. . . wish you were here. . .

in sunny Florida with us! We decided on a total whim to take off right after Christmas for some much needed SUNSHINE! We are very lucky to have amazing family here in Florida who graciously welcomed us to their home. It has been such a wonderful week! Total rejuvenation-mind,body,and spirit! It is my sincere hope that however your family has celebrated this holiday season, that it has been wonderful and happy for you! Many, many wishes for a VERY exciting, hope filled New Year!

Well I guess it's official. . .

Winter is here! Decatur was covered with our first snow of the season on Saturday night, and then again last night. The kids were so excited to wake up and find a couple of inches this morning. I wish I could say it was loads of fun playing outside, but somehow the fun never lasts more than a few minutes. . . how is it that it takes half and hour to get four kids (three of whom are self sufficient) dressed for snow and out the door, and then they only actually last out there for roughly, five minutes? Then you have a pile of wet clothes and shoes,lol. Aah, winter in Illinois! Only a few months to go! hahahaha. Stay warm and have fun friends!

If nothing else, I have some fun new photos of my own kids, who have been woefully neglected in the photo department this fall!

This is definitely a new favorite for me. My oldest son, Jack, hates to have his photo taken, but he was having fun and gave me a relaxed happy face when I called his name. Lucky mom.







I guess it's time to remove the pumpkins from the front porch! hahaha.




May I just point out that James is wearing his "indiana jones" hat. He is rarely without that thing,lol.

Precious baby Owen

Sigh. I really don't think I will ever,ever get tired of newborn sessions. I also don't think I will ever get used to being lucky enough to meet these beautiful new little ones and their families. What a blessing!

Baby Owen was just as sweet as they come. A beautiful, tiny little guy with a mama who adores him (and I'm sure his daddy is nuts over him too, I just didn't get to meet him,lol.). Pure bliss! Many thanks to Rikki for sharing beautiful baby Owen with me. I hope you will love the photos as much as I do! Your gallery is nearly ready!














The End!

Sweet,pink baby Natalie, three days.

Natalie is just darling! She was still so pink and new when I saw her last week, only three days old! She was alert and awake the whole time I was there! Brian and Trish-thanks for sharing this time with me. Natalie is darling,but you already know that! I hope you'll love your gallery!











hee hee, she was done with me!

sweet,sweet new baby Laynee. . .four days new.

Love. The purest, most amazing love. The love of a brand new baby. Baby Laynee was just perfect and gorgeous and amazing. And her mom, oh my, her mom loves her! It was truly beautiful to watch. I felt so honored to be there, to witness that relationship, to capture this time for them. Thank you Sammi, for sharing your beautiful new daughter with me. It was a beautiful afternoon! I hope you'll love your gallery.

A beautiful birthday girl and her darling big brother

What a fun day this was! The adorable little Brielle turned two on the day of our session. She was so bubbly and happy and excited for her party-a costume party, so we even let the kids play in their costumes for a bit! What a fun little spirit she is! And her big brother, also just adorable, was excited for the party as well. Ethan was energetic and happy too. Thank you so much for sharing such a special day with me and I hope you love your gallery!

Guess which little pumpkin is six months old already?!

Sweet Baby Xander-that's who! I seriously cannot believe he is already six months old! And I can't believe how lucky I am to have photographed him so many times! He just gets cuter and cuter, which I didn't think was possible! Slow down big guy!