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 by Terri

Blake…Delightful | Shadle HS 2013 Senior

This past weekend I could be found in Spokane, visiting my mom and sharing in an early celebration with my family for her birthday. One of the perks of visiting…I was able to see my nephew, Blake, who is a senior this year at Shadle HS on the north side of Spokane. It just doesn’t seem possible…I can so clearly see him as a toddler and then just starting elementary school…and now, he’s finishing up his last year of high school! It was great to catch up with him, as well as my sister and her husband…and despite a VERY wet day, it did stop raining long enough to head out for his senior pictures! We ended up at Manito Park, which if you are from Spokane, or have visited there, you know just how BEAUTIFUL that park is…and with all the fall colors…oh my, I could have spent the entire day there photographing the beauty of the park and fall!! As with my boys…their idea of senior pictures is minimal…he had told his mom that a cell phone picture would be good enough for the yearbook and that was all they needed!! Haha…sounded good, but it didn’t fly with his mom and I was thrilled that the timing of my trip worked to capture some fun photos of Blake…and some memories for his parents. It really was perfect at the park…the “wet” just added to the beauty of the location and Blake was a great sport and maybe even had a bit of fun during the session. This fall, he’s busy preparing for wrestling…and naturally, hanging out with friends is one of his top priorities…of course, school come first (at least it sounds good!!)…and he just recently bought a car, which he talked with about excitement and enthusiasm! I’ve loved watching this adorable little boy, grow into a handsome and great young man and am excited to see what the future has in store for him!!

As with most of my parents who come along during a senior session, they say “no” they weren’t prepared for being in the photos, but to be honest, that is what I love about it…they are just natural and more relaxed and I couldn’t NOT get a few photos with Blake and his parents!!I love this photo – it brings tears to my eyes…Blake is my sister’s “baby” and as she gazes at him, happy, but sad he’ll be leaving the nest in the fall, her husband watches over her to see just how she’s doing…such a memorable stage of life!!Blake…it was great to spend time with you last weekend…I wish you the VERY best next fall when you head off to college and I can’t wait to see what you do in life…I know it will be AWESOME!!  Love, Aunt Terri

in Families / Seniors & Teens / Teens / Travel 0 comments
 by Terri

Alicia…beautiful!! | {Tacoma Maternity Photography}

This BEAUTIFUL momma to be was such a delight to photograph and get to know during her session. Her first…a son, Kennedy Allen, is due at the end of this month, so she’s busy preparing for his arrival all at the same time when it’s normal for a pregnant woman to start slowing down a bit. Alicia said she was beginning to slow down, but there were no signs of that during the time we spent together. Daddy to be, Marcus, was awesome…he was very natural and comfortable in front of the camera…unlike most dads…or dads to be…and the two of them are such a wonderful couple and so fun to be around! It’s people like this that make my job such fun and so easy…they were so natural and relaxed…I can hardly wait until their son arrives…to see the three of them together! The plans had been for some photos at a local park, unfortunately, the weather didn’t quite cooperate, but it didn’t hold us back and they were easy going and I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome of their session. Oh, how excited I am to meet Kennedy when they come in for the newborn session…I can only imagine how much more these two will be glowing with their family complete!!

Isn’t Alicia just STUNNING!! Such a beautiful woman and even more beautiful while expecting…It’s obvious the love these two have for one another and just how much they already love their son…OH, how I love seeing expecting parents excitement for their child’s arrival!Talk about a GORGEOUS couple…these two could be models…I suggested they could model on the side for college money for Kennedy!!

