This family is very dear to us...plain and simple. We have known them for many years now and have treasured every moment we have had with them. I have so much joy in my heart seeing their little family complete. Julie told me several years back when she was pregnant with Ty (the middle son) that if he was a boy, they would have to try for a third because she always imagined life with 3 boys. Well, for some time they thought they would stop with 2 until they realized they wanted to live with no regrets. The dream was for 3, but life seemed much simpler with 2. I admire them for not taking the easy way out. ;) Life is hard...but the reward of 3 precious boys far outweighs the stress of today. We love you guys and are so very happy for you!

This one makes me smile. He was on the verge of being hungry...love his little expression. ;)

Gosh, they are sweet...

This idea came to me rather suddenly and I love it! They were given specific instructions and followed through perfectly. Good job, boys!

Loving this one...

Beautiful...

Knox's daddy plays the drums... We could listen to him all day...he is quite amazing!

You may remember this sweet little face from last fall when Parker was just a newborn. I am always amazed to see the changes from newborn sessions to the 6 month/up sessions. They go from teeny little ones to precious little people with lots of personality. Well, Parker was an absolute delight for this session. It was obvious that he was a big fan of his mommy and daddy and his wagon was a close second. ;) As always, it was wonderful seeing you guys again...can't wait until next time!

Such a precious little guy...

His expression in this one melts my heart...a favorite, for sure.

Another favorite...

Love those little toes...

Oh, how I love capturing precious moments for families. I never tire of looking at how each family is engaged to the needs of one another. Such a beautiful thing... We have captured this sweet family before, but they were only a family of 5 at that time. Now, they are an adorable family of 6. I loved seeing how they have changed, yet have stayed the same. We did their session on their property last time, as well. You will soon see why it is the perfect place for photos. It is quite the little haven for their growing family. Thanks for giving us this opportunity once again. Hope to see you all again soon! Many hugs...

They are so cute!

This is their home that can also be their home-away-from-home. They even brought sand in so the kids could have a beach area. I could live here...

Since this was his first photo session with me...I grabbed a few extra. ;)

Airplane!!

They sure do love their little brother...

A favorite...

Just a little guy...

I just loved this little session between a mom and her two little girls. We have known this family for quite some time. A few years ago they moved to Texas and only get to visit every so often. :( I was rather excited that it worked out to see them during their busy time in the midwest. Daddy had to head back for work, so this session was just the girls. Lots of pink, lots of ring-around-the-rosies, and lots of giggling. The perfect session for 3 beautiful girls. Sara...you know how much we miss you guys! Glad we had a bit of time to catch up. Hugs to all 4 of you!!

All of these (above and below) melt my heart...love them!

A squirrel ran across the top of the bridge. It was quite the site to see... ;)

Something you may not know about me...I coached cross country for 4 years. Oh, how I loved it and wish that my schedule still allowed for it--maybe someday. I loved the kids, the competition, the mental/physical growth it took...I could go on and on. Well, Molly is one of my former athletes. She was a true gem then, and still is to this day. I have kept in touch with her over the years (along with several other athletes) and I am so proud of who she has become. I know that her senior year will be full of memories and challenges that will help prepare her for her future after high school.

Molly--I'm so excited for you and honored to have been a part of your senior year. I know that you will continue to radiate every room you walk into...your sweet spirit, go-get'em attitude, and beautiful smile will take you far. Follow your dreams, believe in who you are, and always remember to pace yourself. ;) Love to you...

There are so many of these that I love...I think you know that. ;)

Ha! Love this!

This cute guy has been a part of her life since middle school. A few pictures were a must...

This will be a session I remember for a long, long time! We had everything from crazy mosquitoes, hot weather, random things happening at the IMA pond (Brad and Beth know what I'm talking about ;), baseball, piggy-back rides, cradle-holds (well, kind of), and running through sprinklers. We even met early in the morning trying to prevent the first 2 things from happening, but we overcame that by making it work for us.

