Ok, so it's been forever since I blogged. We've been really busy, and that last post of Stella is one of those that I wanted to leave at the top for a long time! But my little boy's 4th Birthday was certainly a worthy blogging event. Where does the time go? I can't believe he is 4 already. I will never forget the night he was born. Becoming a mommy changed my life forever. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Happy Birthday, my sweet!

What's a birthday without a new Frog and Toad book?

This kid can go through stickers like you wouldn't believe!

Lucas, Ethan and I spent a couple of hours yesterday playing at the park with our dear friend Julianne, and her beautiful daughter, Stella. What a precious little girl. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her sweet face. I can't look at any of these photos without being amazed by her beauty. Seriously, I think she is the prettiest little girl I have ever seen. And it's no wonder - she's just like her mama. Thank you both for sharing your afternoon with us, and thank you, Julianne, for sharing you heart with us.

Lucas wanted to sit on the wall with Stella, so he scooted right next to her.

Then he got brave and put two fingers on her hand (I love the look on her face - and his!).

She scooted away from him...

And he scooted closer...

Then he got brave and just grabbed her leg.

"Don't touch me" and she scooted away one last time. My son is a flirt. At least he knows a cute girl when he sees one.

Kasper Family

I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the Kasper family last week. They were here visiting from Chicago, although Kelly and Ed both used to live in the valley. What a great time of year to visit. We shot their session at Grizzly Creek, and oh was it ever pretty. Thanks, you guys, for lots of fun and some great shots. Is this an adorable family, or what?!

These guys are the first of our October Family Portrait support to PPA Charities. We are contributing a portion of all of our portrait sittings this month to the Operation Smile campaign. Thanks for starting us off!

Senior Session

I had a great Senior Session with Leslye Villasano (I love the way she spells her name) over the weekend. She was so much fun and such a natural poser. I love that. It makes my job sooo much easier, and the photos are so much more just about her. I love her choice of clothing (love the pink sneaks), and just the hint of fall colors made them pop. Thanks for a great session, Leslye - can't wait for you to see all of them!

Family Portrait Month

October is Family Portrait Month through PPA Charities (Professional Photographers of America), and we are giving a portion of our profits to the Operation Smile campaign. We take photographs of beautiful smiles everyday, why not give back to those in need. Please help us help others by scheduling your family portrait with us in October. No better time to do it - the colors will be spectacular and you will have your photos all ready for holiday cards. Please check out the slideshow, and call us today to get booked in our busy schedule!

Last of summer campin'

We made our camping debut (and finale) last weekend (ok - camping means that you actually spend the night in the woods, but with a 5 week old, we really weren't into the spending the night thing and keeping the entire campground up for that 3am feeding). Gil's mom and dad were at Bogen Flats with our friends, the Moreno family and Gabe and Ashlie and their kids, so we went up on Saturday and got some fresh air for the day. It was nice to get out and just do nothing, but then come home and sleep in our own beds! I guess that's the beauty of camping close to home. Ethan enjoyed his first "camping" experience immensely - he slept the entire time we were there! Well, to his defense, he was fighting his first little cold, so the rest did him good.

The Moreno's provided lunch - some great sandwiches. The wasps thought so, too.

Katalina - what a ham!

And of course, the boys played in the dirt. There's something about camping dirt that is more fun than the dirt we have here at home.



Robert was worn out from chasing Lucas in a game of Tag.

And where there's the Villarreal family, there's a fierce game of Nuts.

Lucas helping Grandpa with the fire.

When Toni and Ariadne are around, there's no shortage of babysitters.

And more great food...

Did I mention that Ethan slept all day? Wow - look at that hairline!

Eva soooo looks like my Grandma in this picture. We called her "Nonno".

Lucas was into throwing rocks into the river.

And Robert kept him well supplied (good thing he had that nap earlier).