An Eggcellent Mess!

Evey's first time coloring Easter eggs! I remember last year, Maddox and I colored eggs while Evey stared at her hands in amazement hanging out in the Jumperoo. How far she has come! My instincts told me to set up a little table outside since it was a nice day and this was bound to be a messy project. But I thought I might be over-reacting and we stayed inside. Next year...outdoors! Weather permitting of course. Jay enjoyed pointing out the 5+ age on the box. But you can't NOT color Easter eggs until you are 5 years old!

Anyways, things started well enough. We were showing them how to use the tools to dip the eggs in the cups...





However, not surprisingly, Evey couldn't keep her hands off the eggs.



And while Maddox was working hard at using the proper utensils to remove the eggs...



...we couldn't keep them from practically throwing eggs into the cups causing a good deal of splashing. We decided to switch Evey to stamping eggs, hoping this would be a slightly neater way for her to go about decorating her eggs.







We were so focused on Evey...being that she seemed to be the bigger loose cannon at the table. So we were quite surprised to look over and see that Maddox had given up on the assigned utensils, too much work and they were slowing him down.





It took about 5 hand washings and a bath...but I think his skin is back to its original color now.



This is probably just a mom shot...but he looks so big to me here chewing gum and casually coloring eggs. He used to get so excited! He was still enjoying the process this year...but with a more "big kid" demeanor.



Evey with dye splattered on her face...



Zoning out for a moment...



And because big brother was showing off his messy hands...





Looks like stamping wasn't all that tidy either. ;-)
In the end there were a lot of spills and we went through a lot of papertowels. A lot. But we also had a lot of fun. Messy messy fun.



HAPPY EASTER!

Easter Cashy

Cathy + Dave...Engagement Portraits

Finally! Today I was able to spend some time with Cathy & Dave to create their engagement portraits. We have been battling crazy weather and illnesses which resulted in several postponements. So fourth time is a charm! And in the nick of time since they will be getting married in early May. ;-)

So let's take a look at some of my favorite photos from the session.
VOTE for your favorite in the Comments section below! Cathy & Dave will receive a free 8x10 of the most popular image.

We started off including their son (Daniel) and dog (Max) for a few family portraits...

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Little Daniel had places to go, people to see...







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I can't resist a reflection shot...the geese made this one for me. ;-)



This one makes me happy. :-)

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Cathy looks so pretty here. :-)

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Max was so cute waiting under the tree for us that I made Cathy & Dave get in there with him for a group shot...

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I had to get a shot of Max waiting for us amongst the Easter eggs. We had to vacate this area when we saw the kids coming. I'm pretty sure these eggs would have been safe with Max around to guard them. ;-)



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We also did a little solo mini session for each of them. Here is Cathy...



Poor Cathy was battling the wind all morning...so I really like this cute shot of her fighting the breeze.





This is Dave's serious look. I enjoyed teasing him that he still looked pleasantly amused somehow. I think it's the dimples. ;-)



Happy...



Serious...



One more of Cathy...gorgeous!



Nice ice! ;-)



Thanks Cathy & Dave...I'll be seeing you again very very soon!

No Hitting!

Maddox has had a bit of a problem lately with hitting his sister. And we have warned him that Evey was bound to start hitting back. Maddox sure doesn't like it when he's the one being hit.

I happened to catch one such incident. Evey attacks...Maddox on the defense...



We are working overtime trying to break both of them of this terrible habit now. And I have to admit it can be very difficult to punish Evey. Any time she gets in trouble she immediately puckers up for a kiss and says her version of "I love you" with head tilted to the side. The girl can seriously work it. How do they get so manipulative so fast?!

Frank & the Gang...Family Portraits

Yesterday I got to spend a little time with Frank and his family. Frank is getting ready to be deployed to Iraq...and his wife, Stephanie, wanted to create some family portraits while they were in the KC area visiting friends and family. Some of my favs from our session...

The whole crew...





This is Frank and his lovely wife, Stephanie. They have been married 25 years! Awesome!



Frank & Stephanie have five kiddos! The oldest of which is no longer a kid I suppose. ;-)
This is Stephen...





Gabby...





Olivia...





Isabelle...





and little Elena...





I love this series with the gang all piled onto a bench together...









Stephen's lovely girlfriend Megan was hanging around, so we had to grab a couple of shots with her as well. ;-)





One last parting shot...
;-P



I really enjoyed getting to meet this amazing family. I can't imagine a sweeter bunch. And I think we definitely created some beautiful images for Frank to take with him overseas. :-)