby items. Now if he decides to come a little early, she'll be ready!

We had guests from Richmond, VA who will be this little baby's GREAT, GREAT Aunts. That's 4 generations!! How wonderful!

I wanted to post a few photos from the afternoon of all the details that have kept me busy (in a good way) for the last few weeks. I totally enjoyed planning and putting together this shower and a big thanks to everyone who helped me! We definitely can't wait to meet the newest addition to our family in a few short weeks.

Non-traditional Easter "Egg" Hunt

The boys and I headed out for some Easter photos and some fun on a warm day during spring break. Brett insisted on bringing his basket (you may remember his obsession with buckets...that also applies to baskets). Instead of hunting Easter eggs, the boys hunted pinecones! Brett had a great time picking them up and putting them in his basket. Then he discovered the water...and then the pinecones found their way into the water. And so did some twigs and some rocks! What is it with boys and throwing things into water?? That makes it three for three with my kids and wanting to throw objects into any puddle, pond or lake!

I had quite the challenge trying to get all three to cooperate and let me have a photo of them together. Didn't really get what I wanted...why do my boys think I take too many photos?? They don't like to sit together or be close in anyway if I ask them to. So, I got some candids and some individual shots but nothing for an Easter card. There's always tomorrow!

Anyway, hope you are having an enjoyable Easter weekend and the Easter Bunny is good to you tonight! :)

Waiting for Baby Part II

A few more from our maternity session including the turtle family!

Waiting for Baby

I had a fantastic shoot with an adorable and "totally in love" couple last Sunday. They have been married almost 3 years and are expecting their first baby (a boy) in late May. Needless to say, there is quite the excitement around the arrival of this little guy from everyone in the family. The Mama-to-Be happens to be my hubby's cousin whom I've known, well this will make me seem VERY old, since she was about 6 years old! I'm thrilled for them and can't wait get some camera loving time with the little man when he arrives.

We went out to Isaac Walton and walked around the pond and enjoyed the great spring day. On the way back towards the car I happened to spot a daddy turtle, mama turtle and baby turtle all in a row on a tree branch rising from the pond. It was such an appropriate and completely sweet way to end our session!

Enjoy these photos of gorgeous Emily and excited daddy-to-be Ricky. And stay tuned for baby's debut on my site in a few short weeks. Can't wait!!

A few more of Kallie

I couldn't resist posting a few more of baby Kallie. She still makes me smile!