May Tidbits

First, can I just brag a bit? Tye got third place in his school track meet in the triple jump. He made it over 15 feet! He got a ribbon and was so proud of himself.

Next, we had a great time at Matt & Deb's for a grill out the Sunday before Memorial Day. The kids stayed with grandma and we were able to just be adults. It was relaxing! Here is the party leader, Matt, with his glowing party lights he strung. Matt is a grilling king!

Matt's wife, Deb, got to hold her new niece, who you recognize from my post "Baby L." She getting so big already!

We played Lawn Darts and John was my partner. We actually won!

We played a game where we had to eat Bamboozled Jelly Beans from Jelly Belly. There is a bad flavor (like earwax, pencil shavings, etc.) for every good flavor (popcorn, licorice, peach, etc.). I never seemed to get a good flavor. Here's Kevin who also got a bad one...

...which made Sam laugh!

Denise is explaining why she will not be eating this bean.

We also had lots of good food to eat. Everyone brought something to grill and it all was delicious. Matt, the grill king, watched as Theresa made her awesome Hawaiian Kabobs!

Other things for May:

*Bodie has taken to saying "Oh snap!" & "oh chit ( a replacement for the bad word)" which is kind of hilarious. He has also mastered the art of "that's what she said" even though he still doesn't know what it means. He just knows when to say it.

*He also lost his 2 front teeth this month.

*I had 6 photoshoots in May!

7 Kids & Paper Mustaches

Just trying omething new... and very fun!!!

I brought out the mustaches about halfway through the session and the kids loved it! They were so excited to wear them and make funny faces. So, be warned that I may use this idea again in the future.
Here's the group photo without the 'staches.

And the next ones are my faves from the session, which we shot at the Village of Yesteryear here in town.

One more mustache just for fun!

Graduate

My brother, Eric, graduated last week from the University of Dubuque. I took the kids down with my sister and our friend, Nicki, for the weekend. Eric looked so handsome in his cap and gown. His mom was so proud of him, and cried tears of joy. Fortunately, her friend, Mary, was there for her.

My boys also got to spend some time with their grandpa. They haven't seen him in a year and a half, so it was a big treat. Here's Bo showing him how to play DS.

Mary brought her two boys with her from Omaha. They became fast friends with my 2 boys. They were also so well behaved all weekend, which was nothing short of a miracle.

Here are both my brothers, no doubt trying to determine who is a better athlete through deep discussion.

My dad had 3 out of his 4 kids there. Kelcie, the youngest, is still in Australia and couldn't come back for the graduation. Dad & Lisa brought a "Flat Kelcie" with to the ceremoy though, so she would feel left out.

I took this one just before we left. Eric tossed the Bo-monster over his shoulder, like good uncles do.

It was really nice to see everyone and finally meet Monsignor and Mary, who Dad & Lisa speak of so highly. I really wish we could all see each other more often, but I'll take it when I can!

Sneak Peek for Tina

Her new baby boy...I love when I get a smile.

Fall session- The Green Family

Last fall I had the privilege of meeting the Greens. They are all extremely nice, and seem to really enjoy being in each other's company. Maybe it was becasue their kids were older than other families I shoot, but I had so many of the large family group shots turn out perfectly during this session.
 

 

Isn't she gorgeous? I love the water in the background.

He sure had a time getting up the tree. It's a popular spot n the park for photos and the bark is very worn & slippery.

 

I love photos where boys hug their mothers. Maybe because I have boys. Maybe also because every time, after I shoot the hugging shot, boys also try to put their mom in a headlock :)

 

I love the sun in this one. It makes me smile.

Fall session-Jessica's family

You might recognize Jessica and her family from this blog. I have photographed them several times now. Jessica was kind enough to let me practice on her sister, her mother, and herself nearly 5 years ago when this whole photography thing was merely a twinkle in my eye. And I'm still suprised every time she calls me again for more photos. ("She likes me, she really likes me...").
Since I'm trying to get caught up on posting photos from last fall still, here's ur session from October. Jessica is a great mom and came very prepared, with lots of activities, like hula hooping and bubble blowing. Her husband, Andy is a pretty cool guy, too. I really had a lot of fun with all of them on our outing in the park.