Brad and Beth were as sweet and endearing as they were fun and full of life. I loved watching them together and had many good laughs throughout their session. I can't wait until next summer...it's gonna be a beautiful day! Hugs to you both!!!

Love this one...

Brad...you crack me up! ;)

Some baseball fun that...

...brought on this. ;)

These next 2 are my favorites...couldn't decide.

Love their jumping abilties...

At the end of the session, we were all drenched--thank you Indiana summers. As we were walking back to our cars, we saw the sprinklers and we all knew what needed to happen. And, it did...

This series...I laugh every time I look at it. Brad got pelted with the sprinkler...funniest thing ever!

I'm not going to lie...I was a bit nervous going into this session. You will soon see that there were 6 little ones...under the age of 7!!! I had envisioned them all going complete opposite directions with me trying to chase them down for at least one photo. Well, they exceeded our expectations by a thousand percent. They were all so well-behaved and absolutely precious. I soon realized that having 6 little ones can make for some chaotic times, so doing a family outing that includes getting your photos taken probably didn't seem like such a big deal. ;)

The best part of all of this is that we shot Kris and Megan's wedding about 9 years ago (I believe) and we went to school with Megan at IWU. Since they've been married they have been traveling here, there and everywhere to accomodate Kris' role with the Marines. It was absolutely wonderful being able to catch up with them after all this time and see the wonderful road life has taken them. Kris and Megan...I hope that we get to each other again-much sooner than later. Thanks for giving us this opportunity! Hugs to all of you!

Yep, 6 of them...from left to right-7, 6, 5, 4, 2, 6 months. I'm still amazed! ;)

Such a beautiful family...

Isn't he a doll??

These girls are going to have the best of times together...love it!

Love this one...

While it was supposed to be a week of excitement, anxiousness, and tears (for me ;) it became a frustrating mess that I had not anticipated. Without going into great detail, it was crazy. Due to my photography schedule and an after-school program that I thought was going to work out, I realized that there was no way half day kindergarten was going to work with our schedule. So, with a lot of phone calls, a lot of running around and many moments of mommy guilt, Gabe is now traveling to school with Jeremy in the morning for full-day kindergarten. Thankfully, he is ready for it and was very excited to know that he will be traveling with Jeremy to "daddy's school."

The craziest part is the fact that Jeremy is teaching kindergarten art after having taught high school art for 6 years. I still can't believe it. Due to budget cuts and being the lower guy on the totem pole, he is now in a whole new arena. One of the reasons Jeremy has continued to teach was for benefits. I guess you could say this change has been difficult (especially since his certification is for middle school-high school), but we will get through it. And, we know that God has a special plan for us even in the midst of this craziness.

Now that I have shared too much information, I want to say that there is lots to come. Thank you so much for being patient with me during these crazy, unplanned, 3 weeks. I am trusting that life is going to settle down a bit, so that we can get back to our normal routines.

There are many a times while documenting our wonderful families where I just want to hang out with them for a while after the session...especially this family. Some of these faces may look familiar from Aaron and Andrea's wedding last September. We had such an amazing day with them last year that we knew this time around was going to be just as great. We laughed a lot! Even in the midst of the crazy heat, we enjoyed catching up and capturing them. Rogier family...thanks again for giving us this opportunity. It was so very worth the drive! Hope to see you all again soon! Hugs to you...

We drove to Kentucky for this session. Andrea's parents own a lakehouse and they all find themselves there many times throughout the summer. Andrea's dad would live there if he could. It truly is a haven where they can enjoy life together. It only made sense to do their family session there...too many memories to cherish.

We started at the field across the street. The water was a pretty busy place that day, so we stayed close to the house.

I totally remembered what was said at this point to get the expression above...memories. ;)

This was quite the workout and the boys loved it!

Two of my favorites from the session...

Aren't these boys precious...my goodness!

