Father's Day

Father's Day....a wonderful day devoted to fathers everywhere. 

Nathan requested a jaunt to the Calamus Lake to watch the boats, enjoy the scenery, and hang out.  So we drove around, and found a place to stop and look on. 

I had to take in the scenery as well:

But this was the best scenery by far:

And the proud Papa and his children.  I am just head over heels in love with these guys.

Stormy Afterglow

After a miserably windy day...we had a miserably stormy night, wondering if we would have tornadoes, hail, etc.   We even watched the  Weather Channel's Storm Chasers drive by our house twice through the evening. 

Afterwards though, we had some amazingly sweet sky to view.

I couldn't help myself.  So me and my flip-flops traipsed through the mud and viewed God's glorious canvas.

Beautiful, huh?

Haddie Jo Mini Shoot

Can I say how glad I am to have children for practice shoots.  Or should I say "child".  Judah doesn't give me and my camera the time of day.  But at least I have a drama queen to work it while Judah the stoic looks on.

This morning, I once again gave into the light in our bedroom, set Haddie on the bed, and photographed to my hearts content.  Sorry if y'all are getting tired of Haddie cuteness...you'll just have to bear with me.

Dock at Dusk

This weekend we went back "home", and spent some time with very dear friends of ours...Donovan and Renee. They have this super amazing house, that is just perfect for having people over and around and all those other prepositions that hint at lots of fun with other people.

They also have this really sweet little pond nearby and a dock where one, or three,  can hang out and just talk and take pictures and do girly things.  What?  Do I sound like I'm talking from experience?  Sure am.

Saturday evening, Rachel and her husband Sam, came over as well, and we girls did just that.  We went to the dock, sat on the edge barefoot, took pictures, talked and did some serious unwinding.  Sans children.  Where were the children?  I don't know.  They were safe with their Daddies and that's all I need to know.

It was probably  definitely the best part of my weekend.

Anyway, here are the "girls".  (Ignore my double-looking chin...it really isn't double...it's single...)

Here is the dock (some of it anyway):

Here's the pond:

This is Renee.  She has a pretty smile :)

She also has pretty toes. :D

This is Rachel.  Can you tell she does this for a living?

This is me.  Relaxing.  *contended sigh*

Signing off!

Spring...

I simply LOVE this time of year.  It's my absolute favorite.  If we could just live May through September all year long, I would be perfectly content.

We've been having rainy, dreary weather as of late, and I love the colors of the world through rain-misted lenses...so I carpe diem'ed.

I usually save the best for last, but for some reason, I feel it's necessary to do it first.   I LOVE this shot.  It's so dewy, and springy and green!

This is our backyard.  I love the wildness of it.  Someday, I fully expect to see little fairies flitting about through the trees.

The lilacs are blooming!  Oh how I love their sweet scent.

I bought a ranunculus the other day.  It's one of my very favorite flowers.  I love the symbolism of them as well.  When you give someone a ranunculus, you are saying "You are radiant!"  What a great thing to be telling someone!

How are things springing up where you are?

A Mother is Born...

Okay, so maybe a baby too.  But everyone forgets about the fact that a mother is born every time a baby is.  Which of course, it is very difficult to not be distracted by a child's absolute adorableness. 

At any rate, I have reached the zenith of my career.  Well, maybe not truly...but I have now photographed what I always really and truly desired to photograph:

The birth of a baby.

Was it everything I hoped for?  Oh yes.  And much more.  

There is no miracle we take for granted more than the birth of a child.  Oh my word.  It is truly magical.  And emotional.  And wonderful.  And well...you get the idea.

Clara and Levi asked me to be a part of their joyous day, photographing the birth of their absolutely precious little girl, and I agreed right off!  

I loved watching Levi and Clara interact.  It is so obvious he adores her.  And I just loved observing...

 Clara is a photographer as well.  So of course, she couldn't just leave her camera at home either ;)

Someday, I'm going to labor like Clara.  Totally in control, and level-headed.  Someday.

She was truly a trooper.

Grandpa and Grandma can hardly contain themselves!

Baby J. arrives!!!

*Here is where the father is born*

Isn't this just so sweet?

Do you see all that hair???

Aunt Amelia looks completely in love.  Either that or she's so THRILLED to finally be an aunt.  Or maybe she's just really getting baby fever again.... I haven't decided.

I love this.  What a personality this child has.

The Aunts and Uncles are in awe.

I think Daddy is in awe too. :D

This is Uncle Jacob.  This is his birthday too!

I am so honored to be a part of this special day and this special family!  

(I think I've found a new specialty as well!)

Thank you Clara and Levi and Baby J.!