What a change of scenery from Arizona!  Our world is so different now and it’s fun to welcome new experiences.

Just a glimpse of the fun we had last week at our holiday breakfast party…

more pics to come!

2011 adventures and details (as pictured): carnivals, golf outings at vista verde (fountain hills), camping in MN, lazy river, rock climbing, retro pool party, Julia’s 3rd birthday, ice cream date (30 days to kinder), outdoor adventures, halloween, learning to crawl (and then walk), roasting marshmallows, photobooth: commerical project for LoraLee Lewis, sweet moments, favorite boots/apple pickn’, our obsession (tommy), hanging at the pool, first snowfall in MN, graham crackers for making s’mores, lunchbag for our kindergarten girl, big sister kisses, dress up, i love that orange tent, hershey’s chocolate syrup from our going away party, mama snuggles, hula hoops, easter eggs, flippers, cute baby, more hula hoops, family golf outing and picture play, apples from MN orchard, we really LOVE hula hoops, baby bed, loving on him (our favorite 2011 pastime), serious looks, family of 5/always in flip flops, AZ sunshine, packing the UHaul, AZ resort staycation

In the meantime, here’s one from today: Madelyn + her hockey skates.

The lake was full of activity all day – ice fishers, wind surfers, broom ballers….

We finally went out to skate around 4 and everyone had cleared off. No one in sight – although I’m not sure why…the sun was just starting to fall and it was so peaceful.

A glimpse of Madelyn’s birthday party.
Happy birthday love!

Are you interested in purchasing this template?  Send me a note!  It can be used as a blogboard, canvas print, or whatever you wish.  So versatile.

My favorite sessions are true-to-life…and this golf outing was exactly that!

What I loved about this session:

- sweet autumn light – golden, buttery tones

- a second session with the awesome Baeth family

- lovely family connections

- true-to-life family activity

- Wonderful location and exceptional staff at Little Crow Golf Course – THANK YOU!

- I hired on my 1st photographer assistant!  3 year old Delaney took over my ‘back-up’ camera (the teal Holga 135) and totally rocked the session.  She hung out at my side and guided her parents on what to do at each step.  Her instructions to mom and dad:  ’Now kiss!…Good job!’

- Every minute was so fun – hopefully you can see that in the pics!

One challenge…it got cold quickly and that was tough for the baby (although we totally lucked out with amazing weather to begin with that was completely out of the ordinary for end of Oct).

There are hundreds of amazing images from this shoot and I’ve had the hardest time narrowing them down.  Watch out for some more favorites soon (yes, there are even more)…

Just a few of the pics I’ve worked on so far from Kenzie’s senior session.

Kenzie, thank you for coming from Brainerd for a photo op. You are beautiful inside + out!

Body and soul, I am marvelously made!  Psalm 139:13-14.

So fitting for a birth announcement.  Just perfect.

For the second announcement, just one pic…simple and sweet with a modern design on back.

This year I started the tradition of interviewing the girls at the beginning of each school year.  It’s a fun experience for sure and I know their words will bring back favorite memories in the future.   See Madelyn’s interview here.

And now, Julia at age 3…

Be warned:  I wrote some of Julia’s words in the way that she pronounces them.  This may be annoying to read so sorry for that – but I want to look back at this and remember the way that she used her words at age 3.  You may not understand the verbage (so sorry!) but it’s true-to-life.

Favorite color: blue

Favorite foods: Peanut ‘Butta’ Sandwich, Maca-woah-ni and cheese

Favorite person: You!  (I wonder what she would say if Dada asked her the question)

Other favorite people: Ahh-livia and May-may and Thomas

Favorite thing to do: Hug my mama!!

Favorite thing to wear: My costume that has ‘sprinkle’s on it (pretty sure she means sparkles)

Favorite Friend: Woah-wick (R0rek)…I love Woah-wick!  And Ahh-livia but she’s my cousin too.

Favorite toy: Donald

Favorite thing to do with Mama: play with mama and fly!

Favorite thing to do with Dada: play stinkerhorsey and dinosaurs

Favorite thing to do with May-may: Play May-may’s com-pew-ta games

Favorite thing to do with Tommy: Play and make him laugh

Favorite movie: RIO!

Favorite place to visit: my home

Favorite book: Dinosaurs happy and Dinosaurs sad (a board book by Sandra Boynton) and Brown Bear – both books that she recites by memory

Favorite trip: Mala-ca-merica-ma (Mall of America) and Target.

Favorite day: Disneyland

Favorite doll: Ah-bewy Ortcake (Strawberry Shortcake) and Dora

Worst day ever: When I was sad because we didn’t have a band-aid

Something that makes you happy: Mama!

What I’m most thankful for: I’m thankful for You!  (pretty sure it’s all because I’m asking the question)

My favorite drink: Juice…I’m going to get something to drink (and she’s off)…

So I follow her into the kitchen and ask another question….

‘I’m done now!  I’m done!’

And when she’s done, she’s done.

Off to play May-may’s com-pew-ta games…

I’m hoping to continue with a few more questions later.  At this age, it’s a good idea to do a little at a time.

Have you done an annual interview with your kiddos?  Any favorite questions?  I’d love to know!

Many more pics to share soon!