Christmas 2008

A toy factory exploded in our house. I think I've finally located both boys underneath all the wrapping paper, bows and boxes of AAA batteries. Have you found yours yet?

We traveled for the holiday and endured what I'm sure everyone else did who ventured out - traffic, long lines and family drama. At least gas is cheaper, and we got to visit sunny Florida for the effort. We even managed to stop at the only Burger King whose Playland was closed along I-75. Jack wasn't impressed.

What can I say? A lot of wrapping for 8 1/2 minutes of fury. Maybe Sam and Jack will slow down next year. Beautiful Finnegan - Dad's sweet but crazy Wheaton Terrier

The cousin posse - Sam (4 3/4), Kara Lee (12), Connor (7), Pamela (11) and Jack (3)

Fireman Sam

Note: Family drama happily over since original posting. :) Let's do it again next year!

Sam is learning to wink

He's almost got it . . .

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday. I can't believe it's almost 2009. Where did the time go?

Choo choo! Luke is that a train coming?

I had the pleasure of photographing my little neighbor today at Old Town Suwanee's train tracks. Young Mr. Luke, who is Jack's age and good buddy, is a HUGE train fanatic so his mother and I trekked over this afternoon to let him loose on the tracks. In between Luke's very convincing assertions that a train was coming at any moment, I captured a few moments for Janna's holiday cards.

Bill and I so like these guys. They're hysterical and a good Yankee/Southern-mixed couple like us. (And, even though Drew roots for the Patriots and the Red Sox he's still okay to hang out with. ;) I got my revenge this season anyway. Go Phillies!)

Sam and Sara Jane

I visited with the Risslers on Saturday morning - the sweetest of couples - even though they went to Auburn, and had the opportunity to photograph their adorable children for the holidays. Big brother Sam doted on his little sister (so cute), but little Sara Jane ruled the day. Baby girl was more interested in her stuffed Barney than me, and just LOVED seeing her image (or Daddy's) in my camera. Come to think of it, "Daddy" was her response to just about every photo that popped up.

We were done in a flash and were able to get a few shots in between Nilla Wafers. I'm including a few outtakes along with my faves, because even crying, Miss SJ was precious.

Taking my new lens for a spin

An early Christmas present from Bill helped me get this one. Why is it that BOYS get the long, luscious lashes? Oh well. Thanks honey.

Ten-month old boys are fun to chase

I was reminded of this yesterday during my shoot with the Harveys. I spent most of my time chasing their youngest around the room with my camera - a gadget he was infinitely interested in, particularly my flash diffuser. And, at one point I actually thought I was going to witness his first steps right along with his parents, grandparents and big brother. But, no such luck - just some really good "standing."

Below are some of my favorites, including one of Sam trying to escape from the house when we were done.

Yes, I know it's just hands, but there was something special about how they were all connected.

That's what little boys are made of!

Don't you just love little boys? They're all wild and silly - particularly when you're trying to photograph them. Regardless of the chaos, I loved photographing these two. They had a great time doing everything but sitting still - despite their mother's best attempts at getting them to focus. They're 20 months apart - just like my boys - so you'd think I would have been great at controlling the situation. Uh, not so much...

Rust Can Be Beautiful?

I visited the Southeastern Railway Museum http://www.srmduluth.org/ today for a photo field trip. As usual it took me about 45 minutes to figure out what I wanted to shoot, but then it got fun. I never thought that rust could be beautiful. It's rust, right? Whatever it covers you're gonna end up throwing out. But, after two hours of climbing in and out of these aging beasts, and wriggling around on my knees and belly for a bunch of shots, I found myself appreciating the grime.

The museum has some really cool trains - old Amtrak sleeper cars, MARTA cars and several working trains that will take the little ones back and forth for a short ride. It's also super cheap to get in - 8$ for adults/4$ for kids under 12. It's worth the visit. Today they even had Santa - on a train. Anyway, below are a few shots from the day. Choo choo!

Fall Fun

We moved to our new house in Georgia a year ago this month, and we've been blessed with the most wonderful neighbors. Exhibit A - the Wearnes and their three adorable children, one of which (middle child Charlotte), Sam and Jack will eventually fight over. This high school choral director/piano teacher extraordinaire and state education department professional (sorry Eric, not sure what exactly you do) make the cutest couple - alas my sister's age, so again I'm old. But, besides that, they and others in the neighborhood and at our new church have made Bill and I feel so welcomed and "part of the group." We've really enjoyed getting to know this family better, and of course, I was super anxious to get these kids digitized.

"We have friends in GA," Bill and I often say to each other because of folks like the Wearnes. Don't get me wrong, I can never replace my PA friends, but this is the suburban soccer mom/dad lifestyle - as cliche as it might sound - we had hoped to luck into when we moved to Suwanee. And, thankfully we got exactly what we wanted - in spades.

A Horse is a Horse - Of Course

I took the boys to the Southern Cross Ranch (http://www.southcross.com/) in Madison on Sunday to meet up with my brother Jay and his family. What an amazing place. Two hundred horses, riding available daily, yummy (and I mean yummy) homemade meals and treats - like coconut sorbet served in the coconut shell.

The boys and I had a great day visiting with the cousins and meeting new friends like Sioux and Switch - two gorgeous and gentle horses available for 2-hr rides through the woods. Sam had a great time brushing Switch's belly, and Jack insists Uncle Jay's horse was named Soup. Who cares, he says it so cute - Soup it is!

And, to top it off, it was a perfect Fall Georgia afternoon. We didn't get to ride unfortunately, but we'll DEFINITELY be back. Thanks for the invite Jay and Carrie. Great seeing y'all. Beautiful Switch

Proud Mom

Quick break from my photo posts for this breaking news update: Sam is now a jr. orange belt! Here's a quick clip, albeit grainy, of my Sam breaking a board for his jr. orange belt test. Next time I'll bring my real camera to his test. Watch for the after-excitement. He's the one closest to the camera. Go Sam!

Ah, the family photo shoot

My sister-in-law asked me to photograph her kids for their Christmas cards this year, and of course I happily accepted. They are lovely kids/young adults, and I really enjoy being around them. Who wouldn't? They make me laugh, pick on me and remind me how old I am. Super, huh?

For this shoot I suggested my new favorite park in Suwanee, and luckily today was one of those perfect Georgia October days - a great day to shoot. After taking some time to convince the youngest, Luke (12), that it was okay to sit close to his sisters, I managed to get a few keepers for the holidays and just for fun. Happy Fall!

Happy Halloween

I thought Halloween would never come to an end. It started when I enthusiastically decorated the house on October 1st and finally ended on Friday with too much candy leftover. How'd that happen? While I normally don't seek out sweets, I just can't seem to walk by the candy bucket without digging in. It's a just a fun-size Twix - or two or three - how bad can that be for you?

Anyhoo, below are a few faves from the weekend and school parade.

Lightyear, Buzz Lightyear

Me and Side-show Bob, uh Bill

Birthday bash

Sam was invited to a mini-golf birthday party last weekend, and of course like any mom I went camera in-hand to capture the fun. Ashton and his classmates had a Piratey-good time at Pirate's Cove on a brilliant Saturday afternoon. (Thank goodness for TiVo because the UGA/LSU game was on, and Bill was back at the house sweating until I got home. But never mind that.)

Anyway, Sam and Co. golfed (sort of), ate cake and opened presents with the wonderful vim and vigor that 5-year-olds have. He even took home an eye patch and treasure chest for his little brother. I posted a few of my favorites below. Happy Birthday Ashton!


Mmm, cupcakes

Present heaven!

Argh matey! It's the curse of the ribboned skull