I just had to post a quick photo of the boys. We had one of those moments last night where we really wanted to freeze them in time, these years pass by so fast! We are getting to the point with Jaxon where we really don’t want him to get bigger. The baby phase with him was a bit rough, but now things are getting really fun. I love this phase of exploring language and watching him work out how to get his body doing what he wants it to do.

I took the first photo of Jace back in 2008 at just about 18 months, in a hat my Mom made during the cold Montana winter months.  I had her make another one to photograph Jaxon in because the first image is a huge gallery wrap canvas in the house. I had planned to photograph Jaxon around 18 months as well, but he has such a huge head and is already so busy that I didn’t want to wait too much longer. I’m so glad I didn’t because it was tough to  get him to keep the hat on, and as all you parents know, it just gets harder once they realize they can yank if off themselves! I must have put the hat back on 20 times!

I hope everyone is having a great 2012 so far!

I know all you other Californians are rolling your eyes at me right now, but I have to say I am loving this weather.  We got this great rain outfit from a close family friend a couple of years ago, thanks Kath, and just had to try it out with Jace even though it is supposed to be for a 5 year old! Check out the boots and hilarious umbrella…so cute!!  We have been having so much fun jumping in puddles, floating leaves down the gutters, and just standing around feeling the rain hit our faces!  I feel like we are finally having our winter around here; I haven’t seen the sun much for a week and I must say, I am not bothered in the least.  I guess my genetic background might help here, most of my family lives in England and I was born and lived there till I was 3 or 4.  I supposed I was destined for a life of crummy weather and just happened to get lucky and have adventurous parents who decided to move to California.  Don’t worry guys, the sun will come back soon!

Thanks to Perlette & Jake’s wedding centerpieces, I went home April 25th with a pet fish for my son.  I always wondered what happened with those centerpieces at the end of the night!!  I was hesitant at first, because I have about all the responsibility I can handle right now with a business, a toddler, and trying to sell my house…but I was guilt tripped by one of the wedding guests about how much my son would love a fish.  As it turns out, he was right and we have had many a morning of precious memories together taking care of “Chelsea” fish.  Just thought I should introduce you guys to the newest member of the family!

I have had a great week and have had a lot of fun doing some secret Mother’s Day shoots of Dads and kids.  Way to go Dads…great thinking, the ladies in your life will love the planning and photos of the ones they love most!  Make sure you show the Moms in your life how much you appreciate all that they do next weekend and it doesn’t take a lot of money…remember that in these hard times!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACE!

I know everyone says things like “it seems like you were just born” and “it seems like yesterday you were so tiny” but it doesn’t to me.  We have soaked up every day of the past two years with you and watching you go from a tiny helpless baby into a strong, loud, and proud little man makes time seem longer than normal.  I can just barely remember how unsure we were as first time parents and how fragile you seemed those first weeks. It feels like you have been with us forever.  We love you so much and can’t wait to see what life has in store for all of us. We are in no rush for you to grow up, you are an amazing 2 year old, so much better and more than we could have ever expected!

I know, I know I will never really give Martha Stewart a run for her money, but I can try right?  Our little man just had his 2nd birthday and we threw a little something together for him at the last minute.  I got a little ridiculous and made everything instead of just buying prepared but it was fun!  Here’s my first attempt at a decorated three tiered cake!  We all got a giggle because instead of eating it with his hands Jace bent down to the cake with his mouth and tried all three layers – he looked like he was bobbing for M&Ms!  Here’s a couple of  detail pics, party pics to come!

There is nothing like going into a client’s home and seeing your photography displayed like this! WOW! The care and love that went into planning, framing and hanging these images is amazing, and this isn’t even all of them! Thank you so much guys, your home is beautiful and the prints look amazing – this project was such a fantastic and fun collaboration!

Remember the days when rain was this fascinating!  I must admit I still like it…maybe I should move to Seattle.  I’m the kind of person who doesn’t mind when a car rounds the corner and splashes me with with a gallon of water or when I have to dash out and come in looking like a wet mop! I still remember playing soccer in high school during major rain storms and just swimming in water and mud – it was the best!  Anyway…hope everyone is enjoying the fabulously rainy day, I know Jace is!!

Just a few shots from the 3rd annual Pumpkin Carving at Tom & Dawn’s to get you in the mood for today – Halloween!! Yeah!! You just can’t have a carving without caramel apples, I made these for the gathering! Anyone have any other fun and creative caramel apple ideas for next year?

Events like these serve as great markers in time for me and are a fun way to reflect back: the first annual carving I was pregnant, the second Jace was a 6 month old blob rolling around on a blanket, and this year he is 18 months – walking up and down stairs, talking, throwing, playing, and he surprised us all by counting to 10 on his own.  I know he isn’t creating mathematical formulas yet, but we all thought he was pretty bright that day! Have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

The wedding day!!  This was such a gorgeous day, the setting was perfect, the details were incredible and the ceremony was wonderful.  We couldn’t be happier for our parents who have been together for such a long time and finally made it official.  Congratulations you two, we are all so proud of you, thank you for including us in your special celebration!