Growing Up...

As Avery gets older we enjoy more and more "girl stuff" together.  We've been getting ready for a beach vacation and the other day she sat patiently while I braided her hair... well not too patiently which resulted in a rather quick and sloppy job on my part :).  I told her that it was the perfect hairdo for the beach and she then wanted to try on her new beach clothes.  LOL!  Then today I did my mani/pedi while the kids napped and when I got her up she saw my painted nails right away and started pointing to her own.  So I decided to give her her first ever manicure.  So sweet.

In not-so-little boy news, Ander finally had his one year pediatrician appointment.  He is now 20th percentile in weight and 75th in height.  Looking like he is going to be tall and skinny like his daddy ;)  Hard to believe that when he was born just over a year ago he was the tiniest peanut at 5 lbs 13 ounces.  Cliches are cliches because they are true... they really do grow up SO fast.  Mother's Day was wonderful this year.  I really could not be more proud and happy... with everything.  I am so so blessed...     

Glen Echo Park

This weekend my sister-in-law came to visit us so we made plans to do something fun which included a family day event at Glen Echo Park and then spending the rest of the day and night at our aunt and uncle's home.  Getting 2 kids ready for a full day and night away from home can be chaotic.  Then a misunderstanding regarding who (if anyone) was in charge of directions, my limited physical mobility being wedged in the backseat between 2 toddler car seats, and issues with my iphone navigation system that isn't the fastest... it MAY have taken about 45 minutes to arrive at a destination that was about 2 miles from our house.  At least I can laugh now :).  Once we got there the rest of the day and night was very fun.  I am amazed by how much there is to do here with the kids that is FREE.  In Chicago a day like that would have cost a small fortune!  I of course took tons of pics and had a hard time limiting what to share ;)

On another note, I am about to start getting busy with photo shoots again so stay tuned if you wish! :)

Ander's Birthday!

I am behind... I've been neglecting my blog.  I wanted to update first with Ander's first birthday.  He had a great celebration with family and absolutely LOVED his cake.  I had requested his daddy get a cake with white frosting and that's what I got... and pink polka dots too ("... well that was the only cake they had with white frosting...").  Ha!  But Ander dove right in and his expressions were priceless.  He even tried to stand on it but the cake held up pretty well!  I can't believe he is one and I am now officially the mother of 2 toddlers who are only 15 months apart!

Settling in...

We have been here just a little over 3 weeks and are settling in well.  We all love it here.  During the week the kids and I spend tons of time outside in the yard, going for walks and playing at the parks.  I joined a mommy group but am struggling to get the kids' schedules together... hopefully soon.  On the weekends we go out as a family to explore as well as spend time with wonderful relatives and friends.  Yesterday we ventured down to the Potomac River because Avery LOVES "wah-dee."  I'm pretty sure that with my camera I look like a tourist around here rather than a photographer.  In fact,  I had someone kindly ask me if I wanted him to take a pic of me with my daughter.  Gosh no, I don't get in front of the camera, LOL!  Anyhoo, I never tire of taking pics of my kids so here are a couple of Avery.  This week is Ander's first birthday so I will be doing some of him next :)

I hope everyone is well!

Sock Monkey Inspired Clip!

How cute is this little monkey clip in Avery's hair?  She loved modeling this one.  I told her it matched her brother's hat and she kept saying "EEE EEE EEE"  which is of course the sound a monkey makes.  When I was processing the pics she kept looking at them and pointing to her hair.  So stinking cute.  You can get one and many other adorable clips and headbands from Appleseed from Denise :)  Thank you Denise!

My studio is coming together!

It was a big weekend for my studio :)  I ordered a 16x24 canvas gallery wrap with my logo to hang and it's gorgeous!  Backdrops I ordered also arrived.  FUN times and I could not be happier with how it's all coming together!  I hope everyone who celebrates Easter enjoyed the holiday.  We had a wonderful time celebrating all weekend long with family.  Thanks Billy, Susannah, Nathan and Dylan!

Cherry Trees Galore

WOW.  I am amazed by the beautiful scent and beauty from all of the cherry trees here!  They are in full bloom for only a couple more days so I made sure to get out this morning to take a couple pics.  We have 2 in our yard and my studio looks out to the one in this pic.  We went for a walk in our neighborhood last night and I was blown away at all the character, charm and beauty this area has to offer.  Spring has sprung and I am so excited... there are so many incredible outdoor locations that will make for beautiful portrait settings.  This place is a photographer's dream!