I absolutely love these first two images – the sun dancing around and glowing on the whole family.

Just look at those freckles on Zach – I could just squeeze him!  And sweet Olivia – more interested in the animals, fish and bugs than me. 

*gasp* this picture gets me all emotional.  So cute!

I should tell you that Jennifer is REALLY good about taking pictures and documenting all of their family adventures on her blog - you should check it out!

Without further ado, meet Mr. Beckett!

Proud Papa and Mama!  Dad is very into baseball and I love that he brought his glove to use in some pictures.

Can you see the little smile on Beckett’s face?  I swear he was grinning almost the whole time!  And beautiful mommy – she doesn’t look tired at all right??

After Beckett ate, he was WIDE awake.  Mom said he usually stays awake for a while so we just went ahead and did some more pictures.  Usually I do this pose when the babies are sleeping, but we gave it a try “awake” and I think it’s adorable!

I really love these first two images – especially the close up.  As a photographer I can guide people (or pose them) but when things happen naturally, those are always the best images in my opinion.  Dad was looking at mom, mom was looking at Anna and Anna was looking at me with that silly tongue – adorable!

See what I mean – joyful – even when we put her in the bucket!

It was getting HOT fast, so we went inside for a couple more tutu shots.

And since mom said she likes the “vintage” style images that I do – here’s a special one for her…. 

See what I mean by in love?  So sweet!

The nursery was so cute – and already stocked with wonderful books for Miss Charley!  One of my favorites…..

Just look at his eyes – so kind and sweet.  He was smiling the WHOLE time – it makes you want to smile back doesn’t it?

So typical right?  Preston sitting on Charlotte in the chair — because they both wanted to be on the chair RIGHT NOW!  ;)

Sweet Charlotte – I had to put a little vintage effect on this image.  Gorgeous!

We spent the time relaxing, eating, drinking, and hanging out by their beautiful pool.  I could really get used to having a pool in my backyard!  Kylie started out terrified to put her face in the water, but after 30 minutes (and some coaxing) she was swimming like a fish – no floaties at all.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, who’ve known me for 20+ years, through good times and bad.  Thank you for hosting us!!!!!   Can’t wait for you to come to Atlanta!

The whole beautiful family….

The missing teeth on Alex are from a head-butting incident!  Boys will be boys!  ;)

Some individual portraits….

ETHAN – 9 yrs

Decaying old Oak Tree

ALEX – 7 yrs

GWYNN – 5 yrs

LOVE this one!  We all know that one day boys grow up and they don’t want so many hugs & kisses from mom.  But until then…..

Oh – and did I mention that my friend Andrea just happens to me an incredible seamstress/monogrammer/designer?   Are these cute or what?   She made me one too!

She wanted to be sure and get an image with mommy and each child.   These will be treasured forever – a memory of what life was like before the littlest sibling arrived.

I didn’t do individual pictures of Mr. P and Miss LG this time – but who could resist the sweet twinkling eyes of a girl with a lollipop?   These were the last two shots I took – so cute!!

Can’t wait for baby to arrive…..

Here are a couple scanned pictures that I still have…. My grandma and I (1983) and my mom and I (probably around 1979).  The emotion I feel from these pictures is overwhelming.  I remember my grandma would always look at ME for pictures and never at the camera (I felt like she was ALWAYS looking at me) and that ridiculous outfit with the wrap-around shorts and belly exposed – I was so embarrassed to wear it!  It’s ironic that the picture of my mom and I was also taken at my Grandma’s house (considering she lived 12 hours away and we saw her once every year or two).  Her house was the COOLEST place with lots of great food and her doll collection (that I was never allowed to touch).  Ahhhh, the memories.

I’m sure Wes won’t mind if I tell you he was pretty grumpy about the whole “taking pictures” situation, but I think by the end he *might* even say that he had a good time????  He was very sweet and little sister (by 7 years) was also a delight.  They did whatever I asked (unlike the little ones that I am usually chasing around) so it was a very relaxing time for me!

Here’s a few sneak peak images.  A couple portraits (because mom will want to see these) and a few that I just fell in love with because they captured the undeniable, slightly silly, sibling relationship these two have – even as adults.

Can you see it?  ”OH MAN – she’s HUGGING me!”

Some old fashioned effect on this one — timeless.

And a quick storyboard to make you smile.  I know it’s a bit small – but still cute!

The best part about taking pictures “for myself” is that I can really play with them during the post-processing until I have the perfect look and feel for each image.   I fall in love with each of these images and I find myself staring into them and smiling.  Not just a picture, but a beautiful memory of youth, friendship and love.

I can see this image hanging on my wall next to another one (in 13 years) when they are in high school…..

The girls and their gorgeous smiles…. REAL smiles!

Strike a pose!

Stunning.

Okay – it can’t be ALL about the girls right?  Jake was pretty jealous and MORE than happy to get in on some of the action.  His sweet little smile just makes me gush with emotion.  I want to reach out and grab his little cheeks and kiss-kiss-kiss him!