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 S Family ... Parker, Colorado

This beautiful, beautiful family. Years ago, Mom and I met in a photography class. Why is that important? Because if you're a mom ... a photographer mom ... you rarely get in front of the camera. Kids - they need pictures with Mom in them. They need those memories to look back on, and to show THEIR kids. They need them. And this wonderful momma knows it. 

Our day was filled with Christmas preparations galore, and simple time together as their older kids came and went as they were able. 4 kids. 1 dog. And 2 parents who adore the heck out of their babies, old and young. Take a look. 

A Day in the Life of the S Family, Castle Rock, Colorado

 Sometimes ... sometimes ... kids are shy. Sometimes. If they are, they tend to warm up within 30 minutes or so. But OFTEN times ... often times, they are eager to hear the camera snapping away, capturing their hilarious antics and unique personalities. A day with me around does not immediately require a crazy day filled with activity ... these little people are more than happy to share their quirks with me and fill my camera with beautiful one of a kind images. One of these little fellas was not feeling so great on our day together, thus we had a pretty mellow day, but one that was filled with family traditions and togetherness! Here are a few of my favorites from our day! 
 

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 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...

An afternoon with the S Family

When I began down this road of documentary work, I immediately thought of the S family and was so excited to spend a few hours with them! On the day we had together, they enjoyed a quiet afternoon with friends followed by a delicious dinner and fellowship. The boys played with their toys (aka four wheelers) outside, while the women prepared a delicious dinner for their families. They ended the evening and the end of summer with a beautiful sunset and s'mores! 

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.