Good as gold {Friendswood TX Family Photographer}

This was yet another session that I was really looking forward to.  Last year, I donated a session to Camryn’s preschool, and this beautiful family placed the winning bid.  I was thrilled when I saw that they had won!  Miss E was one of Camryn’s best friends at preschool last year.  In fact, I would say that E was one of the girls who totally brought Camryn out of her shell and changed her from thinking school was ho-hum to loving it.  It’s fun for me to see my kids make their own friends, and E (along with two other sweet girls) were Camryn’s first made-on-her-own friends.  Even though we are now at a different school, and we’ll never be in school with E or the other girls again, they will always hold that special little spot in our hearts.

Anyway, all that backstory is to say that I couldn’t wait to get them behind my camera.  As I was getting my camera all ready to go, checking settings, etc., I snapped this this test shot of E.  She is such a photogenic little girl, so of course even thought it was just a test shot, it turned out great!  I love that sweet little smile.

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Meet E’s big brother, a full-of-energy, spunky 8 year old boy.  And I know the way to an 8 year old’s heart involves a little jumping.  This pretty much sums up life with a boy!raska-2-blog

But G has a sweet side, too, as you can see.

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I’m sure that these two fight, just like any brothers and sisters.  But judging by this picture, I would never believe it!  They are good as gold.

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Of course we took lots of family photos, too.  They are seriously all so photogenic!  Such a beautiful family.  raska-3-blog  raska-5-blog

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And one more that I just have to share.  That grin…the love…pictures like this are what I love about photography.  No posing, no direction, just giggles and smiles shared between a mom and her daughter.  raska-9-blog

It just doesn’t get much sweeter than that.

One is fun {Houston Family Photographer}

I was really looking forward to meeting this sweet family.  They came to me as a referral, and I just knew it was going to be a great session.  And it was!  We met on what might have been the most beautiful Saturday night ever in Houston.  This is the beginning of the time of year that Houston tries to make up for the fact that for so much of the year it is just unbearably hot and humid.  It was perfect and sunny and in the low 70s.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

This was one of the very first photos I took of them and from there, I just knew it was going to be a great session.

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This little guy just turned one last week, and he was full of smiles and personality.  I had so much fun with him!  He reminds me a lot of my Sullivan, and it’s no secret how much I love to take pictures of him.  Such a fun age!

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It’s evident that mom and dad are crazy about R.  Who can blame them!  I’m crazy about him, too!johnston-3-blog

 

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It’s nights like this that make me feel so grateful that I get to do a job I love so much, and that I get to meet the sweetest families along the way.

 

Time marches on {Friendswood TX Baby Photographer}

I can’t even begin to understand how it’s been almost a year since this guy joined our family.  He’s gone from this little peanut of just 5.5 pounds of pure sweetness:

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to this almost-walking, into everything, smiley-little-almost-toddler in the blink of an eye.

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He is, I’m convinced, the world’s happiest baby.  Case and point: I decided to take him out for this little photo shoot one afternoon when he fell asleep in the car for 90 seconds, thus ruining what would normally be a 2 hour nap.  Since he wasn’t sleeping, we went and took pictures instead.  And look how happy he was!

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I also took him out one evening for a little shoot–and truth be told, I have plans for one more.  This is my last baby to celebrate his first birthday, and I’m planning to take full advantage of the fact that he is happy as a clam to have his photo taken!  This is not my normal style, but I loved how that light was beaming down right on him like that.

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It makes me think about what a gift this little guy has been.  We call him the “cherry on top” in our family.  He’s a gift, and not just for me because it’s no secret that I love babies, but for my older three kids and husband, too.  They are all crazy about him–over the moon crazy.  We cannot imagine life without our little Sullivan.  God knew we needed him, and I’m so thankful for him.

 

My Favorite 8 year old {Friendswood Children’s Photographer}

I can claim this kiddo as my favorite 8 year old because he’s mine!  Oh, this guy…I could could blog all night long, and I still couldn’t cover all the reasons why I love him so.  He’s kind, fun, easy to get along with, sweet, sensitive, funny, and a million more things.

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He tries to act all serious and hold it in.  But his joy is contagious and it doesn’t take much to get a smile like this out of him.

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It has been an ridiculously long time since I got him in front of my camera.  He really does not enjoy any part of having his picture taken.  I will admit to some-ahem-incentives offered to join me on this photo shoot.  I’d say it was well worth the happy meal plus a couple of dollars. 🙂

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We moved over to Friendswood from Clear Lake a couple of months ago, and I’ve been itching to get out and explore a few Friendswood spots I’ve had my eye on.  And they did not disappoint!  I cannot wait to get some more families and kids out here!

