We met the Ellis family earlier in the fall (yep, we’re still that behind on blogging…thanks for being patient people! :-).  When they came for their design consultation, we knew Miss S was going to be a treat to photograph.  She was only about 17 months old and seriously one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen!  The day of the session was even more incredible, when S did everything we could have hoped and more.  I have never seen a child that young listen so well and not disagree about any of it.  James and I could not get over it, and could have kept her here all day!  (Okay, mom and dad were awesome, too….even if Miss S did overshadow everyone that day!)  We’re so excited for this family as they await the arrival of another sweet baby girl in a few months….good luck to you and we can’t wait to meet the new baby!

Every year I have a Christmas “moment”.  I never know what it will be or when it will come but it always happens.  This “moment” is something defining in a day that totally gets me in the mood for the season.  This year’s was about a week before Christmas.  The girls and I decided to take a nice walk in the cold air and head over to the Boxing Donkey for dunch(late lunch/early dinner)  The pub was fairly empty so the Reilly & Miss T got to run around and dance (yes our girls were dancing in bar) like little craziacs and all kinds of fun.  Next was a trip to the madness of the mall (which actually wasn’t too mad), and soaked up some more of the Holiday spirit.  No agenda, no plans, just a walk in the mall with the fam.  We finished with some caramel corn and some holiday movies at home.  That was it.  Nothing overly special.. but special to me.  A great day, and a great “moment”.

Also, Reilly made a really cool portrait of me!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season filled with food, fun and family.  Just thought I’d share a few of my favorites from our Toys for Tots Santa portraits.  Again, it was a great time and we really appreciate all your participation.

Merry Christmas!

Earlier this fall we had the pleasure of photographing the Luong family on their “weekend property.”  They have 5 beautiful acres that currently just has a cottage on it, as well as a pond with fish and some beautiful scenery.  The plan is to build their dream home for the family on the property, but for now they go there to just get away and enjoy country life with their 3 kids.  It was great to capture the obvious excitement this family has about their new oasis, and we can’t wait to see it when it becomes their full-time home! 

When we first met the Thornings for their design consultation, papa Thorning wasn’t there and didn’t even know family portraits were in the works….his wife was thinking of just having us capture the kids, but after some chatting, we convinced her it was a good idea to come prepared for the whole family as well.  Fast forward to one of those early fall days that topped 100 degrees here in the valley, and we were trying to work quickly before anyone got too overheated in their super cool clothes.  We just loved their clothing choices, which totally fit their personality and style.  Everyone survived the heat and it was well worth it.  We were again so grateful for another wonderful family!

We have so many things and people to be thankful for this Thanksgiving….our beautiful, healthy girls; our families & friends; our health & home; the wonderfully amazing clients who bless our lives daily and allow us to make a living doing what we absolutely love; the brave men & women serving to protect our great country and our freedom; and each other.  May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, laughter, good food, and a quiet moment to reflect on what you are thankful for this year.  Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!