This dinner bell belonged to Andrea's Grandpa...such an awesome heirloom.

This truly sums up their session...lots of good laughs with truly amazing people. Again, so good to see you all!

Jeremy and I have always shared a love for the outdoors. When we first started dating, we took every chance possible to be outside. However, now that we are all grown up our time outdoors is somewhat shortlived...partly because we work, partly because we have kiddos, partly because of time (living in the suburbs requires time to drive to the great outdoors ;). So, when we started planning our trip to Colorado we knew we were ready...more than ready.

Well, the beginning of our trip was off to a great start until Claire came down with a fever. We knew right away she wasn't feeling well because I can count on my hand the number of times she's been sick in her little life. What we thought was being tired, overheated quickly turned into a little girl who had a bug of some sort. After day 2 of having the blahs we took her to urgent care. We were told she had an ear infection, so we were sent home with meds thinking this would be the end of it. Well, we couldn't get the medicine down her. As soon as we tried, it came right back up. :( So, the next day we went back to the urgent care...this time seeing a different doctor. He didn't see any signs of an ear infection. What? And lo and behold, while we were there she started picking up some energy that we hadn't seen over the past 3 days. The doctor agreed that this didn't seem like the signs of an ear infection, but gave us some new meds to try to be sure that it wasn't. By the next day...day 4 into our trip, she was starting to act and feel a bit more like herself. The downside was that we camped out (in our rental house) for a few days trying to get her back to normal which left us with 3 days to absorb Colorado.

Day 1 for me was hiking Mt. Bearstadt. I had hiked Pikes Peak a few years back and was excited to be able to hike another 14er while we were there. I guess you could say that I have found a new addiction. There is something about being up in the mountains overseeing some of the magnificent beauty that God has provided for us. I was in complete awe...

This was how our hike started out. We were hoping for sunny skies, but the way the clouds were rolling through...I didn't mind.

This was about the half way point...about 2 miles with a 1500 climb in elevation.

Loved the little flowers along the way...

The view from the top. I'm not gonna lie...I didn't train in a way that totally prepared me for the hike we experienced. Pike's Peak was a 13 mile hike to the top, so I thought 4 miles up...shouldn't be too bad. Well, you'll see that that the last mile or so of the hike was more like being on all four's climbing over rocks. It was rough, but I loved it! There is something to be said for climbing a mountain and overcoming obstacles along the way. Sure, I was sore the next day, but there were no regrets...not one.

We made it to the top...and this is how we knew. ;)

I hiked Pike's Peak with Jeremy's dad...glad we got to hike another one together. We are so blessed to have such wonderful parents!

L to R: Jeremy's brother, Josh, Jeremy's Aunt Donna, and Jeremy's dad.

The rocks to your left...yes, that is what we climbed over the last part of our hike...hands and knees.

Absolutely amazing....

I really could have stayed here all day...

This was our path slightly below the peak of the mountain. There was somewhat of a trail...

These pile of rocks are found as you are moving up (and down). Over time people have placed rocks there recommending that you hike in this direction. From there, you kind of made your own way up and down. ;)

About 8 miles later...we finished the climb. Due to a hit in elevation, the whole crew didn't make it up. However, the effort was made and the reward was still sweet. Here we are trying to get the mountain in the background using the car as the tripod.

Day 2 was a trip to the Royal Gorge...wow! That's all there is to say.

This bridge is a suspension bridge which means you can see it move when the wind blows which means multiple times of having heart failure which means...craziness!

This was near the beginning of the bridge. Once I realized what she was doing I put the camera down and started to panic. ;)

It was warm, but these hit the spot!

A pretty amazing view...

People have actually tried this??

Yes, there were cracks like this throughout the entire bridge. Yes, I had to breathe through the walk across and back. My heart beats faster just thinking about it.

I wasn't about to ride in that...no thanks! The bridge was enough.

