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Aidan and Jack antics...Aidan is missing his front two teeth.  Jack kicked them out last night.  How this happened you might ask...a little wrestle move Jack decided to try out on his brother.  Thankfully they were already loose.  #mylifewithboys

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This is my favorite time of year. Not only for the leaves changing color, hot chocolate by the fire and soccer, but also because I get to photograph my Preschoolers.  One of the Preschools I've been photographing for four years.  I watch these little guys grow and it's pretty amazing to see the changes from year to year.  They are such a joy, wiggles and all!  Here are some of my Preschoolers from my latest shoots (...Girls.  I bet they've never kicked out someone's front teeth) ;)

(click on portrait to view larger)

Lolly Pop, Lolly Pop...

In the Spring I donated to the annual Brooks Elementary school fundraiser.  I had the pleasure of meeting and working with the winner of that portrait package, the Williams family.  Four adorable, well-behaved kids.  Gorgeous family!  Here's a sneak peek of their portrait session.   

Mom suggested we do this pose to match a similar shot she has with one of the boys. I'm so happy she did.  I love this intimate moment with mother and daughter.

The end of the night the boys are enjoying their well-earned lolly pops!  Below, sweet Tatum is trying to get in on the action, watching her brother's every move.

Thank you for the fun evening Williams family!

Chase's Champions

On Sunday we had the honor of walking with several close friends in the Walk to Cure Diabetes.  We walked for friends, we walked for family and we walked for strangers....then we walked for food ;)  Mostly though, we walked for Chase.   

It's one thing when an adult inspires you, but it's a whole nother level when a child inspires you.  Chaser, little man, you inspire us.  You face this disease's challenges and you do not let it stand in the way of your dreams.  We were honored to walk with you and we will continue to support you.  Here are some moments from our day...

The MacDonald Clan



You will never find a harder working Mama!  Cheers to you Stacey!

President Daddy Bryce!



See no evil, speak no evil...



Ma familia!





Your mom. Me? Really.

I like to infuse a little of myself into my photography blog so here's a little peak into the life of me.  A recent conversation with my boys...

Aidan: Moooooom!  Jack called me "stupid".

Jack:  No I didn't.  I said you're "stupendous".

Nice recovery Jack ;)

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Last week I shot a group of Seniors from the Class of 2013.  It was a great day until I suddenly realized, I'm old enough to be their mom!  Reality check since really, I feel like I just graduated!

 

It was a gorgeous, warm day in Old Town Sacramento and after a little shyness these kids really opened up for the camera.  It was a breath of fresh air to be around such young, respectful kids.  Best of luck 2013!

Two Peas in a Pod

Heather had her twins in June (see post below) but I never posted her beautiful belly; I photographed Mama Heather in May.  We had a great time in my studio coming up with various poses to show off her growing belly.  Hard to believe two little peanuts are in there!  

Smiling Eyes

Our truck was in the shop so my husband was given a loaner.  Jack didn't quite understand the idea of a loan and was totally displeased with Brad, "Daddy spent ALL his money.  He bought ANOTHER truck!" ~ Jackism #4,263 ;)

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Most photographers will tell you that working with kids is challenging...not fun, even.  Kids don't listen; they have short attention spans; they want to play; they get cranky; they cry.... They also happen to be my most favorite subject! 

True, they are the most challenging to photograph, but it's the challenge that makes it so great!  Kids are the most gratifying. When you earn their trust and are able to capture their spirit in a portrait, there is nothing sweeter; it's that special something in their eyes that cannot be duplicated in an adult. 

I had the pleasure of taking portraits of the Ellis family.  For two hours this little guy's eyes smiled.  He was one of the best I've every photographed, especially for a three year old in a 90 minute photoshoot!!  He has model written all over him... 

Babies Make Three!

These adorable baby girls are mine...well, in my mind anyway.  Meet my new cousins Ashley and Alicia. LOVE them up!  Nothing better than one newborn, until you have two! Big brother Nathan has his job cut out for him watching over his precious sisters. 

Hanging with Mosquitos and Soccer Moms

Jack and I were sitting at the car wash waiting for our CRV to pull through when Jack nodded in the direction of one of the cars.  A man was buffing the car with a round, electric buffer....Rather seriously he asked me, "Do they do that to bald people?"

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Sunday night I headed to Willow Creek for my photoshoot with the MacDonald family.  We met the MacDonalds four years ago when Aidan joined Bryce's team.  It was our first soccer experience and my last time being sane. Once I applied sunscreen and kicked out my Tommy Bahama beach chair I learned the true meaning of [Super Psycho] Soccer Mom. Witnessing me on the sidelines, it's a wonder that this family still calls us friends ;) 

The MacDonald boys are gorgeous and precious and such troopers!  We were outside shooting for two hours in the heat, walking through questionable poison ivy, swarmed by mosquitoes and through it all, the boys were patient and willing to work.  I really love this family and I hope you enjoy a preview of some of their photos.