Outdoor Fun...with the Neighbor Kids

It has been a pretty long time since I aimed my camera at my own children. So I grabbed my camera as we headed out to enjoy this amazing weather and play in the fresh air. First of all, a rare moment of affection between the kiddos. Maddox hugged Evey and after my "awwwwwww" he started really working it for the camera. Evey was a little less sure...not totally convinced Maddox's intentions were pure. She's not used to spontaneous embraces. Spontaneous smacking, yes. She probably thought this was a headlock. ;-)



This is the Maddox we are used to seeing! haha



Little Evey has been trying to make her own goofy faces these days.



But she has a long way to go to match Maddox's wackiness.









Anytime we head out front to play, it is usually just a matter of minutes before the neighbor kids come running. Tonight was no exception. Maddox and Evey just adore playing with their neighbor friends. And the girls can't resist hugging on Evey and squishing her cute little cheeks.



The boys play a little...differently. Guns and football bombs. And dramatically faked carnage.



I hate guns and violence. No. I HATE guns and violence. And yet I have a child who is obsessed with guns and violence. As all of the neighbor boys seem to be. It appears to be innate. Very interesting.

So as the girls had a blast being cute and posing for pictures...



...the boys enjoyed trying to get their guns into the pictures as well.





One thing they all have in common...a tremendous amount of energy to RUN!





One last shot. I did a terrible job, pulled it back in two seconds as we headed out the door. But I have to show off Evey's adorable pony tail. Her hair is getting soooo long! It really changes how she looks! When I see her bald baby pictures...it's hard to recognize this big girl!

Potato Mania

Alright, one last potato post for those interested in the story. Mary and my dad have returned from their trip to NY. So after appearing on Letterman, the CBS Early Show, and Inside Edition...Mary did a couple of radio interviews and has appeared in some of the local news here in KC. In addition to inkkc.com, an article about Mary's potato appeared in today's KC Star and she made the cover of the Examiner on Thursday...





They have really been enjoying Mary's 15 seconds of fame. I can't imagine they will ever be able to top this trip to NY. ;-)

Mary's Media Storm

My step-mom Mary on Letterman and on the CBS Early Show this morning...She looks great! Mary was also interviewed by Inside Edition today...should air this evening. :-)




Watch CBS Videos Online

A Heart Shaped Potato for Obama

WOW! This is an amazing story.
So...a couple of years ago my step-mother (Mary) found a heart shaped potato. Mary was amazed by the potato, and even requested the potato have its own photo shoot. :-)











On one of their trips to NY, my dad and Mary took the potato to show Letterman and it made it on the air! We were thrilled. The famous heart shaped potato. So they are back in NY...two years later...and once again Mary took the potato to the Letterman taping. The Obama-Letterman taping! And not only did the potato make it on the air again...it ended up in Obama's possession! The heartshaped potato is all over the headlines!

If you google "heart shaped potato, Obama" you will come across quite a list. BUT IT GETS BETTER! CBS has booked Mary for tomorrow morning on the Morning Show!!!

Awww...how far the little potato has come. ;-)

Tiffany...Senior Portraits

I met Tiffany for a wonderful senior portrait session over the weekend. The weather was perfection...a lovely evening for a shoot. Tiffany was a little nervous at first, but by the end of the session...she was rockin' it like a supermodel! Check out this gorgeous young lady...





Love this candid...



GORGEOUS!















Goddess...









I made Tiffany's boyfriend, Aaron, jump in for a shot. :-)









I have to thank Aaron for this next shot. It was his idea to shoot her "in the bushes." If he changes his mind about music, I think he would enjoy becoming an art director. ;-)







Thanks Tiffany for a great shoot! And Congratulations on your Senior Year! :-)

Sarah...Family Portraits

My friend, Sarah, was in town for a short visit and wanted to take a little time to create some family portraits while here in KC. I met Sarah...probably around 6 years ago...when she joined the science department at Raytown South High School. A lot has changed since then! We have both become mothers and made changes in our employment. Plus, Sarah and Jamie have relocated outside of KC...therefore I don't get to see them much any more. So it was wonderful to see them and their two amazing boys for a visit and a shoot!

We grabbed just a few shots with Sarah's parents and her sister - Carla's family...





But the main focus was on Jonathan and Caleb. Jonathan's hand placement cracked me up...





Jonathan was a little camera shy. ;-)



Caleb was not.



Love the contrast in moods here...
haha



Jonathan preferred to be on the move...











Very cute...







:-)









Thanks for a great shoot - it was wonderful to see the family! :-)
Parting shot...Jamie's football pass. I love how Jonathan headed straight into the game. He was ready to go. ;-)