Fall Fun... for Everyone?

What I love about these guys? Amber appreciates a NORMAL picture... the kind that captures life as it actually is at times... which is why this one, according to her, should be captioned "Why We Seldom Take Family Pictures". HAHA!

I had such a good time taking pictures for this family. Derek and Kraig were college buddies and Amber and I met when I started dating Kraig. We don't see them nearly as much as we did in the past (though Amber and I are in book club together), but we so enjoy their company. And these kids... mercy. Too adorable and so much fun to hang out with! Thanks, Amber, for letting me have fun with you guys for an afternoon!

The Sweetest Bond

might be that of teenage siblings with an adorable, tiny little guy! This cute family goes to my church, and I took their pictures last year around this time. Tanner and Jocelyn are both growing up so fast and are so courteous and fun to be around. Little Cole is lucky enough to be doted on not just by Mom and Dad, but also by these siblings. You can see in the pictures the sweet bond they all have with each other. I really enjoyed getting to do this session!

Top Five Reasons I LOVE Garcia Parties

5. The food is always good.
4. The entertainment is always amusing.
3. The "extras" are always awesome.
2. They are always creative.
1. The kids are ALWAYS adorable.

Just like last year, I need to say that I adore these people (and THEIR people). Jaylee is too adorable and precocious. She killed me this year with all of her hilarious expressions and commentary while she opened her presents. Where does she get it? Mom. And Dad. Love those guys. This year's theme was "Tangled" and Jessica and Tanisha outdid themselves. It was an awesome, fun party, even if the lanterns sort of rolled down the hill instead of floating gracefully into the air, right Jess? ;)

To Infinity... and BEYOND!

I can't believe it's been a year since Cameron's Gator Birthday party last year! Time flies when you are one of the cutest little guys around, apparently. This party was at Jumpin' Junction, which is a party locale I would highly recommend. They honestly take care of everything for you. Cameron and his friends had a ball and I am so excited I got to share in his special day. Cam... make this next year count, buddy. :)

I'm Baaaack!!!! (And They were GREEAAATT!!!!)

Well, after a LOOOONG break since Christmas sessions with just a couple of sports teams in between, I am back today with my first family session of 2011. It was such a fun and comfortable way to get back into the work, too, with the sweet Casteel family. I have known this family for years, as Randy has gone to my church as long as I can remember and I went to high school (and marched in the saxophone section) with Leslie. Ryan is the handsome older boy in the pictures (coincidentally, he is marrying this precious former student of mine!) who was drafted last year by the Colorado Rockies! The two little soon-to-be-heartbreakers are Cooper and Brody. We had a wonderful time (and got the most adorable pictures!!!) and then the little boys even got to ride Buck the pony with my two and "Mr. Kraig", Brody's Royal Rangers teacher. :) What an awesome February nearly spring afternoon!

Harris Yuletide

Silly, silly me! I thought we nearly froze to death last week with the Inman family... that was before the 29 degree, biting wind, blowing snow conditions of today with the Harris kids! Whew! I felt so sorry for those babies but we did it really really fast and Kraig had hot chocolate waiting back at the house, so all was well. This family has been part of our church family for a couple of years now and I have so enjoyed knowing all of them. Abby and my Kelsey are BFF and I just think she is the most adorable, sweet, precious child EVER. :) Ray, Angela, Emily, Addison, and Abby... hope you guys like the pics! I am just glad we got it done quickly! :)

Get IN Out of the Cold, MAN!

This cool (no pun intended) little family came by last Tuesday afternoon during the frigid temperatures to take some family shots and shots of adorable little Laney. I had taken pictures last winter for Tina and her sisters and was really excited to get to know Tina's husband, Wes, and Laney. We seriously (no exaggeration here) almost froze to death, but we somehow still ended up with some really cute pictures. I can't wait till summer to run around with this cutie and take some adorable warm weather shots!

Their First Tender Tennessee Christmas....

The Garrod family moved here this past summer. I first became acquainted with them in a Wednesday night elective class I was teaching about the Lessons of the Holocaust for the Church. They just seemed so interested and gave such great feedback (you know how we teachers LOVE that!) that I just felt drawn to them. We ended up getting to know each other quite well and I was so excited to take their family Christmas pictures! Mike, Amanda, Andrew, Jessica, and Hayley, thanks for letting me hang with you guys this morning! John and Juli, thanks for giving part of your Saturday for us to do this!

Cute as a Button

Wendy had Brayden over here a few weeks ago for Nikki’s senior session. Today, Brayden got a session ALL HIS OWN. :) And he loved it! This kid... there really aren’t words for how much that little mischievous smile will melt your heart. He looked SO cute in his outfit and John Deere boots and I had such fun taking his pictures! Brayden, you are a doll. And Buck loves you. :)

Riad Family Christmas

You know how sometimes you will see a child and it is like you are looking back into your childhood at a friend of yours? And sometimes that child IS the child of your friend? That’s what it was like looking at Miss Lauren today. Her mother, Lori, grew up with me. We spent several summers together at Signal Mtn COG Youth Camp. Lori and Marc brought Lauren and Braxton over today for some family Christmas card shots and these kids were simply hilarious!!! Braxton is such a ham and I think Lauren can hold her own with him as well! I had such a good time with this family and I am anxious to do those family spring pics! :)

Silver Stable

From the 10, come 8. And these 8 all belong to Nana (Pam) and Grandad (Doug). All Nana wants for Christmas is pictures of her babies. Well, pictures of her babies she got! And good ones, too! Pictured are: Andrew (15), the gentle heart; Chloe (11), the athlete; Kassidy (7), the girly-girl; Eli (7), the enthusiast; Elisha (6). the thinker; Yasmine (4), the animal lover; Dylan (3), the mellow guy; and Jacob (6 months)... well, he’s just a doll. I am so incredibly impressed with how easily this session happened and you guys are the most wonderful subjects ever! :) Love you!