Oregon

Over spring break we packed up and drove the family for a little vacation to Oregon. Growing up (and let's be honest, to this day) The Goonies has been one of my favorite movies. I've always loved how beautiful Oregon looked and have wanted to visit Astoria for as long as I can remember. Well, I can finally check it off the bucket list! And despite it taking us 2 days to get there it was absolutely worth it!! It was extremely windy, rainy and misty almost the entire time we were there, but I think it just added to the beauty.

Happy New Year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am so excited for this new year. It's hard to believe 2013 is come and gone, but I'm looking forward to what 2014 has in store. And I wish everyone the best in this new year!

This year for Christmas my siblings and I gave the grandparents updated photos of all the grandkids. For my mom's birthday a few years back we made a gallery wall of the then 7 grandkids. It was time to update "the wall" so this time we thought we'd try and keep them looking a little more coordinated (I'm sure my mom was tired of looking at the hot pink and bright turquoise my kids wore for family photos 3 years ago). I'm so pleased with how they turned out. I love how my family is growing - 11 grandkids ranging from 12 years - 3 months and another little one due in April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here were a couple that didn't make "the wall", but I just love these kids and wanted to show them off. I think we need to make an "out take wall" now too!

 

Sweet Baby James; a personal post

It's not often I can convince my kids to let me take their picture, and James is getting to that age where he refuses to sit still. But I was dying to try out my new softbox! I have the most wonderful friends and family, and was absolutely spoiled for my birthday - a new 5 foot softbox! Beautiful newborn nest and blanket! More photography gear, beautiful jewelry, gift cards for the mall, and so much more. I cannot express my gratitude enough for their kindness and generosity. Thank you all so much!

Anyways, this softbox has been calling my name and I finally put it together and attempted photos of baby James. No, he's definitely not a baby anymore, but he's MY baby. And although these images are not perfect (I'm still learning studio lighting! and James did not cooperate), I LOVE them.

I love his little body, his chubby fingers and toes. I love the dirty looks he can give that make me crack up. For 19 months old he's very polite, saying please and thank you more than his older siblings do. I love that he runs at a sprint to give a hug and kiss. I love my time snuggling him at night when the older kids are in bed. I love his silliness and his tender heart. I love this little boy. He's stolen my heart.

Sisters

"A sister is a gift to the heart, friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life."

- Isadora James

 

 

 



Sweet Baby James, my little nerd!

Well, next week my baby turns 1 year old! I can't believe how fast that year went. He's just a little ball of fire and I can't get enough of him! A couple weeks ago we had an awful snowstorm and were stuck in the house. Figured since we weren't going anywhere I might as well take some pictures of my little munchkin. I just love him! Now to decide which one (or ones) to get on canvas for his room... Any suggestions?

Meet the rest of my crew - A personal post

I am so in love with these little munchkins. I posted a few photos of my daughter Ella, and I just wanted to share a few of my favorites of the other kids.

Meet my baby, Will. It's hard to believe that this little man will be 3 this summer. And it'll just be the two of us come fall, as my little Livie Lou will start kindergarten!








Little Livie - my little ham. I'm so happy she still lets me take photos of her and plays things up for the camera. She's such a sweet girl and it makes me sad to think she'll be leaving us to go to school. I'm excited for her, but Will and I are really going to miss her.





And last but not least, my man, Austin. He starts middle school this year, and I'm just not ready for it. He's such a great help around the house, and is the best big brother the younger ones could ask for.



Please, someone tell these little ones to stop growing up! I just want to keep them way they are.

My Daughter

I recently purchased a few new backdrops and a gorgeous new floor for photos, and my little Ellie Bellie wanted me to take pictures. I absolutely LOVE it when my kids are up for pictures (it doesn't happen often...) As I was going through and editing these images I realized just how much she's grown up. She's not a baby anymore and it's very bitter/sweet. I look forward to seeing the woman she grows up to be, but I miss my baby girl.