He started to get a little more sullen and pouty towards the end, but he can totally pull off the pout.  Such a handsome kid.  (But don’t tell him that, because it totally embarrasses him!)

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But right at the end, at the last little place I wanted him to sit, he tried again to hold in his smiles…

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But he just couldn’t do it.logan-5-blog

That joyful, fun-loving spirit is that bubbles over even when he tries to hold back is just one of the million little things I love about him.  I’m so glad that he’s mine.

The tradition continues

I really do love traditions, and taking pictures of the kids getting off the bus every year on the first and last day of school is one of my faves.

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New school, new bus, new bus stop friends…it’s all new this year.  Our new bus driver has some big shoes to fill because I pretty much think that our old bus driver, Mr. James, was the best bus driver in the world.  I’m sure our new one is a nice lady, but she’s going to be hard pressed to fill Mr. James’ shoes!

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You’ll notice Logan’s hands going up.  He spotted me.  He’s such a little booger about the camera lately!  But sweet Camryn…she had a great first day.  So happy that she loved school.

first-day-bus-3_webYup, Logan wins the dirtbag award for bus pictures.  Oh well.  Like I always say to my kids, it is what it is.

first-day-bus-4_webConnor looks like he’s about to plow over that poor girl there.  His attitude was definitely better this afternoon than it had been in the morning.

first-day-bus-5_webYes, he’s running away from me.  Because he saw the camera.  Plus he had to get home and play outside.  That’s one of the things I love about the school year.  They all got home and wanted to play, play, play.

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The other thing I love (well, besides to ability to complete a thought during the day, take care of piddly errands that I’ve put off for months, and actually keep the kitchen picked up for longer than 5 minutes) are the early bedtimes.  Camryn pouted off to bed during story time, and when I went in to tuck her in, she was out cold.  It was 7:25.  Oh, the bliss of school bed times!

They all had a great first day.  All three came home talking about a few kids they met.  I know they will make friends in no time, but the boys were worried about that.  It’s hard to go from a school where you know everyone to knowing no one!

We planned to ride the bus this morning, so I looked up the pick up time online, just be be sure we didn’t miss it.  7:29.  Perfect.  We’ll walk out the door at 7:25.  So imagine our surprise when we walked out the door and immediately heard the bus.  It’s not like it’s super far to the bus stop, but it’s probably 7 or 8 houses.  They all took off running, with me following as quickly as I could while holding a wiggly Sullivan.  Poor Camryn…she was running so hard, trying to catch the boys and the bus.  I can only imagine how panicked her face must have looked.  Thankfully, the driver waited for them, and I got there with just enough time to wave as the bus pulled away.  But nothing makes you feel like a good mom like having your 5 year old have to run to the bus on her very first morning ride.  Mom of the year, right here.  Note to self: the bus actually arrives at 7:27, and perhaps allowing a few extra minutes to actually get to the bus stop would be wise.  I’ll do better tomorrow (assuming that Camryn doesn’t arrive home traumatized by her morning run.)

first day=happy day/sad day

Don’t mistake my title for mixed emotions on my part.  The happy day is how I feel about it, and sad is a little more how the boys feel about it.  That’s how it always goes for us.  I love, love, love my kids.  But oh my word, by the end of summer, I am beyond ready for some routine and some space.  We all need a break from each other!  We had a great summer (and maybe one of these days I’ll blog about some of it.)  But today, I’m going to write about the first day of school because I haven’t missed blogging a first day of school since 2006.  That’s eight years of first days, which honestly makes me feel a little old.

First up, Connor, the big 5th grader.  Can’t believe that this is his last year of elementary school.  We moved this summer (need to post about that, too!), and even though it’s only about 10 minutes away from our old house, it’s a new city and new schools.

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As you can see, he’s absolutely thrilled.  This is what I get pretty much every year from him.  Case and point: first day of kindergarten, 2008:

I love that boy, pouty lip and all.  He’s always had a hard time with transitions, and the first day of school is no exception.  In a few days (weeks?) it will all be good again.

Next up, my third grader.  Third grade always seems like a big jump to me.  All of the sudden, he’s in Big Kid territory.  He’s more than halfway done with elementary school.

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And, my baby girl who is most definitely not a baby now that she’s a kindergartner.  I went back and forth and back and forth about sending her this year.  But, at the end of the day, I know she’s ready.  She’s so excited to go to school with the boys.

