Happy Father's Day!

My kids are SO lucky.  They have such a wonderful Daddy who always puts them first.

I think we were kids when we had the first one! 

Kelly Manno Photography

I hope it's a nice day for you, babe...even though you have lots of work to do to help me prepare for both of our families tonight and Jake's birthday celebration.  Love you!

Every year I do a book for Jake that includes school pictures, sports, and favorite shots and stories from throughout the year.  His new book just arrived.  I have them printed as soon as school is out.  Jake was very excited to see it.

We've been working hard on spelling and writing our last name.  Kate is working with Jake on sight words.  Kindergarten...here he comes!

Jake serves as our greeter when the UPS or FedEx man arrives.

Jake asked me in the spring if he could, "...do that thing where you race people in the water."  So...I signed him up for our neighborhood swim team.  He swam in his first meet last week.  I was so proud of him!  He made it all the way across the pool without touching the rope.  If you ask him his favorite thing about the meet, it was helping Daddy work the concession stand...not the swimming.

The best thing about summer...a neighborhood pool and lots of buddies.

Our little man turns 6 this week!  He got a new bike...got to pick it out himself.  It's a Mongoose.

I was pretty aggravated with Jake on Thursday.  It seemed like I spent the day following him around and cleaning up messes.  At one point, my family room, basement, his bedroom, and the backyard were all trashed!  I was so ready when bedtime came and so finished for the day.  I found my Flip video camera in the family room...not surprising because Jake likes to walk around with it.  I searched through some of the last videos taken and found this.

Who can stay angry after something like that!  I have no idea where he learned that song!

Here are some favorite images from my last 2 weeks of shooting.

 

Lots of families...lots of fun!  More of Miss Eleanor's cake smash coming soon!

Baby Riley...

I was so excited to get Riley in my studio.  I heard mom and dad's big news early on, so I felt like I waited forever for her to get here!  Once mom and dad found out they were expecting a girl, mom and I swapped photo and accessory ideas.  I was a guest at mom's baby shower and did their maternity shoot soon after.  I checked on Facebook throughout the day once I knew mom was in labor.  I couldn't wait for the news that Riley had arrived.  It's fun to be part of this excitement and fun to get some baby snuggle time once in awhile. 

Riley was so funny to pose! She definitely has her own ideas about what's comfortable.  She especially likes to keep her little hands fisted.  I worked and worked to straighten out those fingers, but she wasn't having any part of it.  This little princess already knows what she likes! 

Mom bought this adorable set from etsy.com.

Daddy brought a prop, too!

Little princess, I'm going to enjoy every minute of watching you grow!

Brother and Sister...

These two are SO sweet together.  They love each other so much.  I loved watching them interact.  We had a perfectly cloudy morning...my favorite! 

Mom was given a gift certificate for a shoot for Christmas.  This is the BEST kind of gift.  I don't think they've ever had professional family images done.  I bet mom will make this a regular event now. ;)