I LOVE “baby bumps” and Alicia looks SO good…it’s just not fair!!Alicia and Marcus…I wish you the very best with labor and delivery and will be anxiously awaiting news of Kennedy’s arrival…and look forward to capturing some more special memories for your family!!

in Babies & Bellies / Families / Love 1 comments
 by Terri

Beautiful Jayden | {FULL of JOY}

If you aren’t already familiar with this little beauty, then you probably haven’t followed my blog for long…this is our granddaughter…our oldest one, who turned seven this fall. I’m a bit late in getting her photos posted…there were so many to choose from and since I’m a “bit” biased about her, it was hard to narrow it down…so be warned, there are plenty of photos! Sweet Jayden is not only a beautiful girl, but she is so much more. She has a very kind and thoughtful heart and caring way about her…she is gentle and polite…and yet, can be funny, sneaky, silly and goofy…quite goofy…at times!! This past spring she became a cousin to our daughter’s new baby, Emma, and we were all unsure about how she’d deal with “sharing” not only her grandparents, but her aunt and uncle (who she ADORES!!!)…  Well, she’s handled it exceptionally well…had been the BEST big cousin a little baby could ask for and is very loving and tender when around Emma. It’s more like she’s a big sister….and when I see the two of them together, it warms my heart…such a precious sight and the memories will forever be treasured! It’s obvious there is already a bond between these two girls…you can see it on both of their faces, when they see one another…it is truly priceless! Just the other day when I was watching Emma for the day and Jayden came here after school…once Emma woke up from her nap and saw Jayden was here, it was magic the way her face lit up with joy at the sight of her big cousin and that brought tears to my eyes…I love that they love one another! Naturally, with this being a very personal post, I have wonderful things to say about Jayden, but anyone who would meet her would probably agree with me…she’s a great friend, a good student, a loving daughter, a BIG animal lover, afraid of spiders and snakes and gives the BEST hugs ever…and this only touches the tip of who Jayden is…and I am so blessed to be her “Mimi” and am thankful every day for her!!  (P.S.  There are more photos to come…a second day of shooting, that I have yet to cull down for posting…stay tuned!)

in Children / Just Because / Love / Personal 2 comments
 by Terri

Alert…Baby Hailey | {Puyallup Newborn Photography}

When this beautiful little baby arrived, she was soundly sleeping in her car seat and after chatting with her parents a bit, we headed to the studio. They got her out of the car seat and she woke up – what a sweet little one and her outfit…was ADORABLE!! We started right in with photos with her and her parents and awake was perfect for these!! Mom, Shari and dad, Jason are both elementary school teachers and it was obvious that they both totally ADORE this new little daughter…oh, how I love seeing first time parents with their babies…it is one of the best things in the world, so heartwarming!! Little Hailey was great during the photos with her parents and we even managed to capture a few smiles…in between the little cat naps during this part of the session. After that, Hailey nursed and then we were ready for her to be the “star” of the photo and figured she would sleep after her feeding. It’s funny, how babies have minds of their own…they don’t always go along with the plans we have for them…and on this evening…Hailey was in charge!! It’s funny, at two weeks old, she was awake for nearly all of the session, sleeping maybe 20 minutes towards the end…and she was happy and very observant of all that was going on. One thing we learned quickly…she did not really care for hats…we snuck a few on her while she was asleep, but other than one other time…she made it clear she didn’t want a hat on her head. I can tell this little beauty is going keep her parents on their toes and as active as she was…once she starts moving, watch out, there won’t be many restful times when she’s awake! It was great to visit with and get to know Shari and Jason and I loved hearing the stories of teaching…I admire both of them…our schools need lots of great teachers like them…so I applaud them for such a noble career and congratulate them on their beautiful new daughter!!

I couldn’t resist sharing this first photo with you…I’m sure that this is just the beginning of fun and games with dad and Hailey!!As I said, ALERT…she was very awake and observing what was going on…as you can see, by her beautiful, sparkly eyes!!

LOVE…the little bits!!!This blanket and matching baby giraffe were SO soft…oh, how I’d love a blanket to cuddle up like this one!!

Such a beautiful bond…mother and child…there’s nothing sweeter!!OH…so much hair…how lucky is she…seems like usually the boys get all the hair when they are born!! Can you see the “swirl”  of hair on the right side of her forehead …good thing she’s a girl…and can manage that callac!!

