Road Trip!

Mother's Day. Some years a pedicure and brunch sounds amazing... but some years? I just want to get away ... with my kids. And make those memories. They always say kids spell love T-I-M-E ... this was the perfect day. We're not in a place to go on lavish vacations right now ... and that's ok! For now we make do with what we can and this year it was a day trip to the Sand Dunes! I regrettably have not taken my kids to my beloved beaches yet - no sand in their toes or the smell of salty ocean air ... key word : Yet. For now ... this'll have to do! The smiles, joy, laughter and memories were endless on this perfect little day ... a rare gift amongst the craziness that is our life! 

Three Generations

One of the many reasons I LOVE my job is because I primarily get to work with families and children. They are my passion! As a military child, my family was my everything ... my parents and siblings were my only constant. Though we've grown up and apart, my parents have always instilled the importance and value of family, regardless of the quirks and chaos that comes along with it. 

I loved that I got to spend an hour with this family ... three generations that are able to come together only a few times a year due to the distance between them. What I love most about this session is that these are the memories these little ones will treasure forever. This is a moment where grandparents get to witness their amazing grown children who have evolved into magnificent parents - a proud moment, I'm sure! At the same time ... the children get to watch their parents be the incredible grandparents they are... such a beautiful treat. 

Take a peek at these little moments that add up to beautiful memories that will last forever ... 

 

Ice cream and ducks and bowling, oh my!

One of the many reasons I adore working with photographers, and mommy photographers specifically, is because more often than not they are either too busy loving on their family, or behind the camera to get in the picture. While we may very well believe that these photos are for US ... to remember the tiny details and hold onto those little moments that go by too fast ... the reality is, when our children n are grown .... they NEED these photos. These are for them. They need to see mommy loving on them. They need to see HER part of the action and how deeply she cared for her family ... because one day, sadly for all of us ... pictures are all our family will have left. 

This amazing family of 6 spent their day loving on each other. While it seems they packed in a LOT, and they did! (I was so tired, haha) it was quite obvious that this was their norm. Church followed by bowling ... quiet/down time, and then a walk around their lake. After dinner they enjoyed a delicious Sunday treat! Check it out ... 

A Day with the H Family

A December weekend in Colorado ... you just never know what you're going to get? Balmy sunshine? 2 feet of snow? Who knows! Maybe both! (Seriously). While Christmas tree decorating (saving that for another blog!) and cookie baking were on the agenda, the fresh beginning of winter left a slight breeze, just warm enough to allow us outside for a bit, and just cool enough to whisk us back inside quickly! 

As you browse, I'm sure you you will agree the love, joy, humor and warmth in this family is absolutely tangible. This family is so incredibly special to me ... as Mom was one of my roommates my freshman year of college, and sweet little Miss C was one of the very first births I was so honored to photograph! Take a peek at the beautiful H Family in Commerce City, Colorado! 

A Day in the Life of ... Us.

"Mommy? Why do you take so many pictures of us?"

"I want to remember this." So simple, and yet - so much behind it. As I visit your homes, I can see the look in your eyes ... it's the same as mine. The yearning to immortalize some of these moments .... you know the ones I am talking about. The contagious laughter and gleaming smiles,  the hint of mischief in sparkly little eyes,  the tiny fingers reaching for yours, the just-woke-up sleepy voices. I want to remember this just as much as you do. 

This year, I decided to get personal. Usually I keep to myself and am happy doing so. But this year ... I want to join hands in motherhood and share those special moments with you that we all want to remember. In 2016 I committed myself to my own "Project 12" ... one or two days a month dedicated to documenting my family "as is"... including my cluttered, unorganized home and my less than perfect (but still pretty amazing!) children (and a stinky dog in there on occasion....) . 

I could ramble on... and on... and on .... but I'll spare ya, and invite you to take a glimpse into my humble little life in January 2016 (minus a naked potty training toddler ... pretty comical, but ... ya know)  ....

A Day in the Life of the F Family ... Las Vegas, Nevada

If you know me, I'm an ultra cautious person... always playing it safe, never getting TOO crazy! And I have a few healthy fears ... one of which is flying. Terrified, not scared. But... something about photography makes me brave. And that fear dissipates and molds into excitement. The F family brought me out to Las Vegas to document their family ... they have a few four legged friends, one of which is on a downhill slope from breed related illnesses. The end goal helped me to step on the airplane ... coloring books got me through ... and before I knew it, I was there, spending the weekend with this beautiful family. 

As you can imagine, over a weekend there were quite a few images in their story! Here are my top favorites as this family lived and played together, before I ventured home to the arms of my own little family !

A Day in the Life of the H Family

Two under two, and one on the way! This amazing momma had her hands full, but her heart as well! There was so much love to go around in this home, While it was one of the first chilly days of fall, we hung around the home for the majority of the day prior to a quick trip to the park and grocery store. Ending the day with a dinner party, this growing family had a beautiful day filled with precious memories! Take a peak at a few of the highlights from their day. 

An Evening with the B Family

The pudge fingers, chubby wrists, and never ending drool. Those early days of toddlerhood are filled with so many beautiful little details that should be well documented forever! The B family invited me over for a few hours after work and we captured some of those unique details and beautiful moments to be remembered. Take a peak at a few of my favorites! 

An Evening at the Stadium

When you are a mom photographer, it is rare to be included in any pictures (and moms in general). So when one of my favorite photography friends asked me to document her son's football game, I jumped at the chance! However, we learned a great lesson in such photography, as we realized I would not even be allowed on the track due to a contract with another photographer.  Which is totally fine! Despite the limitations, we were able to capture some beautiful moments. She and I agreed I could make an entire blog about the faces a mom makes watching her kids play sports- yes?! A few of my favorite moments...

A Day in the Life of the S Family

Almost 6 months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to have my family photographed in a "Day in the Life" session. Prior to my own experience, documentary photography was something I loved but didn't seem to have the audience for, thus I never pursued it. After my own experience, and knowing that I could give families the joy of authentic, unique images that told the story of their lives, I knew I had to pursue it more diligently. It has become my passion! 

The very first family I had the joy of documenting for more than just a few hours is the beautiful S family. As they lounged through the beginning of their morning, they started their day enjoying moments home with daddy which cannot be more precious. Those quiet moments at home that no one else sees? Those, to me, are the most beautiful. As we journeyed through their day, we enjoyed a picnic, splash pad (remember those lovely days of summer?) and a trip to the grocery store! A mom's work knows no end, but is filled with so much love, as seen in their story. Take a peak.