The universe answering

I'm a pretty big believer in the universe's ability to give you what you want and are ready for. Not in a hugely dire cosmic way but so many times I've gotten that email from a mom telling me how much she loves her photos just when I'm most down or that homemade meal just when I'm feeling overwhelmed and overworked.

So the other night, way too late, I was reading Tara Whitney's awesome blog and it led me to her friends post about how their 5 year old daughters had a 40 minute impromptu dance party and it made me sad that I don't have my nieces near me and that so many of my friends live so far away and that Ari has gone to school and we can't have dance parties. And then I met him and his mama after school and we had a picnic and I got to visit with a good friend and while she made a phone call he gave me a 10 minute impromptu dance party. The universe is good like that...

Just to laugh

Sometimes, when I spend all day in front of the computer I just need a little chuckle. And a sure fire place to find one is the "personal pulls" folder...the dirty secret of my computer...the nose picks, half blinks, screaming tantrums and yes, all the goofy shots I try to get of my assistants during weddings so that I can create funny holiday cards....So, just in case you need a laugh today too here are a few of me (since I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone else...)

jazz hands...



and a personal fave....

Exie's getting big

Well, she's definitely getting bigger...even though you technically aren't big until you can sit up...

Coco was totally ticked that I came and spoiled her tea party with gramma but she's never one to be shy for the camera...

Laura and Shawn

Okay, a little secret...In case you are wondering if I ever do any work besides my friends and family....I've been putting off the loads of awesome couples and families I've been doing this summer in hopes that my new website and blog would be done...it's going to be so wonderful when it is and the light is at the end of the tunnel but I was scooting through images today and Laura and Shawn's made me smile so I thought I would sneak a few on...It's pretty much everything of Seattle all rolled together but was able to still be perfectly personal to them.

So I had a little crush on Zeno...


A few members of the Tall Boys played and clog danced!



And finally, because she is awesome, Laura went into the lake!

Have you ever been to the Cedar River Watershed Educational Center? It's right on Rattlesnake Lake and is seriously beautiful

A last Wednesday

I know that Ari and I are going to still hang out but next week he is going to start preschool and it just feels different...so we had a great day today...scooters and new jumpy trampolines and sneaked dried mangoes.

I realized that what I really really like about hanging out with Ari is that we stop to smell the roses. Literally...we walk slowly around the neighborhood and consider things, find soft leaves to rub on our cheeks, blow dandelion puffs, climb rocks, name herbs and yep, we stop to smell the flowers...

Taking turns with Elliott

I'm home now. But I miss my brother's family. I miss seeing my nieces grow up. It's hard when you visit because you are so enmeshed in a different life. I like my life but I like them too. I wish they lived down the street...or maybe across town...well, definitely in this county...this doesn't have anything to do with these photos...it's just how I feel right now...

I don't know if you can imagine but taking a photo of 4 kids mostly under 5 years old is a little hectic. I didn't see this moment until I was editing...Scout is kissing baby Elliott (okay, knowing Scout it could be a bite but I'm pretty sure it's a kiss)

We did this same shot when Scout was born. Just before she peed on everyone we got one beautiful, magical photo of the girls. I thought it was too much to ask to have it happen again but there it was...a beautiful, magical moment!

Introducing Elliott

I feel so silly...blogging all about her but never actually introducing my beautiful new niece. May I present Miss Elliott Jane...


Born with ten fingers and toes on August 25th, late in the evening...a respectable 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches.


The careful observer will notice the dimple that marks all my nieces and my brother (and caused me great envy as a child...)



Shhh...don't wake the babies....