Summertime Fun!!

My parents have had our kids for the past week--my kids are so lucky to have two sets of wonderful grandparents who love them so much and spoil them rotten. While they were gone we celebrated our 13th Anniversary--Woohoo!! It was a very nice, but low key week! Anyway, we went back to NC to pick the kiddos up and hung out at my parents for the weekend! They are in the process of putting in a new pool/hot tub in--and it just so happens I got a new lens for our anniversary--so I used my family as guinea pigs to test it out! My parents' (below) relaxing in the hot tub after a very busy week!! Make sure to click on the images to see them larger!

My brother, sister-in-law, and adorable niece came up to visit too!

She has just learned to wave and is very proud!

Adoring parents!My kids did not want to leave--actually none of us did! I think my kids think their grandparents' house is their own mini resort!!Here's a couple from a few weeks ago I decided to throw in too! Gotta love the Slip n Slide!!

Thanks mom and dad for having us, we had a great time!!

Mini Boden

As a mom and photographer, I am always looking for cute, stylish clothing for kids. Clothes that don't make them grow up too fast. Clothes that give them their own sense of style. Clothes that are colorful and FUN! Clothes that make me want to take their picture!!!

Boys especially are always difficult to find clothes for--Anyone else out there have this problem? I feel like my son either has to look like a mini-man--or wear shirts with cheesy cartoon characters on them. I must admit--it has gotten better in the past few years--but it's still a challenge.

Anyway, yesterday in the mail, I received a kids clothing catalog that I absolutely fell in LOVE with!!! The brand is called Mini Boden. They cater to babies up to 14yrs. Their clothes are so fresh and fun! I literally have about 20 things circled that I want to buy for my kids! If you have never heard of them, click on the link above and take a look--I know you'll love it! Let me know what you think!

Until next time!

For the grandparents . . .

A few weeks ago my husband's parents offered to take the kids for a week! It was a treat for us and the kids! Anyway, we stayed for a few days before we headed home to PARTY, and I tried to get some photos of the kids in my in law's beautiful garden. However, it was getting dark and it was RASPBERRY SEASON!!! Each time I tried to take a photo my kids heads were in the bushes--digging for raspberries!! But, I have to say, I love this photo of the kids and Gramma--their three heads peaking out of the bushes!! I know they'll have fond memories of eating warm, ripe raspberries out of their grandparent's garden when they are all grown up!

Little Boys

When I found out five years ago that my second child was a little boy, I wasn't sure what to think. I mean I knew I'd love my child boy or girl with all my heart--but I just wasn't sure how to raise a little boy. Being a girl and having a little girl, I was used girly stuff--make up, clothes, SHOES!!! Well of course the second I held him in my arms, it was instant and automatic love and adoration! I still remember his little cheeks, so full and chubby, hanging off his little face! To this day, there is know one who melts my heart more than this little guy! All he has to do is look at me with those beautiful eyes. . . I love watching him and imagining the little boy my husband used to be. I love the fact that he is a tiny little version of a man ,and that I have the ability help mold him into an amazing man for some lucky little girl who will one day be his wife--many, MANY years from now! Five years later and now my days are filled with kitty cats and doggies, barbies and dinosaurs, Polly Pockets and rocks, sequins and bugs, lip gloss and TOADS. . .I love it!

A little bummed. . .

I was supposed to have a very exciting shoot today, but it, unfortunately, was rescheduled. . .so, I was a little bummed! I haven't really been shooting much since we have moved--so I was really looking forward to it! More on that later. My kids were going to be in the shoot--so they were already planning on having their pictures taken, and I didn't want to dissapoint them! LOL!! They were actually relieved to find out it was cancelled--but I bribed them--OH did I ever!!! On a side note, I really do not believe in bribing my children to do anything. . . except when it comes to taking their photographs! It works really well!! I think these are some of the best photos I have ever gotten of my daughter. She is such a little stinker when it comes to me taking her photos! But today, she let me have full control--the outfits and the hair(which she hated!). Anyway, here's what I got. . .

There were gnats all over the place-- and he was fed up with them, but I like to think he's playing peek a boo!

My favorite of him. . .

My favorite of her. . .

That's all for now. I've had a few requests to post some photos of the house and such--so I will try in the next few days to post a few. Until then. . .

A Quickie!

Just a quick post just because I can! Here's one of my girl. Can't post too long. Very excited--I have a very exciting shoot tomorrow! I'll have those to share in the next few days!

Finally!!!!

Get ready, because this is going to be a long one! It has been a very LONG road--and I am not talking about the road from NC to VA! But we are finally here, and I am finally able to post some photos! Most are personal, documenting the past month. We've have had quite a bit of company and have gotten to know Charlottesville pretty well! Leaving NC.

My view the WHOLE way up!

Graduation before we left.

Gettin' some love from grandma and grandpa.

These were on Father's Day.

Playing in the creek.

Downtown Charlottesville is full of color--a carousel, bright red fire hydrants, beautiful old brick!! I love it!

Well it is SO GOOD to be back. I will be back soon with more!