Day 3 involved leaving Colorado Springs and heading north to check out Estes Park next to the Rocky Mountain National Park. All I can say is that we will be going there again. Wow!

These little guys came right up to us...

Yep, we got to see a number of these guys too.

Many rainbows showed their face that day...

I'm kind of proud of the next two shots. They were taken while we were driving back down. Believe it or not, they were sharp...and sharp where they needed to be. I didn't think the angles were too bad either. ;)

So, there you have it. Our trip found moments of relaxing, being parents, visiting family, enjoying scenery...enjoying life.

There are times when our weddings feel somewhat like a get-together with friends. This was definitely the case with Mark and Becky's wedding. A few years back, Mark was a groomsman for Jeff and Heather's wedding. We fell in love with everybody that day, so when Mark and Becky contacted us for their wedding we were overly excited. The day has come and gone and we are left with the memories that we knew we would experience with these wonderful friends.

Mark and Becky were married in Wisconsin near Lake Geneva. It was such a beautiful location that has held many memories for Mark and Becky over the years. Their day was filled with blue skies that held puffy clouds (and a random rainfall ;) and temperatures that were rather comfortable compared to the days we've had this summer. Overall, their day was perfect...every detail was carefully thought out and fell into place just as it needed to be. Mark and Becky...we wouldn't trade your day for anything. Thanks for choosing us to be the ones who got to celebrate with you. Hugs to you both...

Love those first moments...

The beautiful bride...

The love they share is a pretty obvious thing... ;)

If only you knew that groomsman on the right... Dan-o-ramic--you make us smile! ;)

I don't think we could've planned this moment any better...

They love their Uncle Mark!

It is hard to say what this conversation was, but my guess is that they will get a good laugh out of this.

And, here we are...can't wait to see the 4 of you again! ;)

I remember the final days of college when we would say bye to those we've shared the last 4 years with hoping that by chance we would stay in touch once life grabbed a hold of us. Then we all went our separate ways not knowing if our paths would ever cross again. Then, along came facebook. It has brought back more familiar faces from my growing up years all the way to the present than I ever thought possible. This is the case for this beautiful family. Jeremy and I went to IWU with Evan and Susan and were fortunate enought to reconnect with them on facebook. I have truly enjoyed seeing their little family grow and getting a peek into what their lives are like. We started talking about their session last fall and I love the fact that it was made possible...courtesy of facebook. ;)

We had a beautiful day for their session in Ohio. I think it was the one day this summer where the humidity was under control. As for the boys...love them! They were full of energy and smiles...everything you hope for with little boys. And, their blonde hair...love it! As for Evan and Susan, it was absolutely wonderful catching up with them (in person) after all these years. Hopefully, our paths will cross again, other than on facebook. Hugs to all of you...it was wonderful seeing you!

They have some super cute little ones...

Susan was a photography major at IWU and has pursued her degree as much as possible with 3 little ones. I had told her a while back that she needed to get in some of the pictures with her boys rather than always being the one taking them. We got some...and I love them all!

AIRPLANE!!!

Again, it was wonderful seeing all of you! Let's not make it another 10 years before we see each other again. ;)

I have been wanting to get Chris and Kara's post up for the past 2 days!!! Ahhhh!!! However, I do believe you will find the wait to have been worth it. Chris and Kara's day was everything they had dreamed it would be. They put a lot of careful thought into everything that made their day one to remember...from the schedule to the details to the events at the reception. It was perfect...and we loved being the ones to document it for them. We love you both to pieces and look forward to seeing you both again soon!

The photo on the left drew me in...this is a photo of Kara's parents on their wedding day.

;)

Kara...you were such a stunning bride! Goodness...

She had so much fun doing this...her idea. ;)

The music was beautiful...

I loved how comfortable these two felt throughout the day...enough to "shhhhh" everyone as she was walking down the aisle. She had an announcement to make...the bride is coming! ;)

Super-fun wedding party!

