4 years ago today...

We met face to face for the first time.

This little man has changed everything and made our lives complete.

At 4 Jake loves:
tornado sirens, sewers, babies (wants a baby sister), playing the scary monster game,  broccoli (a new one!), swimming, tools, playing outside, vanilla ice cream with gummy worms, books at bedtime, pasta, horsey rides, snuggling in Mommy's bed, marbles, coins, watching videos on youtube.com, lightsticks, seashells, bubblewrap, fruitinacks (fruit snacks), stickers, masking tape, ice, blueberries, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, playing restaurant, taking baths, The Arch, blowing out candles, and doing everything himself

Your family loves you so much, little man. Happy Birthday!

Carrie's Girls...

Some members of my Shutterclub group met at the park with our kids. I think Carrie's beautiful girls would have posed all day. They were so cooperative and so interested. It sure made it easy for me to capture some darling shots.

So proud of this girl...

My daughter started her first job today. She's a receptionist for a chiropractor. She did so well this first day, that they are going to have her do some billing, too. I'm so excited for her and so proud! She looks pretty darn cute in her scrubs, too!

Last night I hosted a photography club meeting. I was honored that Kelly Manno agreed to be our guest speaker. She is a photography rock star!! She's my hero!!  Kelly was my birth photographer when I had Jake, and she's been our family photographer ever since. She's such an inspiration!! She's always happy to share her knowledge and tips with those of us just starting out. She's the real deal...down to earth. She earned the right to have a big ego, but that will never happen with Kelly. We are all so grateful for the time you spent with us, Kelly. You are now an honorary member of Shutterclub. We'll get you the t-shirt!!

I did something I said I would never do...

I'm even giving the thumbs-up in the above shot!

I parasailed in Marco Island!! I am SO terrified of heights. This was huge for me, and I'm so proud of myself. I would do it again tomorrow. It was so much fun. It was gentle and peaceful, and I love that I got to share this time with my girl.

I have lots of trip pictures to edit. It was a wonderful vacation!

We celebrate...

50 Years Together!

We celebrated with Dan's family this weekend in a big way. Dan's parents have been married for 50 years. We honor them. We thank them. We love them!  What a great day it was for all of us.

Summer vacation is all about keeping Jake busy. I'm also finding it's going to be about sticking to our bedtime routine. The schedule has been wacky. He's staying up later. Unfortunately I'm seeing a difference in his behavior as a result.

Busy means...taking the boy who loves to build tornado sirens...

...to actually see one being built!

We can thank Sissy for this one. She happened to be driving home and noticed the construction. She called me to let me know that the kids needed to be ready to walk out the door as soon as she pulled up. She was taking them to see this. Jake was so excited! Unfortunately they were very close to being finished, so he didn't get to see much. It was still a very big deal for him.

Our city is working on a levee in the Valley to keep flood waters out. This area has been flooded before. The city held a mural event on the flood wall. They designed the historical mural and let residents paint by number to decorate it. We are close enough to the Valley that we were able to walk to the event. You can tell by Jake's cheeks that it was hot...mid 90's at the time. Jake got to make his mark.

It's a great day when you get to paint, eat ice cream, pet a giant turtle, look at old cars and a firetruck, and watch the launch of a giant balloon used to take aerial photography.

We are keeping him busy, but I've discovered that a sleep schedule needs to be a priority. He's been a little difficult lately. We have to fix that. I want my sweet man back...even if we have to resort to naps.

I love that he loves the cozy that my mama made for Kate. :)

Baby Jake...

It feels like I just took Shelly's maternity pictures, and now Jake is here! He came over on Monday, and I was sure I would catch him sleepy since he is just 2 weeks old. Wrong. He was awake for most of our shoot, so I sure hope Mom got a break that afternoon! Welcome Jake! I am excited to help your Mom and Dad document your milestones!

Is that a smile? ;)

Gita...

Gita and I spent 2 hours together discovering new places to shoot. She can tell you how ridiculously excited I was to find balloons!!!  She's such a sweetheart and such a natural beauty. I think she looks like a movie star in this shot.

and in these...

I loved our time together. We had so much to talk about. Two hour shoots are so nice with senior girls. My mother in law recently asked me what type of shoot was my favorite. I didn't have an answer at the time. Now I can say that the two hour senior shoots are my favorite. Thanks, Gita!  Good luck to you as you prepare for school this fall. I'm sure you will do amazing things! I can't wait to hear all about it!

In the original picture, the top balloon has her school name (which I wanted to remain private). Fun stuff! I love balloons!  (Senior 2011 font by Katie Pertiet)