This face…isn’t it the cutest and her expression…oh, what a charmer!!She did like sleeping, all snuggled up in the baskets!!Hailey is probably thinking…”why in the world did they put this hat on me…it’s already warm enough in here!”
So, Hailey is a quick learner…sticking her tongue out after her daddy showed her how!!

Super cute hat…it was a gift and I’m so glad they brought it with them! They’ll have to work on her wearing hats when she’s awake…as this is too cute not to be worn a lot!!

Beautiful and glowing new mom…how lucky is Hailey!!!Maybe a tad tired….not really, it was just a teaser!!!

Shari and Jason…how wonderful to capture some special memories of your beautiful daughter for you…I’m excited for you to see the rest of them…enjoy every precious moment and cherish each and every day!!

in Adorable You / Babies & Bellies / Families / Kiwi and Kiki / Love 3 comments
 by Terri

Family time…with the Perry’s | {Tacoma Family Photography}

While I’m on a personal and slightly biased roll with the blog…here’s one more to share with you! This stars our beautiful daughter, her husband and Emma…all such incredible people and we love them all! With the amazing fall weather we had (until this past week)…it was obvious that an outdoor session was in order to commemorate Emma turning six months and get some new family photos for her parents! Of course, they all are very used to the camera (maybe not always liking it!!)…so this was something they know, but this was the first session with them having a little one who maybe challenges or should I say, changes, some of the ideas for the session. Emma was a rockstar and did great throughout the session and LOVED playing in the dry grasses…and naturally, trying to eat or at least taste some of it. The curiosity of a baby is SO fun to watch, but it also means you have to watch them closely…which we did as she explores all sorts of new things this afternoon. With helpers and entertainment along, the session was a success and I am so excited about what I captured and will be updating their family photo in our living room…now to just figure out what one!??!! I must say that watching Jessalyn and Sean as parents is wonderful…they are both loving, caring, dedicated and so happy with their new family. Even though the beginning wasn’t quite what they had pictured when Emma arrived…spending over 5 weeks in the hospital, I believe helped form part of just who they are as parents and how thankful they are for their beautiful daughter. Now, healthy, happy and doing everything she should…Emma is amazing and wonderful and I’m very proud to share with you these photos…of a beautiful family!!!

I think if you looked in Sean’s (aka…daddy) eyes, you’d see a reflection of Emma…she truly adores her and loves playing with her…as you can see!!

I LOVE the photo on the left, seeing how Emma takes her mom’s face in her hands and plants a kiss on her…so sweet!!

Aren’t they a beautiful young family?!!!

This little grin looks a bit mischievous to me…I’m sure that in time, she’ll be testing her parents…once she’s mobile!Beautiful mother and daughter… L O V EDaddy is showing her just what she can do with the grasses…she quickly figured it out! Can you see the little piece in the corner of her mouth!?!Oopsie…balance is not 100% yet, good thing daddy was there to catch her!

Oh, this smile and those eyes…they are amazing!

All because two people fell in love…I’m so happy they did!!!

Getting a bit tired…upside down usually helps with distracting!!

Couldn’t resist sharing this photo of our daughter, Jessalyn is a beautiful woman, amazing mother, loving wife, GREAT teacher and more…we are so proud of her…and Sean…they are such great people and we are so blessed they are part of our family!!

in Babies & Bellies / Children / Families / Love / Personal 2 comments
 by Terri

Precious Emma | 6 Months Old

“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.”  ~Harvey Mackay~

This quote says a lot, but one part of it really strikes a cord with me…”it’s priceless”…because that is what you can make of your time with family, friends, life…it’s all about what you take from your life/time. The past six months have flown by…our youngest granddaughter is now 6 months old and it seems like just last month she was born, but here she is…smiling, cooing, laughing, rolling, learning to sit up, sticking EVERYTHING in her mouth that she can get her hands on…and oh, so much more! This time IS truly priceless and such a joy to observe a new life becoming a little person. Although Emma arrived early, she’s doing great and is right on track. She may be petite, but that doesn’t stop her from what she wants…or wants to do and I can only imagine in the months ahead, she will push even more to get where she wants to go and get what she wants! I love watching her just play…with this age, it’s so simple, yet such a great stage for learning…they are so inquisitive and want to see (and taste!) everything possible. Any new sights or sounds will catch their attention…the rate of learning at this age is incredible and amazing and oh, how truly priceless it is!!

