Margaret, Max, and Madeline

I spent some time Sunday evening with a super fun and super cute family. The shoot was a breeze. The girls knew how to work it for my camera, Max brought the macho (It does not surprise me that he has a girlfriend...he's so stinkin' handsome!), and they had GREAT ideas.  It wasn't my idea to climb the tree in dresses!!! You gotta' love how laid back they are!

It was hard to pick favorites. I have over 100 great images from this shoot! I am really looking forward to shooting Margaret's senior pictures at the end of September! :)  I can't wait to talk college with her again.

Thanks for your energy and spirit, guys,! I think Maddie could have lasted another hour!! ;)

Block Party

Jake is all about parties. Dan always says that Jake can squeeze every ounce of fun out of everything he does. He gets his monies worth!  We can't even tell Jake that we are going to a party until right before the party starts, or he'll drive us crazy all day. We went to the neighborhood block party on Saturday night. He had an absolute blast! Without a doubt, his favorite activity was the bounce house. We had to bribe him to come out after 30 minutes because he was soaking wet with sweat. I had to get some fluids in him. After he cooled off, he was back at it. All of these shots were taken on my iPhone.

I wish I could figure out how to get my child to look at me when I'm taking a picture of him! I think he does this on purpose!!

I thought that last shot was so funny. Jake is playing in his Daddy's shadow. Of course, I caught Dan drinking his beer.

Jake's Visit...

Before I tell you about Jake's first visit to Kate's university, I have to show you the bed that made me lose it.

I can't remember the last time this bed was made. In fact, I can't remember the last time I was able to walk in the room without falling over something. This was such a nice surprise.

Yes...I miss her. No...I am no longer emotional about it. She's having fun, and that's all that matters to me. She has a gorgeous dorm and great roommates. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Jake was a bit overwhelmed by the visit. It was move in day for the majority of the freshmen. It was crowded and crazy...but a good crazy. He was pretty quiet and subdued.

Back in her room, he was excited to be the recipient of lots of bubble wrap since her suite mates were moving in that day. That kept him busy.

Dan and I went back that evening for Convocation. The first half hour was like a big pep rally. Each house (dorm) walked in as a group yelling their house cheers. I didn't bring the right lens...story of my life. I take everything to a shoot, but I'm terrible about taking the right stuff to our family activities. I should have taken my 70-300 to really zoom in, but my love, the 24-70, came through for me in this bind. I was very pleased with this shot. We were literally up in the rafters and near the back, and Kate was on the floor and near the front.

After 1 1/2 hours of speakers, the parents were dismissed to line the sidewalk leading to the quadrangle where the party would be held. We were given light sticks to "light their way".  They were led by bag pipes.
It was REALLY COOL!

I got a shot of Kate and her suite mates at the party.

I've been meaning to post the shots I got at the St. Louis Shot Party. Here are a few samples. This was such a fun shoot. Shooting models is so easy, and it gives me great ideas for poses to use later.

The Dorm Room

We started out early on Sunday morning, which ended up being such a good idea. We beat the big crowd and never had to wait for an elevator.

I learned a lot about my daughter while watching her unpack. She is slow and meticulous. We are just so different from each other. She wouldn't let me put anything away because she didn't want to have to search for anything later. Dan stayed busy with the tv, printer, and refrigerator. I felt like I spent a lot of time watching until it was time to make her bed. That was a job I was happy to do.

Kate is on the top floor of her building. This sign in the stairwell cracked me up.

No one is allowed to make holes in the walls, so Kate used sticky adhesive to hang a few things. Jake got the prime spot at the head of her bed.

I did a quick layout of the finished room.

Kate wanted to label all of her storage cubes. She really is her father's daughter. I couldn't understand why clear drawers needed labels. I won at the time, but I bet she ends up labeling them!

We walked downstairs to check out the laundry facilities. Kate wasn't even sure which machines were the washers and which were the dryers!!!  She better learn quickly!

I've been getting some calls and texts from her. Things seem to be going well. She's doing some community service work and making lots of new friends. Classes don't actually start until next Monday.

Happy Belated Birthday, Dan!

NO...I didn't really forget it. Yesterday was Dan's birthday.  We were consumed with the dorm move-in, so it was kind of ignored. We did go to dinner Saturday night. We did have cards for Daddy in the morning, but that was about it. There was no gift. :(  (I've also been consumed with the dorm room purchases and preparations.) There was no cake. It wasn't a relaxing day for my husband. This is what happens when you have children. They come first whether they are babies or young adults. That's one of the many things I love about my husband. He always puts us first. Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you!

Sigh...

We did it. Kate is moved in to the dorm. It went very smoothly, and she's having a great time tonight. I held it together all day and didn't lose it until I came home and saw her room. The bed was made, and the room was straightened. This is very unusual for Kate. She never makes the bed! It was such a sweet gesture. Jake put his arm around me while I was crying and said, "I'll take care of you."  I am such a blessed Mommy for so many reasons.

We loaded the car last night. I put Toy Story in for Jake thinking that would keep him occupied, but he wanted to help.

That is a box of peanuts flying through the air. At least it wasn't anything fragile!

Sissy got a few extra kisses in. If you are really sharp (which I am not), you will notice that Jake is in a different shirt. I took these earlier in the day.

Last night I said goodnight to my girl for the last time. I always knock on her door on the way to my room, peek in, and tell her I love her.

It's all good. She's a lucky girl, and I am excited for her.

I have lots of dorm shots to edit...more tomorrow.

In his own time...

I decided today was the day for more letter play. I've been working on letters with Jake off and on all summer. I'll be honest. Kate knew her letters by the time she was 2 1/2. Jake was three in June...enough said. I'm trying hard not to compare kids...and he is a boy. I know it will click when he is ready. I have learned that about kids through the years. He knows most of them, but he still tends to get a little confused. I could not get him interested today at all. This is what happened to the letter board.

It was very quickly abandoned.

He was on to more important things. The treat bucket made it's way back upstairs. I finally got it down in May! I should just give up. It's a fixture.

We had some coin tossing and other activities.

Then the big storms came, and this is what I found in my office.

Jake gets worried, so Sissy was reassuring him.  These are the times I'll miss the most...seeing them together. Tomorrow is the big day. I haven't cried in 2 days...guess that's good. I'm already getting use to the idea. As long as she's happy, I'll be happy.