I was feeling inspired so I took the girls out for a mini back to school session. One of my favorite things to do is flip through clothing catalogs for children. I love the way the kids are styled. Everything is pulled together so well. I’ve always wanted to try a more editorial shoot ~ something that has a specific theme. Of course, if I had given myself more time I would have chosen a few different outfits for the girls (and definitely better shoes) but it was a last minute thing. Thank goodness the girls were cooperative and my husband came along to help.

I was thinking of holding a few mini sessions just like this next weekend. If anyone is interested, email me for more information. This would be for school age children only.

She’s got a lot to be happy about. Next week she turns 1. And she’s got a big brother and sister to help her celebrate. Lucky duck.

There’s that smooshy smile!

So adorable, right? Well, as they turned around and walked towards me, I started to back up and tripped over a rock. I went right in the water … and so did my camera! I’ve always been so nervous about shooting at the beach because of the sand and water. Yesterday I had way too much of both. The camera seems to be working fine though ~ thank goodness!

And thank goodness T and B were so good about my little accident. I was so embarrassed. Little B even asked if I was alright. He is the cutest thing. We were having so much fun. And he told me all about his favorite thing in the whole wide world ~ dinosaurs!

And this is Little B squared (yes I invented that nickname). He was asleep when the family arrived but as soon as he woke up he was all smiles. I love little boys in hoodies. So delicious!

D family it was so great to see you yesterday. Thanks so much for making me feel like less of an idiot for falling in the ocean! Your boys are gorgeous!

How beautiful is this little girl? And those curls?? Just like my Jaime.

And Noah has the best eyelashes. Why is it that the boys get ‘em.

I love these next two images. I know that most parents want to see their little ones smiling but there is something about a pouty face that just gets me. I have been really loving black and white lately (as you can probably tell) and these images were just perfect for it.

I met the B family at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. In a few short days they’ll be moving to Iowa, but before they say goodbye, they needed some family pictures. Dad is a pastor and he’ll be joining a new church in August. Both father and son were so good about being out in the heat. They did it all for their BEAUTIFUL mom. Doesn’t that color blue look gorgeous on her?

Good luck with your move B family. It was a pleasure to meet you and I wish you all the best on your new journey!!

Having a friend along can really help to ease the tension and anxiety that some kids have about getting their picture taken ~ especially a 12 year-old. Cassie and Kelly are having a sleepover tonight and took some time out of their strictly scheduled plans to come hang with me. I’m so glad they did.

Cassie’s smile is going to change a bit in the next few weeks. She’s getting braces. It’s gotta be a big deal when you’re that young but so many kids have them. I probably should have them now! I can’t imagine how she’s going to look when they come off. She already looks way older than 12.

And this … I mean seriously!! America’s Next Top Model ~ look no more! STUNNING!

Cassie, if you’re still up ~ you are a beautiful young lady. It was a pleasure to meet you. Have fun tonight!!

When I arrived, everyone was in a mad rush to get ready and I chuckled a little inside. Picture day can be so stressful for families. I can totally relate. Moms just want everything to go right and the kids are usually groaning because all they want to do is play. Add to that 100 degree temperatures and things can go soooo wrong. Thankfully the B family were troopers. They did whatever I asked and it was a blast.

Mom is a friend of mine and it’s always a little intimidating doing pictures for friends. Plus, she’s super creative herself so I felt a bit nervous in the beginning. This is one of my favorite shots. Gorgeous family!

There is a great rock wall in front of the house that has ferns growing through it. I love places that are interesting and have a lot of texture so we did a few pictures in front of that wall.

Then we headed inside for some shots in the kids bedrooms. They each have their own theme. Tyler has a beach room. Haley sleeps in the big apple and Lexi nods off next to the Eiffel tower. So cool! I am going to post those images a little later today. Here’s one more for now. Thanks Melony!!!!

And this little cutie is Molly. She’s 15 months. The easy part is she’s always smiling. The hard part is getting her to sit still long enough to capture it! She’s got the best laugh too.

Even more difficult was getting the two of them together.

Thanks for a great morning Molly and Ryan!!!