Jenn & Wes are my husband’s cousins, so instead of calling them my cousin’s-in-law, I just refer to them as my cousins – it’s just easier that way.  AND….they are probably about as close as cousins anyway.  Jenn contacted me & told me she and her brother Wes wanted to surprise their parents with a Mother’s Day/Father’s Day gift of some new photos of the two of them.  They hadn’t had family pictures since their last vacation & decided it was time.  And it was especially important since both of these kids now live states away from their parents – the memories are so much more precious.

I’d have to say it was a challenging day.  The heat, the busy downtown area, and the fact that I didn’t want it to look like Wes & Jenn were a couple.  Um, no, they are brother & sister, not a couple…ewww, gross!  They were so patient with me moving them and changing my mind over and over again.  I think we got some pretty good shots & from what I’ve heard, their parents are thrilled!  Here’s Wes & Jenn….

Just had to share this last one of Jenn & her boyfriend!  Thanks for tagging along, Grant!

This has to be a quick post because….drum roll…Josh & I get a date tonight!  AHHHH!  So exciting!  And I have to get the girls ready and out the door in 30 minutes.

Anyways…this photo is from our lunch trip to McDonald’s in Arnold today.  They apparently give out kiddie cones for free which I think is pretty nice of them.  I’m glad they had them too because it was what I used as leverage to get Brooke to stop talking & eat!  As you can see, my girls LOVE ice cream!  (I think they get that from me)  Thanks McDonald’s!

(PS – we are going to see AVATAR in a 3D XD theater at Arundel Mills – Josh says its the BEST one to see it in, besides IMAX.  I’ll let you know what we think)

Images I looked at:  Honestly, I’ve only looked at my own!  I’m editing about 200+ little kids head shots for a special surprise project that I can’t talk about & I’m awful at keeping secrets & I really just need to blab to someone, but I can’t!  So, hopefully once the project is unveiled, I can share with y’all!  (shhh…but maybe if you ask me personally I can tell you, or not)  Anyway, looking at my own images (sounds conceited,right?) makes me realize that I love shooting children & I think I have almost cemented in my mind that a “Portrait” photographer is what I want to be right now.  Weddings are great, & lovely, & wonderful…but maybe just not for me currently.  Doesn’t mean I won’t shoot them, but I am not going to label myself as that.  I can’t be an everything photographer.  I want to be a one thing photographer, and be really good at it.  There, I said it, so now it’s final!

See y’all later!

I’ve been waiting to post this blog for weeks, but I was sworn to secrecy by Aubrey’s parents.  See, they were having these photos taken secretly to use as a Christmas surprise for their family.  So there was a strict no Facebook & no blogging policy!  Well, Christmas has past & I’m just itching to put up a few photos of this little beauty!  Congratulations to Jessica & KC on your new, & lovely, baby girl!

My sister came along in my life when I was almost 7 years old.  She kicked me out of the “baby” role & stole my spotlight with her brown curly hair & beautiful blue eyes.  And I LOVE her!  Maggie hates hates hates when I share her business with anyone, so I’ll be vague, but I have to share with you how proud I am of her & how much I just love her.  Now don’t get me wrong…she is annoying, steals my clothes, doesn’t return my phone calls, talks incessantly, and STOLE my role as the baby in the family.  Yet, she is my sister and she has been through some tough stuff in her short 22 years.  But lately, I have seen a fortitude & determination in her life that makes me smile.  She wants to be a good mother to her dear, sweet Leah.  She wants to work.  She wants to make her way in this world.  She wants to be self sufficient.  Wanting is one thing…doing is another, and lately, I have seen Maggie doing.  So, to honor her (& because I’m the worst gift-giver ever & all I know how to give is photographs), I stole her daughter today for a mini photo session.  Yes, it did benefit me to parade my niece around in tutu’s and feather boas and make her cry, but it is also my gift to Maggie.  Leah is her world, her constant, & her reason for trying to be better.  These photos of her little love were what I felt would speak to her the most…that, and an iPod.  And I’m really bad at secrets, and I’m not technically supposed to be giving Maggie this gift until Leah’s 1st birthday in November, but, like I said, I’m really bad at secrets & can’t wait!!!!  And MAJOR MAJOR props go out to my partners in secrecy Ashley (my sister-in law) & my mom, Susan.  Ashley made so many faces, did so many noises, dances, and other crazy things to get Leah looking at me.  And Mom, you were great watching the 4 other grand kids & helping with numerous outfit changes…oh yeah, and lying to Maggie about what we were doing!  Thank you both!  Here is Leah Beth…..