Swing!

family

left to right:  Alex, Annie, Carin, Danny, Connie, Bob, Dede, Mike, Bill & Annie

left to right:  Ellie, Wesley, Kate, Nana, Sara, Papa, Chase, Braden, Reagan, Sophie, Grace & Cameron

meeting Alex

tell your story

 I am thrilled to be a part of the TELL YOUR STORY WORKSHOP FOR TEENS this summer!!!!  It is a workshop that is designed to inspire and educate those 13-18 years of age to express themselves through photography in positive and fulfilling ways.  They will learn how to use light, composition, and become more familiar with the settings on their camera!  Did I mention that was ANY CAMERA!?  Some very creative and inspiring women are working together to make this a wonderful experience!  For more information visit:  tellyourstoryworkshop.blogspot.com

Boyfriend

I remember this like it was yesterday-
Sophie and I waiting outside Ellie's guitar lesson at least 4 years ago...

Happy 12th birthday

I can't believe you are twelve years old. 

Time is flying by---yet you are wise beyond your years.

We are grateful to be by your side as you as you conquer the life before you.

6th grade Valentine's Day dance

rise above her ankles

On Tuesday I called the orthodontist to set up an appointment for Ellie's braces.  They had an opening the next day or February 28th.  I chose this Wednesday.  They told me that she would need spacers as soon as possible that day...so I jumped in my car to find her at school.  "Why are you checking me out?" she asked cheerfully.  When I told her she was getting braces her smile grew from ear-to-ear!  It reminded me of my younger days---wanting braces and unwrapping a paperclip hoping it might at least look like a retainer!  (I don't think I was as enthusiastic when I finally did get braces as a junior in high school!)  The spacer installation took minutes so we rushed to her school for next year (JR HIGH) and registered her for classes.  She was confidant with the classes she chose and told me the school felt just right.  As we walked out those doors and to our car I held back a little bit and watched her walk---confidant, happy, and with the hem of her pants trying to rise above her ankles.  I felt a wash of joy and wonder...how did she grow up so quickly?

Snowshoeing- Mueller Park Canyon

a date night for three

It is snapshot with the phone...

the quality of the image is nothing to be excited about...

but the gaps in her teeth, her hair past her shoulders, sitting on her dad's lap

(yes his legs are running along the bench...we are classy like that at Nielsen's)

make me want to remember this image forever.