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This will be the only year they all three go to the same school.

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We were only running a few minutes later than planned, which I will count firmly as a win.  There was crazy first day of school traffic this morning!  Tomorrow they will start to ride the bus.  At their new school, they only give parents a free pass to walk to class for the first day.  They jump right into their regular year, which I definitely appreciate!

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first-day-7_webFirst up in the drop off was Logan (simply because we passed by his classroom first.)  He walked right in, and even though I know he is nervous about starting a new school, I also know that Logan is one of the most likeable kids ever and he will make new friends in no time.

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Connor didn’t want us to walk him to class this year, which made me a tiny bit sad, and I really thought about following him anyway.  But, I decided that this was one of those letting go moments.  He really is growing up, and this was one small way he wanted to exert his independence.  This was the only picture I could get of him as he walked away.  Big kid.

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And finally, the big moment.  All through preschool Camryn had a bit of a hard time with the initial drop off/walking in part, but she did great today!

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I could tell she was nervous and unsure of herself–where does my backpack go?  What about my lunchbox?  I assured her that Mrs. K would help her out with everything, and all she needed to do was sit at her desk and color.

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She was all smiles (albeit, slightly nervous smiles…)  and I also like how her hair is already falling out of her side pony.  Can’t wait to see how it looks at the end of the day!

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Derek isn’t always able to come with us on the first day of school, but this year he was able to.  I know Camryn loved that, and I loved catching this sweet moment as he gave her good-bye hugs.

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So there you have it, the first day of what’s going to be a great year!

(I’ll have to blog again tomorrow to share the first bus pictures like I have for the past 5 years.)

Consider me slayed {Galveston Beach Photographer}

I’m really loving all my trips down to Galveston this summer! I honestly get a little giddy each and every time. I feel so blessed that I get to meet the kindest, cutest, most fun families.  I love my job!  This sweet family kept me on my toes with a two and a three year old, but truth be told, those are two of my very favorite ages to photograph, so I was in heaven with this crew!

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Sweet big sister had the best beach hair, the cutest little smile, and such a sweet personality.

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I love watching how different kids act at the beach.  Some run full speed ahead into the waves.  Some only want to stay where it’s dry and quiet.  Some love to play with me, and some love to explore and get lost in their own little world.  Miss H was an explorer, and I loved capturing her doing her favorite things at the beach.  Sometimes my favorite pictures from beach sessions end up being the ones where no one is looking at me.

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Mr. J was in full-fledged toddler mode the entire time, which makes me so incredibly happy.  But even with the busiest of boys, I can usually get them to pause for a split second.  He slays me!

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I mean, for real, he slays me!  Look at that smile!  I’m pretty sure that I said I wanted to take him home at the end of the session, which I quickly followed with an explanation that I’m not so much a kidnapper as I am a lover of a smiley, happy, busy two year old.

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Thanks so much for the fun night, C family!

New in Town {Galveston Family Photographer}

When this family contacted me about a session, I was excited because they wanted a session that was part beach, part city.  They recently moved to Galveston to attend medical school–which is really impressive if you ask me!  They are such a sweet family, and I loved spending some time at their cute yellow house, around the strand, and finally ending up at the beach.

So happy together {Galveston Family Beach Photographer}

I know I’ve said it before, but I love my Galveston sessions!  This one was fun as always.  It’s always fun for me to see cousins having so much fun together and to watch the parents and grandparents soak up their families.

This group of girls loved my camera!  They were all so photogenic, and such good listeners.  I had a blast taking photos of each of them.

And while this little guy had his own agenda for most of our shoot (which is often the case with this age, especially at these evening photo shoots!), he was loving life as long as he was being held. He’s the only grandson, and the first boy in a couple of generations.  He is such a cutie!

 

 

Beach Session, Take 2 {Galveston Beach Photographer}

I have sorely neglected this blog over the past few months!  I know that being busy is not really an excuse–everyone is busy, right?  But seriously, life has been moving along and is crazy busy!  Between spring senior sessions, end of the year school stuff, a growing baby, and a move to a new house, blogging sessions has had to take a back seat for a bit.  But I promised this family I would share a sneak peek, and I’m making good on that promise.  It was so fun to catch up with them again!  They vacation in Galveston every summer, and I am honored that they hired me to take their photos again this year.  They are so much fun!  The kids were amazing, and, really, there’s not much more I can say except it was a wonderful session!