Family fun at Greenlake

Saturday morning dawned cold, but not rainy, so I took off to meet Carolyn, Ian, and Ava at Greenlake for some family pictures. We kept things brief in the interest of getting out of the cold, but I still had a great time with this fun family. Here are some favorites from our time together:

Ava's smile is infectious. And that gorgeous red hair!

We were out for family shots, but I couldn't resist a few of just Ava. The cold really didn't seem to be bothering her. I love the tongue in her smile.

That's one happy girl.

Whee!

This makes me laugh.

Ava looks proud of her family, here. I would be, too.

I was having second thoughts about this dock as soon as we stepped onto it. Goose poop galore!

Another melt-your-heart smile.

One of my favorites.

Carolyn, your laugh is beautiful here.

Another fav.

So sweet! I need a picture like this of Abby and I.

Gotta love this smirk in mama's hat.
And a bonus shot of Carolyn (and Ian). I love her expression here -- welcoming me into her world.

Carolyn and Ian, I had a blast during our brisk, brief session. I hope you see some photos you'll love. Enjoy!

And welcome little Joel!

Remember Meghan from back in October? Well, she and Derrick have added sweet Joel to their family, and I had the honor of photographing him on Thursday. It was wonderful to reconnect with Meghan and to meet her handsome little boy. I've never seen a three-week-old with such fabulous hair, and his skin is flawless. Look out ladies, this guy is DREAMY. Here are some imgages from our time together:

Joel was finishing some lunch when I arrived, so he was nice and sleepy for our first few shots. I love the squished face, here.

Tiny hand moving in his sleep.

Isn't it amazing that babies are born with creases already on the bottoms of their feet?

We were slowly unwrapping him to get some naked shots.

See the one-sided smile?

After moving him around a bit, Joel decided to wake up. He couldn't get enough of looking at my camera.

Yawn!

He's still watching me.

Meghan, this shot is for you -- the one-eyed peek that you love!

And I'll end with my favorite shot of the day. Beautiful!

Meghan, thanks so much for having me back to meet little Joel. He is such a sweetheart and I can tell you are already deep in love. Enjoy your images!

Welcome Miss Eloise

There is magic in a newborn baby. How else can you explain the complete enchantment we feel in a newborn's presence? I could sit and watch a newborn baby the way I could sit for hours and watch a fire or ocean waves. Lucky for me, we hadn't set any time limits on my session with 2-week-old Eloise (isn't that a great name?), because she had me completely under her spell. She is a tiny little thing at 6 pounds 11 ounces, but she was absolutely mellow and a joy to work with. Here are some favorites from the day:

Love this of mama (Jennifer) and baby.

Look at her lips! Luscious.

See how teeny?

Eloise really just melted into sleep wherever we put her. I think the heating pad helped.

Probably my favorite of the day -- though there are some others that come close.

She just about ate Jennifer's nose.

Bright eyes on a gorgeous handmade quilt.

Wide awake.

Ohh, another runner for favorite shot of the day.
Jennifer, thanks so much for having me over and letting me drool over your beautiful daughter. As I was reviewing images, the strength of the bond already between you and Eloise, was SO obvious and heartwarming. Congratulations. I hope you see some photos you'll love.

Just Trying to Keep Up

'Tis the season for family pictures, right? Last Sunday, my dear friends, Caroline, Marc, and Alex met me at Pike Place Market to see if we could catch some family images. Catch would be the operative word there, because 18 month-old Alex is a RUNNER! Sure, you can hold him in one place for a couple snaps, but that's not going to get a smile. Turn him loose and try to keep ahead of him and THAT'S where his smiles are. These are the days when I realize how long it has been since I worked out with Baby Boot Camp. Gosh, Baby Boot Camp should be a work write-off for me! Here are a few of the images we caught:

A sweet moment.

Alex loves stairs, too. I love the clouds in this shot.

One of my favorites from the day.

The coffee cup over Marc's head is SO appropriate. Alex and I ran this hill several times.

I can't stay away from these close-ups.

We thought we'd try the shoulders as a means of holding Alex down.

Love this!

Gorgeous pepper bunches hanging from one of the market stalls. The trick was keeping Alex from actually touching them.

Right before Alex takes off.
Looking back at mom and dad.

Walking through Post Alley. Maybe between swings?

Another favorite. This is one shot I don't get tired of.

Caroline and Marc, I hope you see something you like. Thanks for a wonderful Sunday morning and lots of exercise! Talk to you soon!