Happy Father's Day

I'd like to take this opportunity to say Happy Father's Day to my precious husband. I couldn't ask for a better daddy to my children. The things you teach them are immeasurable, the love you give them, eternal. Nicholas has grown into an incredible young man, and I see our little boys following in his footsteps. It is all because they have a daddy who loves them unconditionally. A daddy who teaches them how to live in Godly ways. A daddy who disciplines them when needed, even when it is so difficult to do so. A daddy who demands respect for himself and their mother. A daddy who shows them, everyday, how to treat the lady that you love. They will all grow up to be wonderful husbands someday, I have no doubt of that.

I wish I could tell my dad "Happy Father's Day" today, but I told him that many times. And we spent many wonderful Sundays in June celebrating together. My favorite memories are Father's Days past spent fishing together, usually in our favorite spot on the Roaring Fork river. Or hiking and fishing on the upper Frying Pan near Chapman Damn. Those memories I cherish, and I'm thankful that I have them.

I think it is appropriate to share some photos from this past weekend where we spent some family time at the Strawberry Days carnival. Time spent just being together as a family; our kids spending time with their dad.

Ethan loved riding the carousel. It was only one of two rides that he was tall enough to go on. He was saying "Horsie. Round and round!".

This is one of my all time favorite photos of Ethan and Gil. It is just the perfect expression on Ethan's face - pure joy.

Lucas had a blast! He was so excited, he could hardly stand it.

Can the kid smile any bigger?

Nicholas rode this ride called "Power Surge". Have at it. Definitely not for me. I wouldn't be caught dead on that thing. Well, I'd have to be dead to be on it is more like it. But it was right up his alley!

I think he's having a good time...

Ah, the Ferris Wheel. A little more my speed.

Lucas really wanted to go on the "Fun Slide". But he was a little too scared to go by himself, so he wanted Nick to go with him.

It started out pretty well...

Then the terror set in...

Does this look like a kid that's having any fun? He looks like he is moments away from losing his dinner! No "Power Surge" in this boy's future!

Happy Father's Day ~ to my husband, my dad, my father-in-law, Henry, and all of the other dads in this world who make a difference in their children's lives. May God bless you.

Rebecca and Richard

Oh, we had so much fun with these two last weekend shooting their engagement session. I know I'm showing my age by admitting that Rebecca and I go back to the late 90's when we coached basketball together at Roaring Fork High School. I feel so honored that she looked me up after all these years when she was looking for a photographer for her wedding. Well, needless to say, Gil and I are thrilled for them and we are so glad to be a part of this special time in their lives.

We had so much fun just hanging out and watching them interact with each other. Can't you just see the love they have for each other in these photos? It's really something special. Thanks, Rebecca and Richard, for a great afternoon together, and we can't wait for your wedding in a few weeks!

Baby Hannah

Oh, my word, I just wanted to bring this sweet little girl home with me! What a precious little bundle. She looked just a little different than when I saw her on Tuesday when she was born. Well, a lot different, that is. She is gorgeous. Beautiful olive skin, and that hair! That hair! Both of our boys had thick dark hair like that, but you forget how soft and sweet it is.

And what a prize of a model. She slept almost the whole time! When we would move her or adjust her pose, she fussed a little and then settled right back in. Oh, and did I mention that I wanted to bring her home? She'd fit right in my camera bag. I have lenses bigger than her. I guess I'll just have to keep visiting, 'cause I think Erika might notice if she was gone.

I have to add how this little peanut got her name. She wasn't named until she was almost 24 hours old. John and Erika had names picked out weeks ago, but then they were undecided on their girl name. So they each took a sticky note and wrote their pick for her first and middle name. They were exactly the same. So it was official - Hannah Katherine Stone. Beautiful.

Thanks again, you guys. I'm living on adrenaline this week from the amazing experiences I've had with the addition of your new little one.

Baby Stone

I can't say how excited I've been for the last few weeks. So excited to be photographing my first home birth. So excited to be working with my dearest friend and midwife, Julianne Guy. So excited to have the opportunity to capture the most precious memories for Erika and John.

I fell in love with Erika the moment I met her. It just seemed so right from the beginning. It is such an honor and privilege to be involved in someone else's birth experience. I know how it is to allow someone else to share in those moments - I've been there. I can't say how thankful I am for the opportunity and for the trust that they placed in me. Thank you both so much for allowing me to share in this amazing time.

This may be the longest blog post ever. But I just couldn't cut it down any more than this. And I'll let the photos speak for themselves, because inside this beautiful home, something special was about to happen...