Ok, I'm not gonna lie...it was a scorcher. Not that this is a surprise for the summer we've had, but we were all drenched. The part that I love...is that you would NEVER know from the pictures. Chris and Kara...nice job!

Love this one...ok, love all of them. ;)

Jeremy's view...

My view...

There was a Polish tradition that Kara's family has done for all of the weddings. Kara had no idea it was coming!

Such a beautiful way to end their day...

Oh, how I love seeing our former clients again. Paul and Ashley got married 5 years ago, this September, and I remember it as if it were yesterday. They had such a beautiful day... Well, here they are with a new addition and what a sweet, blessing he is. Owen is such a beautiful, little boy and I loved watching him mill around the area. He was very interested in sticks, moving around and checking everything out. Paul and Ashley...we are so happy for you guys! I loved seeing the two of you again and look forward to seeing you all again soon! Hugs to you...

Gosh, I love this one. It reminds of the furrowed brow that Claire used to give us. We used to call it the "Carpenter scowl." ;)

As a mom, this one melts my heart...

Love this...

Family hug...

Mommy's boy...

It only took me 0.0 seconds to fall in love with this family! I don't know if it was because Logan and Olivia are practically the exact same ages as Gabe and Claire or if it was just because they were that loveable. I'll go with both... ;) We had such a great time enjoying the outdoors and sharing the similar stories that we are experiencing with our little ones. Amanda...I'm so glad you found us from a friend of a friend of a friend's blog! Can't wait to see the 4 of you again soon! Hugs to you...

I wish I could tell you how much the image above/below remind me of Gabe and Claire...they truly are that loveable-most of the time. ;)

He was as sweet as can be...and did everything I asked. I'll take your picture anytime, Logan!

She's ornery...and I love it! I really was amazed...could it be a boy/girl thing? Not sure...but Gabe is my little snuggler and Claire is my ornery-go-getter. I could totally see this in Logan and Olivia...

This truly defines siblings at these ages--and I absolutely love it! Gabe has put Claire in similar holds...

Love this...

I don't know what it is about this one, but it is another favorite...

There is something about small town weddings that draws you in to the people you are surrounded by. There is so much raw emotion that brings instant tears to your eyes. At least, that was the case for Jason and Kendra's wedding. Or maybe it had to do with the fact that they hold a special place in our hearts. Back in my teaching days ;), I taught 4th grade with Jason's mom. She was instantly known as "Momma Jackie" to me and it didn't take long before their whole family felt like family to us.

Capturing Jason and Kendra's day was something that not even the closest of friends/family could have experienced. We were there for the first looks, the first tears shared by the parents, the anxious moments before walking down the aisle...the list goes on. I am humbled that we have this opportunity time and time again...especially when we have had the chance to get to know the families involved.

As for Jason and Kendra, their love couldn't be sweeter. It is obvious that they are putting each other first and are anxious to start this journey of married life. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. We love you guys and are so thankful that we were able to be a part of your day.

A special gift from Jason...

Oh, how I love this one...

Such a fun wedding party...

I can see Blake now (the one to the left of Jason who happens to be his younger brother)..."What?" ;)

You're beautiful, Kendra...inside and out.

Dad was trying to make Kendra laugh to keep those anxious, emotional feelings at bay...

Lots of precious expressions in this one...

Jason and Kendra chose to get married at the church Jason's parents were married at almost 26 years ago. I'm sure there were lots of sweet memories remembered and many new ones made...

This little guy was very interested in what I was doing there... ;)

There is nothing sweeter than the love that a father has for his son...and now---daughter.

Married!!!

The Best Man speech was given by Jason's brother, Blake. They have been through it all together. I was amazed at how his speech could bring laughter and tears within seconds of each other. Only Blake... ;)

Oh, how I loved watching Jason's dad, Jay, take the dance floor. He was quite the crowd pleaser...

Only brothers can do random things such as this...if only you could've been there to get the full effect. ;)

How low can you go?