*Put me in coach, I'm ready to play*

Last weekend I went down to the Dubuque/Galena area for the weekend. I spent most of it hanging out and scrapbooking with friends. But, I also finally got the chance to see my little brother play baseball. Since we didn't grow up in the same house, I didn't get to go to his little league games or anything like that. I've tried to see him play for Dubuque since he started going there, but something has always come up at the last minute. Once, I got a nail in my tire on the way out of town to Dubuque.
Since he's a senior and about to graduate, I knew I had to see him play, now or never. I'm so glad I was able to last week. The weather was perfect and he couldn't have pitched better! I got some great shots of him I'd like to share...

Cousin Hannah

When we were down in Texas over Spring Break, I was able to get some picture of John's cousin, Hannah. She's a teenager now, which freaks me out a bit, because she was just a baby when I first met her, just before John and I got married. I can't believe how quickly time has past. She's a volleyball playing, horse riding beauty, and is the spitting image of her grandmother at this same age.

Eric + Julie

Do you want to see one of the cutest couples ever? Meet Eric & Julie...

I met Eric about a year and a half ago, and you might recognize him from the images at the top of the blog (he's the one walking with the 2 girls). When you meet him, you know immediately he's one of the world's nicest guys. This past fall, I went out to his home for another photoshoot with Eric & his girls and met Julie (I still haven't posted the photos from that shoot, but will soon, I promise). Although he introduced her as his "friend", I knew right away there was something more there. He was obviously smitten.
Just after the shoot, Eric proposed to her, and they were married Valentine's Day. Here is a glimpse of their day, starting with Julie being laced into her beautiful dress.

Getting her pearls on...

We were able to snap a few photos before the ceremony of the wedding party.

Eric with his groomsmen...

Julie with the kids in the bridal party...

Here she is walking down the aisle...

Julie presented both of her new step-daughters with a necklace during the ceremony...

and the girls presented her with a ring...

and then they prayed...

A friend lent Julie a gorgeous cape to wear. Not only did it look great, but it was very needed. It was so cold & breezy that day! But we got some great shots just outside the church...

This last one is my favorite of the day. I love the sweet expression on her face and they both look so happy (and I love the sun flare from the cold Minnesota winter sunset!).

Thanks again for letting me be a part of your day you two!

Baby L

She is as beautiful as the flower that is her name. I'm really happy with how these turned out. A bit of a change up for me, as I didn't not use just the black backdrop this time. I was feeling like I needed more spring color, I guess, as you will see below.

With her beautiful mama...


I could decide which of the following set was my favorite, so you are getting to see many of them...




Something new for me. I love this branch photo, but I need to practice this more...

Here great aunt made this blanket or her. I love when I get to include things like this:)

On a side note, we decided yesterday that we will be going o Texas next week. One of our elderly relatives is really ill and since it is Spring Break for the boys, it seems to be the right time for us to go. It's very impromptu, but I will try to check in as I can!

Mother & Son from last fall

My friend, Shawn has a really great kid, E. His grandma brought him to the park early so we could start while Shawn finished work. We joked, and walked around the park. He is hilarious!


I got a serious shot or two in...

Then Shawn finally arrived and we got some great Mother & Son shots...

I love this one. I was laying on my belly on the ground to capture it.

This one is one of Shawn's favorites, and mine, too...

I had to sneak one in of just her...

And lastly, a fun shot in the middle of downtown Owatonna. Thanks for dodging the cars with me Shawn & E.!