Another candidate!

It may have something to do with being involved in the political process with Andy's race, but my daughter has decided to run for President! (Just kidding, she's been planning this for years.) Of course, she is in middle school and is running for student council, but a mother has never been so proud.
As it stands today, she is running against two other girls, so it looks like we will have a female president after all! :) She has been jumping into this full force, figuring out her slogan "Don't be Baloney, Vote for Mahoney".....catchy, huh? She has gotten nearly every signature she needs from teachers and students, and has already written her speech to give to the student body....all in the first day of preparation!
My girl, so independent and strong, very few fears and trepidations. When she is asked to speak or sing in front of a crowd, she takes it in stride, like it's no big deal. If it were me, I'd be losing my lunch all the time!
Waves of pride wash over me as I look in her eyes, it's amazing the young woman she's becoming!

Two sweet brothers

I was invited to photograph a gorgeous family this week, and they just couldn't have been nicer. The mom, D, was glad that I had experience with boys, having two of my own, but I really didn't need any preparation, the boys were just sweethearts! Full of laughs and smiles, and we even got their new puppy in some shots!
I've only just started editing, but had to share some of the cute ones I've already come across. Thanks for a fun afternoon, you guys....you made me feel right at home!

*You can double-click on a photo to see it larger.





Love the fun with dad!




I couldn't decide whether I liked this shot better in color or black and white....what fantastic eyes!

The candidate

My dear friend is running for judge in a very important race and I've been blessed to have been able to do some of the photography for his campaign, for voter's pamphlets and flyers and such. Andy Erwin is running for judge in Washington County, please vote if you can, we have to keep criminals off the streets and every police association endorses Andy. The other guy was a career criminal attorney and Andy has been spending his time in the D.A.'s office putting away child abuse offenders. There's no question in my mind.
Andy Erwin for Judge!!!
*You can check out his site and Karen's blog of daily life in the chaos of a campaign here: http://www.andyerwinforjudge.com/index.htm

Princess Birthday Party

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a 4 year old's beautiful "Princess Party". It was any little girl's dream....playing, crafting, dancing and laughing. Every princess came dressed as such, little colorful bunches of tulle bouncing all over! There were even three older princesses there to entertain the little ones (Snow White, Aurora and a fairy).
Unfortunately I neglected to bring model releases to the party, so some of my favorite shots can't be included here, but I have to share what I am allowed to with you all anyway. (Note to self: next time, remember to pack the releases!)
It was a fantastic party, thanks to C and S for letting me be a part of it!

Gorgeous birthday girl:

Thankfully food needs no release! :)

Big brother was there and was a great sport!

And had fun most of the time!

This last one, at the very end of the party, reminded me a bit of the Wicked Witch of the West, from the Wizard of Oz. :) Beautiful costume though!

T is here!

Results from the maternity earlier......he is a beautiful baby boy! Thankfully I got to him while he was still all curly and had that newborn look. I was hoping he would sleep more, he really only took a nap at the end, but he was exceptionally sweet and happy, even while awake. He was very kind to be sleepy and give me some long blinks so I could get these shots.
Thanks to K and J....I loved capturing your handsome little man!

(Sorry, you'll see I'm having fun with watermarks here!)

Just one of the few we got with big sis.
We did a mini shoot with her as well, this is my fave from the group.

Sweet baby D

This gorgeous little guy was such a dream. And he even timed a little event to occur during our photo shoot: he lost the umbilical cord while I was there! So I got to record it for the parents, even though I won't be sharing that here. :)
The first shot here is probably my favorite, dad is a mechanic and even though his hands have been washed and are clean, they are forever stained and a bit bashed up. I just love the juxtoposition of the soft, brand new baby skin against those tough, hard-working, manly hands.