"There's No Crying in Baseball!"

Every June we get together with Adam's family for Art City Days, which is the town's annual celebration. I hadn't always thought that my husband grew up in a small town, but then I thought about it and the only McDonald's is outside of town, and a Walmart just came into town a few years ago. The day is full of so many fun activities, I have to give everyone a glimpse of the great time we have!

The day starts with hot air balloons. Normally we go down to the park and watch them fill up, but with a late start, we watched them from the back porch. I would say this is my favorite thing, but it seemed like the day started out great and just got better.



After the hot air balloons we went down to the Fire Station for breakfast served by the fireman.



The parade is a great highlight, and every year we park our chairs out in front of the local hardware store, and watch as all the marching bands show off their stuff.



From there everyone usually goes back home, takes a nap, and then it is off to the carnival!



So far the kids seem to love the same things every year, the super slide and the fun house seem to be their first stops.



In the beginning of the ride, believe it or not, my nephew really wanted to go on the motorcycle. I think his mind changed when the motorcycle started moving.



My boy was born for speed, or reckless driving with no hands, whichever comes first.



I love face paintings, and my kids do too, but usually they cost a fortune. Not only did I really think these were the best face paintings ever, but she only charged us $3 each. That is a complete bargain!







The day couldn't have been complete without a spectacular firework show. What I have learned in the past tens years...Small towns sure know how to through a party!
Becky, I have more pics to send you, but I do want to send a small shout out your way, we miss you, and love you!



The answer to the last movie line was the "Sound of Music." Nice job Becky!

"It'll be my first party, father."

I think some things are meant to be so sweet that they just put you in puddle of your own tears by the time you are done. Usually when I pull out my camera these cute kids run the other way, but on this day, they all brought out the charm. I had such a hard time choosing my favorites, I could have posted 5 or 6 more. I love so many things about this family, but I want to throw out a special prop to their Dad, who is so protective, good, and such a nurturing father. I think of Little A, going through chemo, and everything else he has had in the past year, and I think he is a real hero to all survivors. I don't think anyone can resist any of these kids with their adorable smiles! "A" family, it is always a treat, and I look forward to many more fun times we have in store for the future!







The answer for the last movie line was "The Three Amigos." Way to go Allison!

"Look Up Here"

So I keep thinking it is going to get easier to blog, and then it seems as though a million things come up, and I don't have time to post, and I am right back where I started. I have a bad habit of taking on more than I should, but the problem is, I love everything I am doing. Being a mom is the most fantastic thing I could ever hope to do, and on top of that I get to share a talent that I LOVE doing. Thank you to everyone who helps me give and have these opportunities. It only makes it hard when you want to give 150% of yourself, and then you realize you can only give 100%. Unfortunately, we weren't made to give more. As I say this, I am currently getting ready to go on a pioneer trek with our church, where Adam and I get to play the part of "Ma and Pa" to kids ages 14-16. We have 6 kids, and they are awesome, and I know we are going to have a great time in the next couple of days reenacting what the pioneers did as they crossed the plains. I am very excited, and excited to blog some shots when I get back!







I have wanted to post these picks for a long time. These boys are so incredible, and they have amazing parents. I am really grateful to have examples like them in my life. They are so much fun to be around, and when I took pictures of G first I thought oh, he is going to be the cutest triplet, and then I came out and smiled, and I thought oh no this one is the cutest, and then at N's turn, I figured he was the cutest, and then I processed the pictures, and there is no contest. All three are so stinkin' cute there is no way to decide! Thanks again G and M! I had a delightful day with you!



Make sure to leave them some comments so they can get an accordion album!



The answer to the last movie line was "The Notebook"

"That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is."

Oh what a Night! I don't think I have ever had such an thrilling and exhilarating time at a wedding! The bride and groom were perfect. Every detail was thought out, and it was so much fun to be apart of it. They brought in a photo booth, which everyone loved. Their cake was awesome, food was great, and the ambiance was perfect for their wedding. I loved that this couple each brought their own personalities to the wedding. The groom and groomsmen had their hats, and when all the girls got ready earlier, they had matching sweat outfits, and overall it was great to be apart of an wedding where not only the couple is very much in love, but there is a great amount of family love and unity. Thanks C&R!!! it was wonderful to be apart of your day, and I wish yo all the luck in the world, and I hope to see you more often! Thanks again guys for a great day!

















These bridals were taken back when the weather couldn't decide whether or not it was spring or still winter, but fabulous in both locations. I really appreciate R for going along with my crazy ideas! It turned out amazing and I loved doing something I have done before. Does anyone else ever feel like that? I always find more inspired when I reach outside of myself and try something new. Thanks again R! It was fabulous!

"Okay, turn you head on more of a slant... Now, make a fist... Slowly ease it up underneath your chin...This is looking really good."

I don't normally say names of my clients, but I am uber proud of my sister, and so this is my graduating present to her. What a great time we had the other day. She is beyond gorgeous, and I am so proud to call her my sister. Amanda congratulations! I am sure it feels wonderful to be free.



I have had my a very busy month, and I am surprised that when I am so busy I seem to have more time, or maybe it is the lovely weather that brings out the best in people. Overall I feel great, and I hope everyone feels the positive energy that is all around us right now!



Remember that if you have 10 or more comments on a your sessions blog post you still get a free mini album, and they are not something to go without!



Congrats again Amanda! I couldn't have had a better time, well maybe no stinky diapers...:)







The answer to the last blog post was Back to Future Part III. This trilogy is one of my favorites, and I am sure that I could post movie lines from this series in every post...Does anyone else have a favorite line from Back to the Future?

"Great Scott!... I know, this is heavy."

Time flies when you are having fun! Actually time flies when your computer crashes and you find out loading all of your programs up and everything is much more time con summing then you previously thought, your kids aren't in school, and you wish you could split yourself in 5 places to keep up with everything.













I am hoping my clients forgive me, and I offer my apologies to any clients waiting on their portraits, please know I am doing all I can I everything should be caught up and done within a couple of weeks.

On a much lighter and happier note, I cant say enough what a great time this session was. My amazement goes out to the mother who brought her week old baby out in the cold. A, you are a real trooper, and really took one for the Sev Team! S Family, it was a fabulous morning, and I am so excited about all you have going on! There is a great family bond in this family, and it really shows in the pictures. Thanks S fam! I hope to do it again soon!

The answer to the last movie line is "Gone With the Wind"