New Chapter

This handsome guy is starting a new chapter of his life. After spending a little time with him, I'm sure that he's ready to tackle more than just opponents on the high school football field. :)

Buddies

Sadly, our older dog is nearing the end of his life. We're not sure exactly how much longer he'll be with us, but we can all tell that it won't be a great deal of time. I think that one of my kids, in particular, is sensitive to that and is trying to show this old guy how much he's loved while he's still here. It is, at times, incredibly sweet.

Well, hello!

I realize that it has been a couple of months, but I'm ready to get back into the swing of many things, including work -- on a limited scale -- and updating the blog.

I didn't exactly plan to, but I sidelined this site for much of the summer so that I could travel with the family and focus on the kids when we were in town. I squeezed in a little work here and there, but for the most part I was in full mommy mode... and loving it. Well, liking it. Well... at points... tolerating it. I admit, I am one of those people who needs a creative outlet, as well as alone time and quiet, on a regular basis. (Quiet is something that is pretty much unheard of when any of my kids is around.) So while I did enjoy the lazy mornings with my yahoos and all of the togetherness that summer affords, I was ready for school to start last week. ;)

Of the many, many photos I've taken in the last weeks and months, I will grab a few of the most recent and most easily accessible. Here are my chickens on the first morning of the new school year.

Waking them up and finding them already chatting, with E's carefully laid-out "person" on his floor... (I just noticed the additions the girlie made to 2-D E.)



Foxy proudly mirroring her own "person":



Reading her note from her teacher (with a little help from her big bro, and her dad emptying the dishwasher while only partially awake):



Leave it to someone to look like a goofball... and no, that's not an actual corn dog on her plate, just a disgusting one-time-only sausage/pancake thing they talked me into buying:



And a quick snap before we loaded into two separate cars and headed out to two different schools. (The big guy hit a whole new campus.)



And now we're off and running! Yippee!!

Preview x 3

This week my kids were off visiting my parents. They were crazy busy enjoying a week of swimming, art lessons, movies and Sea World... Admittedly, I'm a bit worried that the crash back to earth will be a little tough on them tomorrow. Fingers crossed that it's a soft landing.

While they were gone, I had three big goals: get some work done, get some triathlon training under my belt, and tackle several house projects. The house projects were sorely neglected, unfortunately, but I did get in the work and the training. I also got to enjoy leisurely dinners with my husband, which more than makes up for the lack of progress elsewhere. So it's all good, and I'm ready to welcome them back with open arms and a big, fairly relaxed, smile.

Three of the four sessions this week were yummy little kids -- all of whom I've photographed before. Get ready to feast your eyes on this big batch of adorableness.

First, the curly girly who is seriously bursting with personality. She literally threw herself into my arms when I arrived and gave me the biggest hug you could ever expect from a body so small.









After that, I documented this hunk of love at six months. Did you know that there's a new sheriff in town? He's tough and totally smoochable. :)











Finally, I got to chase around a two-year-old who is just as darling as his big brother. After we wrapped up shooting, we went to Sally Loo's -- sooooo tasty -- for a scone and quiche. Is there a better way to finish a session? I think not.









Phew. That's a lot of cuteness in one place, huh?

Baby Sister

This little beauty came to me during the whirlwind last week of school, and she was a welcome breath of fresh air during an otherwise nutty time. I was more than happy to grab shots of her, as well as a few with her gorgeous older sisters.

Eight

Forgive me if I've blogged about this in the past, but there are two things that I do faithfully each year. (Not always ON TIME, mind you, but they do get done.)

I write a letter to each kid on his/her birthday, and I photograph him/her in a specific item of clothing. My boys each have a shirt of their dad's, and the girly has a dress of mine. The idea is that one day I'll pair the photos with the letters and have a pretty cool birthday present when they turn 18. Or 30.

Anyway, I finally sat down to organize some things today and couldn't help opening the file of photos we took when Mr. Crazy turned eight a few weeks ago.



And for fun, a couple of shots from when he turned five. I think I loved this session best of all.





Ah, they grow so fast...

He is Three

If you've spent any time checking out this blog over the last few years, you've definitely seen shots of my good buddy, Mr. T, along with his little brother and his awesome parents. I've been fortunate enough to photograph this little dude several times, and I thoroughly enjoy every minute of every session. He is a true gem.

Mr. T is three now, and we marked the occasion with a little walk around downtown. He was in a great mood and we got lots of fun shots -- a success all the way around. Here are a handful...

Popping Up for a Sec

This time of year is just... nutty. Crazy. Overwhelming, at points.

The truth is, I can't point to any one major event and blame it for the way I'm feeling. It's just the cummulative effect of a million little details needing my attention.

Hopefully I'll have my head on straight again sometime soon. Until then, here's a goofy girl caught in a goofy shot.

Anyone Up For a Game?

Hey. Hey you.

Do you remember me? The Clausen family dog, Stella? (Well, there's that other dog who claims that he's the "original" Clausen family dog, but whatever. I could eat that guy for lunch.)

I've been accused of being a lazy sack of potatoes -- mostly by people who don't have a clue. I'm actually peppy, spunky and downright ATHLETIC.

Anyone up for a game of baseball?





How about a light saber war?



Hula hooping?


What?


Am I doing this wrong?



I have some serious leaping skills, which are bound to help out with this jumprope...



Now that's a workout. (Pant, pant.) Think I could get a gig as a personal trainer? I rock at circuit training.

Spunky Monkey

Last weekend I met up with a family that included the cutest, spunkiest girl I've met in awhile (maybe ever!). She had more energy in her little toe than I have in my whole body, and I wish so much that I could've bottled it and taken it home.

She also loved to run, climb, swing -- you name it. She'd probably be right at home in a jungle tree. :)