Just a month ago, Coco had her first birthday, thankfully she’s not aware of the exact date, so she probably won’t have notice, we’re still a little late celebrating it. The kids would like to plan a special dog party…
I’m excited to announce I am now able to offer “studio dog photography”. I’ve set up a small studio, but only intend to photograph dogs in that setting. I still much prefer “on location shoots” for newborns, children, and high school seniors.
I got the idea from a wonderful photographer, based in California, Ann Hamilton, who was one of the platform speakers at WPPI. I love dogs, and wouldn’t consider living in a house without one, just doesn’t seem normal to me.
So come see me in my new little studio set up, my first 5 furry clients to book a session will receive a special gift… These session will only cost 150$, last 1 hour, and should be fun.
Of course, Coco is my first model to try out my new light. I’m so enamored with her, I’m afraid I’ve gone overboard and have too many pictures here, but she’s just so cute!

First, sporting her birthday hat, she wasn’t all that happy with it, like “seriously, how long are you gonna make me wear this thing?”

She cheered up when I brought out her favorite toy, a miniature Indies. Ever since Indies passed, Coco has found in Meg’s room this little stuffed animal, and has claimed it hers. She goes everywhere with it, and sleeps with it. She likes to shake it around some,

She has other toys, and is pretty good with her smiley ball,

She’s very playful, and will comes up with the funniest faces,

But she can stay still too,

And eventually will need to take a break from all the fun,

And here is my favorite, I love this Coco face, when her lip is crocked, a little stuck to the side. She’s all like: “what??”
Couldn’t resist having Meg there too.

Sweet Coco, she’s my fourth child,

I have struggled with this post! Sam is the sweetest little boy, most adorable in all pictures. I had to restrain myself and try to select just a few favorite images. You’ve got to admit it’s a hard task with such a cute little model. His parents are new to Pensacola (they haven’t endured a summer yet…) Jake is going to flight school, and Holly is staying very busy with little mister Sam.

I love his hat, I’m a big fan of hats on babies and children,

All smiles..

Lovely family,

Classic! It was snack time, he dumped all the cheerios on the floor, and then proceeded to stuff his little cheeks without pausing or time for chewing. I loove the middle picture,

Playing drum on dad’s head…

I have been waiting anxiously to gloat about the “blue bucket’s” retirement to the garage. For the last 2 weeks my household has been infected by some nasty, resistant GI bug. The bucket had definitely extended its welcome indoors, and does it feel good to finally have it back where it belongs, in the GARAGE!! It went through each room in the house, as we all took turns, even Coco the dog. When Will, the last victim, finally started getting better, after a safe 36 hours free of symptoms, I did my happy dance, and dramatically got rid of the bucket, forbidding anyone to need it again. I was too eager… poor Will wasn’t just quite done, we had again an other rough night and I sourly regretted the dismissal of the bucket. That night I walked around the house with surgical gloves, and a load of clorax wipes, disinfecting all surfaces, door knobs… I had dreams of hiring a health hazard squat team (white suits, oxygen bottles and all), like the one in “outbreak”, to tent my house and fumigate it, killing all germs. I sincerely feared we were going to be sick forever, but it’s over. I’m comfortable declaring it’s been eradicated, we aren’t quarantined anymore. I felt so joyful leaving all 3 kids to school on Friday, such an ordinary event. It always takes something bad to really realize and appreciate just how wonderful and blessed our everyday life is.
The blue bucket, may it remain an outdoor item for the rest of the year, for ever!

Here it is, the full E-session. I had in mind the 50ies, the scenic dinner seemed like the perfect place, and I found it’s one of Wade’s favorite spots. In fact, I’ve heard he’s a regular on Sunday morning. Fred is a dune expert, and the beach is her territory, so we had to finish off the day by the water. As they soon discovered, I get carried away with my camera, but this was especially fun. Watching Fred and Wade so giddy with love, laughing and just so happy together was a real treat for me. You two are just perfect together! Hurry up with the wedding and the babies!

Ils nagent dans le bonheur, c’est un vrai plaisir que de les voir ensemble!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentines, Happy Easter?  I know, the year 2009 is well on its way, but there are still 10 months.  Even with one left to go, it wouldn’t be too late to send our best wishes.

Finally, I have our cards together, it’s definitely a simpler version of what I had in mind, but at this point, time is of the essence.  A big thanks to my friend, Patsy Brown for her beautiful pictures.  Once in the year, I get to be included in the recording through time of our family evolving.  We tried to get together several times before Santa’s visit, but the bad weather got in the way.  This annual portrait is very important to me, and I wasn’t going to give up.  I need to keep all my abroad family up to date on our children growing up…

This is Patsy’s picture,

Henry is taking credit for the fun picture… I’m indulging him, but I’m pretty sure it’s been done before. His uncle Mike was very kind to help us out, clicking away as we tried all kind of different shadows. I think we were very entertaining to the cars driving by, one lady couldn’t stop laughing.

Happy New Year to all!