The Constant Gardener...

Have I mentioned that my mother's garden is absolutely breathtaking? Every year, she seems to find a new way to make it even more stunning. Although we missed picking fresh strawberries and raspberries from the bushes out front by a few weeks this summer, being able to wake up, roll out of bed and let the kids roam this gorgeous backyard in their pajamas all morning has been pretty amazing....

I Scream, You scream....

Today the weather in Indiana was absolutely perfect- high of about 80, beautiful blue skies and a gentle refreshing breeze. After a lazy morning playing in the backyard and a lunch of peanut butter, vanilla wafers and bananas, the kids and I loaded up in the car and headed out for a drive along the country roads that surround my little hometown of Zionsville. With the windows down and radio blaring "Life is a Highway" (no joke!), we cruised around for about hour and found ourselves at a place we frequent often in Texas.... Dairy Queen. Gotta' love the Queen....

Back home again in Indiana....

As many of you know, I am currently enjoying my annual summer pilgrimage to Indiana to stay with my parents, affectionately know as Nana and Papa. We arrived on Sunday afternoon to wonderfully refreshing overcast skies and temperatures lingering in the mid-70s! Too chilly to hit the pool, we have been hanging out at home playing in my mother's magnificent garden, taking long naps, banging away on the piano and (since this is of course Indiana) shucking corn. Here are a few pics of the kids - we hit the Children's Museum this morning which is where Riley got to drive her first Indy race car....

The girl next door....

I love living in the 'burb. Sure, finding a great meal when you realize at 6:00 in the evening that you have made absolutely no preparations for dinner that night can be a little more challenging when you live outside of the city, but you truly cannot beat living in a close-knit neighborhood. We are so lucky to have moved into a community that is full of wonderful people with wonderful children. Take a look at the beautiful little eight month old that lives right behind us. Can you say adorable...

Hair today, gone tomorrow....

Since both my little toe-headed babies were in dire need of a haircut before our big trip back home to Indiana, we decided to swing by Snip-its after school yesterday and get a trim. Both Jake, who can be lulled into a catatonic state by almost any television program, and Riley, who is a sucker for lollipops, did great in the chair. I'll let you decide who enjoyed the experience the most.....

Riley checking out the possibilies....

Jake in the zone....

Looking perplexed....

Little bit's turn....

Chillin' in the chair....

Not so thrilled with the bow....

Put a fork in Jake, he's done....

Out cold....

Being beautiful can be exhausting. Just ask these two little cuties I had the opportunity to photograph a few weeks ago. By the end of our session, this little fire-cracker of a two year old was ready to relax and watch Barney while her little four month old sister was completely out cold, conveniently in an adorable polka-dotted chair.... how do I get so lucky sometimes?! Enjoy!

In your eyes....

This session reminded me of why I absolutely adore natural light photography. When the angle is just right and I've got a set of big ol' beautiful eyes staring me down, the most amazing thing happens....

I can actually see myself standing there with my camera in my subject's eyes.
This is the super-zoomed in version of the image above featuring me and this little guy's momma. By the way, I'm wearing capris, not high-waters....

I love this shot because every single one of us moms has stumbled on a similar scene in our own homes....

He really loved his books....

Sib-bliss...

I love getting the chance to photograph siblings. It can be a challenge trying to figure out different ways to capture them genuinely interacting WHILE keeping them in the same general space. Here are some fun family shots I've gotten in the past few weeks from two very different sets of siblings. Just goes to show jumping can be fun at any age...

Going to the Chapel....

I had the opportunity to shoot my very first bridal session this past week and had a blast! Not only was the bride gorgeous, the rain held off and the temp stayed below 100 degrees that day. T.B., her sister and I had a great time driving around the city, looking for fun places to shoot. Needless to say, she got quite a few honks and cat calls running around in her dress - but can you blame 'em....

four for four....

I don't know how it happens session after session, but I literally have the most gorgeous children plop themselves in front of my camera. This weekend was no exception - all four children I had the opportunity to photograph where absolute stunners. See for yourself!