Category Archives: family photo

Beach Week!

I finally went on the beach vacation that I have anticipated for SIX years now. Each year my best friend and her family go on vacation and they always tell me to stop by for a few days. Well, my kids were always in school (one downside of year round education) during their vacation but not this year! I totally crashed in on them for the whole entire week. I had a great time with my adopted parents, sister and niece and nephews.

I had the opportunity to spend time with my friend’s parents. I see now where she gets so many of her traits. What an amazing, endearing couple they are! I also learned that they Pay It Forward by raising money to offer two annual scholarships to children who support their community and try their best in school.

My second favorite part of the week was stumbling on an alligator observation area. I didn’t even know we had alligators in North Carolina. There were no barriers, just free range humans and gators. I really wanted to wrestle one but my friends help me back so I had to settle for a few photos. And just so you’re in the know, its a $2500 fine and 30 days in jail for feeding an alligator.

We came home with as many children as we left with. I took the photos through my sunroof with a 200mm lens. Or maybe I got a little closer on land. I cant remember. Either way, we returned to this beautiful doe hanging in our yard. I’ve never seen such a variety of wildlife at the beach.

Mrs. Butler

Meet Mrs. Butler. My daughter was excited to be in her glass because Mrs. Butler’s goody bag of goldfish crackers were better than her teacher partner’s (you know the way to my daughter’s heart). Over this school year, I have loved getting to know Mrs. Butler, but I joke with her that as we’ve become friends we have both experienced uncharacteristic streaks of misfortune. I’ll save you the details but it sure makes for an easier road when you know that another soul feels your pain.

I’ve also gotten to know her kids, both of whom are smart, witty, caring and sweet souls. My daughter, who used to be in class with Mrs. Butler’s son, even likes her son–and Amelia is not one to care for boys in any capacity. And finally, I was introduced to her other half; he is a scientist so that makes him automatically awesome in my book!

For about six weeks I have had to hear about how uncooperative one of her kids would be. They wont smile, they wont do what they are supposed to do, they will make goofy faces, the list goes on. I love to be able to say “told ya so” and that everything worked out as I said it would. He-He! Here are the Butler’s are their uncooperative family! And something just for fun. 🙂

Thank a Teacher

I have this special super-power that allows me to figure out who top-notch teachers are. Its true. While this teacher never taught my kids, I can tell by seeing her class and see her with her students that she is amazing. She contacted me for a photo shoot and I was excited to get to know her a bit. When I met her family, he daughter was so shy she wouldn’t even look at me; by the end of the session, we were planning her wedding, which was to take place at pre-school the next day. It was a fun 90 minutes!

And here is a sampling of what a family photo shoot would look like with me!

Thank you to all the teachers who go above and beyond, every day.