Heart to Heart

The Weaver Family

This was the last shoot I did in 2010 and it was a lovely end to a lovely business year.  Mindy is a dear friend to many (myself included) and is a rockstar momma. She has super kids to prove it.  They're both so polite, active in extracurricular activities, and they are so sweet to their mother.  I always enjoy being around them.  We decided at the last minute to shoot at Mindy's grandmother's house because Mindy thought it "might work."  What I found was a treasure of texture and character.  Perfect, perfect, perfect for this precious family.  Love them. 

The Eidsons

Had a sweet little mini session with the Eidson family last week.  I love the way the colors pop off the page.  Mom, Jennifer, has started her own sewing business several months ago and it has exploded.  I'm surprised she had time to coordinate outfits and a shoot for her crew, but I'm glad she did ;)

You can see her stuff on her facebook page Sew At Home Mom

The Seago Gals

It's nearly 2 a.m.  The house is dark and quiet.  We promised the kids a trip to Santa's Wonderland in College Station and we chose tonight would be a great night before the crowds go too bad.  It was a great night.  They squealed and sang and absolutely soaked up every twinkling light.  It was worth the ride.  So, I wasn't too discouraged when we pulled into our driveway at 11 pm and I still had party favors to wrap and a few loads of laundry to throw on top of the dryer.  I decided the laundry could wait, but I couldn't go to bed before posting these pictures.

I've wanted to go to this spot for a while now.  We contended with a few other photographers who were also on location, but there was plenty of room to roam.  I have photographed the Williams crew a few times and this year I got to see the whole family.  They were so easy.  I don't think I had to threaten anyone with tickles or sing silly songs.  They smiled on command and I welcomed the break.  You're getting an extra big post for this extra special bunch. 

 Enjoy!

 

The Harliens

Now we're getting to see the other side of Brent and Tamara's extended family and a beautiful bunch they are.  We had to reschedule this shoot once because of the wet weather and I'm so glad that we waited because we lucked out with the perfect day.  The weather was great, the house was amazing, and the kids were content.  I couldn't ask for more.

Enjoyed spending time with this family.  Thanks, guys!

The Phillips Family

This family is a special family to us.  For the last several years we've grown our families together.  Our sons are best buddies and our little girls are just a few days apart in age.  We've had plenty to talk about, laugh about, and at times cry about.  I'm so thankful for their friendship.  They've recently purchased a new home and it was so fun to capture them in their new surroundings just 10 minutes from us :) 

The Doskocil Bunch

Oh this family never disappoints with their good looks.  I met them at a farm house that they don't live in, but certainly a place that has family history.  I loved the muted green and bright red door.  We weren't sure if our schedules would align this year for family pictures, but we made it work and I'm so happy we didn't skip a year.   Those of you with little ones, let me share a hopeful story with you.  The first year I photographed the Doskocils, Ava was maybe 2???  I remember having to chase her around trying to get one look and one smile.  Fast forward 2 years and she is completely willing to give her biggest smile without any convincing or chasing.  It does happen!  You've just got to be patient and just enjoy what each year gives. 

The Moore and Bloedorn Families

I have gotten to see so many friendly faces this season and this bunch is no exception.  The Moores are not only are  super friendly, but they're super fun to be around, too.  I have enjoyed all of the extended family sessions that I've had this season.  It seems that I've had more than usual which is a great thing for me because admittedly I'm a bit nervous when I know I'm shooting a big group and so getting to do it often and succeeding makes me feel more confident every time I do it.  It's been a couple of years since I last saw the Bloedorn family and they're still as beautiful and photogenic as ever.  Have you ever seen a dad look so relaxed in family portraits?  It's always, always a warm and fuzzy feeling to see clients return.  Does my heart good.

The foursome of grandma and the grandbabies throws me into warm and fuzzy.  The love and bond between them is palpable.  Makes me miss my own grandmother in a bad way.

The Stark Family

What a difference a year makes!  The last time I saw the baby of the family she was just a few weeks old and quiet as a mouse.  This go-round she is mobile and keeping the whole family on their toes, right Tiff :)?  Her sweet grin and hugs get her whatever she wants.  The big kids are so easy and willing to smile in exchange for a Cold Stone treat.  Tiff had her parents join in on the fun and I'm glad she did.  These will be treasured images. I can't wait to see what next year holds in store for this family.  So many changes. So fast.  Merry Christmas, Stark Family!

Three's Company

Headed out to Baytown last week and met up with these families for some mini shoots.  These aren't a bad idea, especially if you have little ones.  Twenty minutes is just enough time to take pictures of them just before they totally lose interest in what I'm doing.

The first family is the Baca family and they've been with me for 3 years now, Roberta?  How can that be?  Time is flying past me.  Roberta and I taught together several years and we have made great swapping buddies.  I get Maggie's cute duds when she's outgrown them for Natalie and I'm happy to let go of Ethan's clothes for Wyatt to wear. 

The second family is the Saenz family and they've also been with me 3 or 4 years.  Little Gus was SO little when I first photographed him and he never fails to show up in his oh-so-cute cowboy gear.  Ashley, is a fine young lady and is a great big sis!

The last, but not least family is the Hallum Family.  We've been together for what, 30 years now???  Mom is my baby sister, Veronica, so we go waaaaayyyy back.  We go back to the days when She-Ra was cool and you could buy candy cigarettes at the local Snappy Mart.  We're grown up now and she's busy caring for her little family.  I love them so.

 

The Chesser Family

This little family visits me often throughout the year.  They have been very encouraging to me throughout the years.  If I could hire somebody to make me feel better about myself when I'm having an "off" day it would be this bunch.  They are so sweet with their words and I appreciate them so.  This year, Mom was wanting something more personal for her family pictures.  So, we met at her grandmother's house and discovered a beautiful place complete with a worn down tin building and a rusty red train car.  The evening light there was glowy which is why I couldn't bring myself to post any in black and white.  I love the jewel tones of these pictures complete with warm, sunset light.

Thank you for letting me capture your sweet family at every stage :)