Naturally, I’m photographing this little cutie all the time, but to be able to mark her “milestone ages” with some extra special photos is a gift to me and hopefully, some day to her. I know that her parents are LOVING every minute (well, maybe not every…like the middle of the night when she’s awake!!) of watching their daughter…she’s a gift to them and to the rest of the family and we are all so thankful and happy…to see her as such a beautiful and happy little one!!

This ADORABLE Sock Monkey Hat was made by Adorable You, along with the leg warmers…I recommend you check out her website…she makes some beautiful things…for props, gifts or just to have!!As I said, everything goes into the mouth…it’s part of the learning at this age…

Aren’t these legwarmers adorable!!

Our oldest granddaughter, Jayden, joined in for a couple of shots…she sure loves her cousin! I love how both their faces light up when they see one another…it is priceless!

And, even the toes go in the mouth…one of the cutest things about this age…I just can’t imagine how I’d get my toe in my mouth…not that I would want to!! LOL

Beautiful Emma…such a sweetie and she lights up my life and is truly a gift to all those who she’s met…her smile can’t help but make your day brighter!

Stay tuned in the next day or two…when Emma shares the spot light with her parents…another session that I LOVED shooting!!!!

in Adorable You / Babies & Bellies / Families / Love / Personal 2 comments
 by Terri

McKayla…beautiful | {Yelm High School}

How many times can I say that I LOVE my job…and it is all because I have the pleasure of meeting such fabulous people…and capturing some special memories for them! This session was wonderful….McKayla, a senior at Yelm High School, was SOOO much fun, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed getting to know and photograph her!! We met on a gorgeous Sunday morning and couldn’t have picked a better day to do her senior session. It was slightly cool to start and warmed up quickly and was the perfect temperature! Meeting McKayla and her mom, Stacy…such nice people and so easy to talk with! As you will soon see, McKayla is BEAUTIFUL…just one of those natural beauties and so easy to photograph…she was…or at least seemed, very comfortable in front of the camera!! I truly could have photographed her all day long…she makes my work easy and fun!! And for her future…she plans to go into nursing…and I could see there was a compassion in her that would be perfect for nursing…she would be an asset to the profession! As for next year…she’s got a bit of time, but dare I say, she had just applied to WSU…go COUGS…but honestly, wherever you end up…you’ll do great!!

McKayla is on the dance team for her school and has been for quite some time…so I couldn’t resist asking her to share of few of her dance moves for me…and the camera…she definitely moves with ease and grace!!Laughing…this was a big part of the session…she just kept cracking up…maybe it was laughing at me, but there was a lot of this going on and I loved how her eyes lit up when she laughs!!Couldn’t resist bringing mom in for a couple of photos…the are quite cute together and the face that McKayla made here…just cracks me up…she is the one that had me laughing this time…One thing I learned about McKayla during her session…her family used to live on Hawaii…oh, my favorite tropical vacation destination…it was fun to talk about her life while she lived there…I’m so jealous!!Here we go again…is it something I said!!?!! Such a beautiful young woman!!!Seriously, her eyes are STRIKING…STUNNING and STUPENDOUS…wow, she is truly a beautiful person…inside and out!!!McKayla…you were a delight to photograph and it was so much fun getting to know you during the session. I know you will go far in life…follow your dreams, don’t back down and you will be a success in whatever you do!!

in Families / Seniors & Teens / Teens 2 comments