I met the Johnson family through my daughter Emma’s preschool.  Amy and I had many conversations about location, clothing, and ways to make the girls feel at ease.  We decided on Quiet Waters park, casual dress, and LOLLIPOPS – giant lollipops to be exact!  Amy & Wayne got some awesome lollipops on their beach vacation and we pulled them out when the girls could take no more smiling.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day either.  The impending storm held off for us, brought nice cloud cover, and the park was giving free admission & a concert that day!  We only had one snaffu – Drew fell & got a boo-boo!  But she handled it wonderfully.  You’ll see the sweet photo I snapped of Amy cuddling her later on down in the post.

Thanks so much Wayne, Amy, Drew, & Kate for letting me get in your face with my camera.  I really enjoyed watching you all interact!  Here’s your preview…

Mommy makes it all better

About three weeks ago, Beverly and I had the great honor of seeing a fine young man named Drew celebrate his graduation from the United States Naval Academy.  Drew’s mom was my daughter’s preschool teacher this year and Emma just loved her.  When she asked if I’d be there to document this occasion for her son, I was honored.

Now all of you know I’m no graduate of the USNA, but I’ve known some, and those men and women work HARD to get where they are.  They are some of our nation’s finest representatives,  and the promise they make to serve and protect us are nothing short of heroic.  But just as they work hard, they deserve to party hard too.  Bev & I had such a fun time watching Drew relax with his family & friends,  play some cornhole &  beer whiffle ball, and eat his heart out…he had certainly earned it.

Drew, we wish you the best in your future endeavors.  Enjoy your short time off, and don’t forget to call your mom often, because I know she’s gonna miss you!

The Navy Ram

Cornhole

This is what Drew will be training for

Drew’s brother playing some cornhole

This gift was an Orioles hat Drew’s friend took from him 4 years ago when he entered the Academy

He was surprised they’d kept it all these years

A loving father