Sunday, December 22, 2013

Happy Birthday Madison!

Fifteen years ago, God gave me the best Christmas present I've ever received - my Madison Kathleen.  She is my mini me.  My laughter, my hope, my frustration, my immeasurable joy.  It is such a gift to be your mommy.  I am so proud of who you are becoming, Madison.  You are a sensitive, strong, compassionate, witty, brilliant and gentle soul.  You have brought me so much joy, and you make the world a better place just by being in it.  

I love you.





Two years old.


 
Oh, how I miss the dress up days.  


I adore this photo.  Adore.



Wow.  Love you sweetie.  Happy fifteenth!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The Helm Family Photos - Wichita Family Photography

We had a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon taking photos with the Helms!  I had taken some earlier senior pictures of Kayln, and took some additional fall pictures today, along with family pictures.  They were so much fun to work with.  They all have a great sense of humor!  Especially when I leaned on a tree branch, trying to show Kyler how I wanted him to pose, and the entire 6 foot branch came completely off the tree.  You had to be there!

Here are a few of my favorites!

 What a good looking bunch!



 Mom and Dad are gonna miss this girl when she goes to college!
 Awwwww.
 This is the REAL modern family!
 So pretty!
 Lady Killer

 Miss Cutie Patootie

Love this one!  Kyler is really crackin' me up.  

 This one is great!
 I swear, Kyler is killing me here.  I have a ton of these leaf throwing pics and he is doing the same thing in each one.  Everyone else has lowered their hands, but Kyler is reveling in the moment!

 Oooh La La!
 This is my new favorite.
So pretty!

I couldn't resist putting this in for fun!
 What a sweet and beautiful family!



Wo.  Kayln, you are stunning!  Thanks for letting me take your photos!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Rios Family Fun Wichita Family Photography

Saturday was a lovely day - barely a breeze, beautiful sunshine, and gorgeous fall colors in all their splendor.  I was blessed to spend the afternoon with one of my favorite families and dearest friends.  I had so much fun capturing them as they are.  As usual, there was a lot of laughter and fun!  They are truly special.

                                        At first, Trey was not crazy about having his picture taken.
                         Then, big sister got ahold of him and started making him laugh.
                                                    He was a good sport from then on.

                                             Sorry I cut part of your head off, Trey.





                                             Good family fun.


Oh my goodness.  These two are so cute.  And this is so them.





                                             

 What a stunning couple!








                                                 

Be still my heart.  

 Love this.
 Honestly, this is one of my favorites.  I love real.
 This is real too.
 Hector, get your shotgun.  You're gonna need it when this girl gets a little older.  I would love to have this one on canvas.
 Is he a heartbreaker or what?  Love this boy.  I think he loves having his photo taken.  He wants to do it every weekend.  For some reason, he was running away after 90 minutes of forced fun family photography fiesta!  I merely suggested another location, and he took off like Buzz Light Year.  I was afraid he was going to fall, he was running so fast.  Nothing a Big Gulp wouldn't cure. 


That's all folks.  



Sunday, October 27, 2013

Fall in my New Neighborhood

For a while now, I've been making a conscious effort to practice gratitude.  I believe in looking for the good.  I don't always succeed, but I'm trying.  We recently moved, and I absolutely adore our neighborhood.  I love fall - the colors, the crisp air, the feel of a warm coffee cup in my hands, corduroys, boots, scarves, the whole shebang.  I couldn't wait to explore the lake that our house backs up to.  It is riddled with bridges, foliage, picnic benches, a walking path around the entire lake, and lots of interesting nooks and crannies.  This morning, I popped out of bed and my camera and I went on a walk.  The steam was rising off of the lake.  It was so beautiful.  I couldn't help being immensely grateful for my surroundings.  Here are a few of the photos I took.




This is the view from our backyard.  This morning was beautiful - crisp fall air causing steam to rise from the lake.

      A tree canopy

Beautiful leaves

 The ripple of a creature stirring in the lake.
 Beautiful light.
 A pretty bridge surrounded by fall foliage.

That leads into a wooded area.

 Another pretty bridge.  I picture families here getting photos taken.

So picturesque.

 The splendor of fall.
 A shaded nook full of plants, stones, a bridge and even a bench to sit and enjoy nature.




Go out and enjoy the beauty around you this week.  Be present.  Be grateful.