I’ve had an influx of senior girls this month!  I love shooting seniors because of all the possibilities with locations, and also because we can take advantage of all the amazing light right before the sun goes down.  Little ones are usually in bed by then!  We scoured downtown Bismarck for locations, and Kelsey’s sister even came out for a little fun, too!

So, not last Saturday, but the one before (again…always a week behind), I went to Fargo to meet up with Erin.  Remember?  Last winter, she came to Bismarck for a mentoring session?  Well, she now has a blog and website, and I encourage you to check her out because she is doing awesome!  We are planning to do a session swap this fall, too, and I cannot wait.  It is so much fun spending time talking photography with a friend, so I’m glad we could make it happen. 

And, of course, we needed some willing models, and that is where these two came in!  Seriously, the sweetest little kids.  Jacob is super smart and was so cooperative.  And Ellie…what a doll.  I just love those big blue eyes of hers!  And their parents were pretty awesome, as well.  When I found out they were both engineers, I knew we’d get along.  Thank you guys for coming out in the heat and playing with us!

Tomorrow night, I have a session with two of my favorite girls, and then we’re headed off for vacation this week, so say a prayer that the car ride isn’t torture!

I just love repeat clients!  One of the most awesome parts about being a photographer is seeing and capturing the changes of children as they grow up.  From a sleeping newborn, to a smiley six month old, to a walking one year old.  From a busy and curious three year old to a mature five year old heading off to kindergarten.  I’ve seen so many changes in my repeat clients, but this one is a bit different, and a first for me.  I had the pleasure of photographing Michelle when she was 15.  Now, nearly two years later, she is getting ready to start her senior year!

I’ll admit, I was totally nervous when her mom told me they wanted photos of her with their boat. What do you do with a boat? There’s not going to be any shade!? I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but I loved what we came up with. Michelle totally rocked it! And me? Well, I was completely soaked from the hips down. LOL!

And nothing says Bismarck like a photo in the Missouri River…

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He’s pretty much been called Cohen Monster by the whole family since he came home with us, so a monster party was only fitting.  The poor guy is dealing with a cold, and a nose that has been running like a faucet, so he was a little out of it for part of the day, especially after not much of a morning nap, but I think he had a great birthday.  It was so nice to have all of our family and friends there, so thank you all for helping us celebrate!  I was worried it was going to be unbearably hot, but we had plenty of shade, and it seemed the weather was perfect!

I hardly saw Rory the entire time.  She was having so much fun at the playground with all of her friends.  She came out for the pinata and treats, though!

I loved how the invites turned out…

Lots of little monsters and polka dots!  Cohen LOVED the big balloons!

It was a great way to end a great year!

You’re sweet, snuggly, funny, mischevious, smart, busy, and best of all…mine.  Here’s to one of the fastest years of my life.  I feel like there is no way it was already a year ago that I met you, and even though you’ve grown and changed so much, when I’m rocking you to sleep and I look at you, to me, you are the same tiny baby we brought home.  I love you! 

Gosh, I haven’t updated this in awhile.  I have a ton to write and a ton more photos of Cohen from Monday evening when we were hanging in the yard, but no time right now.  It feels so good to get outside and shoot for a change.  I was playing around with some different post processing on these two before bed last night.  Anyway…

1. I’ve been feeling totally uninspired lately when it comes to photography.  I’m sick of shooting in my house.  Sick of it.  Green grass, please hurry up!  Thank goodness the weather has warmed up, and I can see the end of winter in sight.  I’m not going to actually say it is over yet, though.  You never know around here!

2.  The thought of spring makes me anxious for spring photo sessions!  If you are thinking about scheduling one, now is the time because, as always, my time is limited and they fill up fast!  Also, I’ve added a “what to wear?” section in the top header with some links to my favorite places to shop for my kids’ clothing.  I always think a big part of the fun of a photo session is seeing what the kids wear, and anyone who knows me knows I LOVE shopping for kids clothes!

3.  Over the weekend, Rory and I did some fun Easter activities.  We made these egg rice krispie treats.  Rory is always up for anything involving sprinkles.

4.  Diet eggs.  I thought it was so funny that she thought that’s what I was saying.  I really didn’t even want to correct her!

5.  I always love pulling up images that are so similar and in the same time frame.  It makes me a little sad, actually, seeing how much she’s changed.  2009 to 2010…

6.  Speaking of change…her forth birthday is just around the corner.  My gosh, it doesn’t seem possible!

7.  Poor Cohen has an ear infection.  He has just not been his normal, laid back self, so I knew something was up.  On the way home from the doctor today, we stopped to pick up his antibiotics.  While waiting for the prescription, we did a little shopping, and he got to ride in the cart for the very first time!  My gosh, he was just so cute sitting in there, checking things out.  And he looks so small.  He was clinging tight to his nose drops.  I just had to snap a photo with my cell phone.  I barely even notice how bad this photo is because that smile is just so great.  How do I get a face like that out of him?  Just by saying, “Mama loves you!”

8.  Remember this couple?  Rory gets to be the flower girl in their wedding!  As of right now, she really doesn’t even know what a flower girl does, thank goodness.  When we got her dress, I was afraid to let her try it on for fear that I would never get it off.  Isn’t it so pretty?  I love it!

ETA:  After a few emails, I thought I should mention that the dress is from CrewCuts.  Link found in my “What to Wear?” section!

9.  I’m pretty sure I’ve been looking forward to this short week/long weekend since Christmas.  Okay, maybe just since New Year’s!

10.  I’m in love with this song and this video.  Amazing harmonies,  locations, and lighting.  I have listened to/watched it no less than ten times just tonight.

Very wise words.