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 Fall Day with the M Family

Just about any photographer's eyes will light up when another photographer invites them to capture their family in photographs. Such an honor! This beautiful family belongs to the most amazing birth photographer in Colorado Springs! I am so proud to know her, she welcomed me to Colorado Springs with open arms and shared her family with me for the day! 

Together this family enjoyed quiet time at home, a stroll on the path in nothing less than a fairy dress <3, a trip to Manitou Springs and of course, decorating the Christmas tree! Take a look at a few highlights from their day... 

Your Everyday Brave

Sorry, friends who cringe over grammar!  That wasn't a typo, though. Nope, I know all of us are brave in our own way, in our own time. This is a bit different. 

You see, last year I had the great privilege of photographing a family that had a little one with a slew of medical problems, including the need for a feeding tube and in-home nurse. I spent a day with them and saw "their brave", their everyday brave. 

 "Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." is a quote that has always stuck with me. As a stranger passes you on the street and smiles, there may just be a hidden sadness behind that grin. The mom with a temper tantruming 3 year old in Target? That might be a small battle, comparatively. The list is endless. 

In 2017, I want to give those battles a voice, thus I am starting the "Everyday Brave" project. In 2017, I would love to donate sessions to families that are facing giant battles. Cancer in their family, a veteran facing PTSD, putting a face to post partum depression or infertility. These barely touch the surface of the possibilities, as a battle can mean something completely different to two members of the same family, even a husband and wife. 

If you know of someone that might be interested in a documentary session (up to 6 hours), or you are that person, I'd like to invite you to complete a form and nominate them for a session! All nominations will be taken into consideration and hopefully I will be able to accommodate them all!