Let me tell you … last minute planning is super unusual for me.  I like to plan things well in advance.  I’m currently working on my August calendar, in fact.  But pretty much on Sundays, when it is Matt’s only day off in the week, I’ll do whatever it is that he wants to do.

So we packed up and headed south.

I’ve told you before, we live a pretty chilled lifestyle.  But still, getting away as a family to do something different from our normal routine, is so good for the soul.  The soul of our family.

{Let’s take a moment to just observe these 4 shots from my husband … at 40 yards, one right after the other …. }

We were only able to shoot for about an hour and a half and still had lots of day left, so he went a bit further south to the Metolius Fish Hatchery at Wizard Falls.  G&C had been there before with Matt and were beyond excited to show me and Kaden how we can feed the fish …

I love it when experiences happen and whenever you remember your good time, it literally warms you up and relaxes you.  That’s how I feel about this trip.  We’re definitely embracing the notion of ‘quality not quantity’ with our fun family adventures … eh, who am I kidding.

Everyday is an adventure with my guys.

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No doubt, lots of my posts will be from our evening walks.   It is the happiest time of the day for all of us …

Gosh, okay … they don’t look too thrilled, but really, they are …

{That’s what it looks like when your mouth gets smacked with the edge of a wooden swing … poor Tado … }

{No worries … nothing is really harmed by the boys shooting into the pond.  If there was, there’d be newts floating on the top}

This is us, making the most of our time with Dad and with nice weather.   I’ll try not to complain, but I will say that it’d sure be nice to have a lot more of both …

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Kaden’s been fighting naps ever since I got back from Vegas and it finally caught up to him …

Just right there, on the couch, while his brothers watched Tarzan, he passed out.

So far this was the first, and only, time this has happened.

As cute as it was, I’m praying for normal nap-times again!

Please.

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I hope yours is as refreshing!

xoxo

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I’ll say it time and again … there is nothing like the anticipation of a new baby!

{I was giddy when I realized we were shooting with fog!!}

Tiffany and Sean … it was so fun to work with you!  And I cannot wait to meet your sweet little girl.  Not much longer now!

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And just the other day I felt the need to go scouting for a new spot and completely think I found it.   Even without this beautiful golden hour light, I know this will be a perfect location … I had to try it out with my family first and in between riding their bikes, they were gracious enough to pose. 

Yes, the light as the sun is about to set, and an hour before is just glorious.

To thank my ‘models’ for being pretty cooperative, we went to the local BMX track to drive their new RC car …

I can not wait to be back at this location for a family or maternity session!!

XOXO

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I photographed this family’s maternity session and then their little guy as a newborn, and recently had the pleasure of photographing them as a complete unit, and with a little extra focus on the baby’s 6 month birthday!

I’m warning you, there is a lot of photos … and a lot of cuteness!

Once we finished up outside, in-doors we went for a little nap, and studio time. 

Thank you to this wonderful family for coming back for more!

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Boe told me to just be creative … to be an artist.  I rarely think of myself as that.  I’m not sure why, because I do think of many photographers as artists.  Sarah.  Megan.  Andria.  Stacey.  Kerianne.  Just not myself.  I think I’m much too calculated or something.  I kept asking Boe before-hand for his vision so I could have some guidance.  He just told me to do what I do.

So here, I let the light lead me.  I shot wide open the whole time and relaxed.  Catchlights weren’t the goal but connection, feeling, our surroundings, were.  And I love what that produced … organic meets rockin’ roll.

I love this one …

That’s Josh on that guitar there … he and Boe remade the guitar to include that painting.  I’m in awe that whatever my brother dreams up, he can do.  And then does.

I adore these last two shots … black & white or color.  It doesn’t really matter.   It’s my big brother and there is so much peace there in this photo and it makes me happy.

I have many more from this session, but promised not to share until Boe gives me the okay.  They feature a few guitars that he and my dad made, which are so unique that the design has to be protected first.  They are my favorite photos from the session, so I’m anxious to share.

This session excites me from my head to my toes because it was so far outside my comfort zone, yet I am so liberated by the results.  And, because it was for my brother and his friend – a friend who has been supportive of Boe like no other.

Thank you, really, for the opportunity.

XOXO

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Consequently, there was a lot of laying around this week …

2.  I’ve been asking myself a lot lately, “Do I need to do this right now?”  Do I need to wash the dishes right now or follow Kaden around because he is pushing me away from my task and just wants me to walk with him and hold my finger?  It is sort of a battle for me of deciding when to give into their demands and when not to.  Hmm.

3.  I shared an image from this evening walk yesterday and here are the rest … Cooper wasn’t in the photo (or any of these) because he was cuddling in the stroller.  See #1.

There is SO much sass and attitude bottled up in this pint sized little guy…

It is hunting season… what can I say?

Gagers found this hat in the closet and immediately recognized it as his favorite from when he was 2.  He’s been sportin’ it ever since he re-discovered it.  I love how there is a huge whole on the top and his curls pop out … and that he doesn’t even care. 

I thought I’d try this spot again on the way back, thinking he’d smile because he had an apple.  Not so much.

Many pitterpattery steps have been taken in these tired old boots …

4.  We’ve been having some beautiful mornings this week and I’m finding it incredibly refreshing to spend my morning on our front porch, watching the day begin.  G&C joined me the other morning and it was evident that Cooper was feeling a bit better, so that was a welcomed start of the day, too.

But looks can be deceiving … as we’re all still quite a bit less than 100%.

5. Here’s a peek at the session I’ll be sharing on Monday … totally out of my comfort zone but loved every moment.

See ya’ll then!

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But like I said, this one made me pause.  It made my heart flutter.  I loved it straight out of my camera for the lighting, the connection, the moment.

So, I know it’s unlike me to post only one photo and the rest will come tomorrow, but for today, this photo stands alone.

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