INDY turns ONE | {exceptional}

This adorable little girl turned one last month and I was fortunate to be asked to do her one year photos as well photographing her first birthday.  Who wouldn’t enjoy capturing some special memories for this cute little one?! It hardly seems possible that it had been 9 months since I first met Indy – and to see what she is doing, truly amazing and exceptional! She’s petite, but most certainly makes up for that in nearly every other way possible. She’s been walking for three months and communicates quite well with her parents using sign language. What a great way for both her and her parents to figure out what they are saying. It was quite funny, she used the sign for “please” after her dad gave her her first sip of soda (ginger ale) and she wanted more….and used please – again and again…we couldn’t help but laugh…she knew what she liked and wanted more! This afternoon was beautiful and the yard at their home was perfect to capture some photos to commemorate her first birthday.  We had so much fun and I was truly in awe of how good and cooperative Indy was during the session…she was a real trooper and was so good and sweet!!

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I absolutely this photo…it wasn’t easy to get Indy to hold still with the umbrella, but we managed to get a couple of shots and this was my favorite…her expressions and those eyes, oh, those eyes…so striking and beautiful!!

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Indy certainly enjoys time with her dad and mom and as you can see, whether it be play or snuggle time…she loves being with them….as well as their dogs, Roxy and Lily who are very sweet dogs!
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Ahhh, the cupcake smash…I must say, she was the BEST little one with her cupcake of all I’ve ever done. It might be because she’s never had anything like this before or maybe she just knows what is good and who can resist this yummy looking cupcake with the pink icing?!! NO help or encouragement was needed with Indy, all of this “mess” is all her, she totally ROCKED this cupcake smash!!!!!undefined

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Naturally, we had to get some of Indy with her parents…we didn’t want to leave them out and besides, Indy will have to share “mom and dad” come next spring, so she might as well get in all the one on one time she can now! What a great family…this is what makes my job the best ever…getting to meet and hang out with such a neat family…I’m truly blessed as is this family…they have one another and being with those you love is what life is all about!

Taylor Family | {sun and fun Florida syle}

First of all, my apologies to this family for the delay in posting their blog….it’s been a bit crazy the past few weeks and it’s been killing me to not get this one posted. SO…finally, I’m getting it done. Meet the Taylor family, who live in Palm Bay, Florida…Mark, Erin, Evan and Jack…oh, and we can’t forget Rocket! Earlier this month I had the pleasure of staying with them for a few days with my granddaughter for a mini surprise (not for me, for my granddaughter!) vacation. We had a blast and hopefully, soon, I will get a post with some of the photos from the trip! Evan is a friend of my granddaughter, Jayden, and it was fun to get to spend time with them in this beautiful (and VERY hot) location! Yes, it was plenty warm here in Florida….especially when you consider that in the Pacific Northwest, the summer weather was averaging about 70-75 and practically no humidity! Florida was the upper 90’s with the humidity pretty close to that as well! We ended up shooting on two different days because of the heat and BRIGHT sunshine!! Our first day we were at Satellite Beach along the Atlantic Ocean. It was beautiful and the beach just gorgeous, but also quite hot by the time we arrived and the heat, hungry kids and eventually wet and sandy kids, we didn’t get quite what we wanted that day…hence, the second day. I will say that after we refreshed Evan and Jayden, I took them back to the beach to play in the water and what fun they had (more pics later from that!)…oh, how I love the ocean!!!  Our second day was in Mark and Erin’s back yard which actually allowed us to include Rocket in a few photos as well…and although better, it was still HOT and bright….and humid….we managed and the kids were troopers, but you can see, we were losing them eventually, especially Jack…and I can’t say that I blame him! So…meet the Taylor’s, a lovely young family!
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As you can see, water and sand were quickly added to the wardrobes, but isn’t that what it’s all about when you are at the beach!?!!

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Evan was not quite sure what I was up to…and little did he know that I was hoping he’d turn around! Erin has a beautiful smile and great eyes…and was obviously much more cooperative than the boys (little and big!!).
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After beach time and cleaning up, I managed to get Evan onto the patio of the condo we were so graciously allowed to crash that day….the light was fabulous…as was Evan….doesn’t he have a GREAT smile!!

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Okay, we’re now back in Palm Bay….and I couldn’t resist a few photos of mom and dad with the boys….undefinedWe managed to get them all looking at the camera for at least one shot…most of the time it was playtime, at least for the boys…I must say, Erin sure has her hands full with the boys (all of them!!).

undefinedTrying to get boys and dogs all happy and paying attention, most certainly a challenge – and one that I’m not so sure I was very successful at this day, but here are a couple and I must say, I almost like the one with Jack crying the best…he was not happy about staying put, he just wanted something to drink as he was hot….poor little guy!

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Probably one of my favorite photos of Jack and Evan…these little guys are adorable and I can tell by their blond hair and blue eyes that mom and dad will have to keep tabs on the girls who come by as they get older….it could be a bit busy when they get older!undefined

Just thought I’d share this shot from the beach, of Evan and Jayden after playing in the ocean….both still with smiles, even though they didn’t want to leave…they had the best time together!
Mark and Erin, thank you for your hospitality and showing us the area…we had a fabulous time and were sad to leave…I hope you enjoy the photos and that they’ll hold you over until your gallery is ready! Take care and by the way, you can keep your heat and humidity…I must say the weather here at home is a bit easier to take!!

Happy Birthday INDY!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking Indy’s one year photos and today I have the added pleasure of photographing her first birthday….how lucky am I! Here are just a quick preview for Indy’s family and friends…and you will later see more from this absolutely adorable little girl who is a VERY fun little one!
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Happy Birthday, Indy…I wish you many, many more wonderful celebrations of love, joy and family in your lifetime!