SIBLINGS: what do you get when you mix spunky with sweet?

A pile of fun! You would think a 3 year old rambunctious little boy and a 1 year old girl, just getting over a cold (or was she starting a new one?) would make for an umm...interesting photo session. But not so here. He was just a ball of energy and that's what I love--I love capturing kids in their element, being themselves, not fakey fakey smiles. And little sister must be used to it because she found him extremely entertaining.

Sorry for falling SO behind (I know, it's not the first time you've heard my whining)-but please bear with me...I'm getting there.

KIDS: growing up...

No, they're not ALL grown up yet, but when you start losing teeth and getting keepers in your mouth, it's a sign of growing up. I photographed these beautiful siblings in the beginning of 2008 and they've all matured so much! The fun part is that I can totally relate to these three because they are the same age as my older two. Super pretty and so much energy!

SIBLINGS: The perfect gap

Here's what I mean-sister is 6+ years older than baby brother and I'm starting to think that this is the perfect gap in ages (at least for photography). Big sis did it all--made him laugh, posed with him, posed on her own and can you tell that the baby boy was feeling under the weather? Me either! Loved this pair and loved how mom prepared for the shoot--with clothing and hair and location all thought out.

BABY BOY and the SISTA's: sweet family

Oh-this little boy is going to be a heartbreaker because not only is he cute, he's got two older sisters to make sure he has a leg up on understanding women. Mom is amazing--she's got 3 kids under the age of 5 and is still smiling. :)

BOYS: brotherly bonds

These three boys are as different as can be. The oldest is super responsible and considerate, the middle one loves to be daring and different and the youngest gets away with everything because he's just so darn cute. But they are as close as can be and as we ran amuck, I could tell that having crazy fun was the norm for this family.

Happy MOTHER'S Day!

I'm a little early (when am I EVER early???) but I promised Dad that I would get this post up so he could surprise Mom with this sneak peek. And this Dad totally came through! He dressed the kids, brought them to the park, had them ready for a photo shoot---and then I sent him home for MORE clothes and he watched my stuff while I ran off to play with the kids. Mom, your kids are ADORABLE and so sweet. I love the relationship that they have with each other-you can just see the closeness in their willingness to hold hands and sit together and hug. You've trained them well (and your husband too. :) ) So many cute ones so instead of narrowing it down to 2 or 3, I thought I'd throw in my own little surprise and show a bunch.

She picked one flower for each member in her family.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. We do so many things and sometimes it's a thankless job, but when your child(ren) tell you that they love you the most and when you are the only one who can heal their ouchies or soothe their sorrows, it's all worth it. And how can I not love it when my son uses all my scotch tape to make me a mother's day card out of my scratch paper and my envelopes that were meant for the recycling bin? He also wrote in yellow pencil so I had a really hard time reading his cryptic message--but I love it all the same!

Phew...that was a long post-it was like a blogging workout (see my other wimpy posts and you'll know what I mean).

SISTERS: They were naturals

The oldest really was so mature and I bet she teaches her younger sister a lot--and then some. I love baby sister's fountain hair--you can only wear your hair for so long and she pulled it off well!

BOYS: will be boys

These boys were hilarious! Most of the best pics are actually "outtakes" from our time together-or rather unposed, unscripted. Thanks to Tami Chao for referring this client. By the way, these two moms are Arbonne reps, in case you are looking for herbal and botanical products for skin care, cosmetics, nutrition, aromatherapy, and weight management. You can find their websites at: http://maryyoung.myarbonne.com/ and http://tamichao.myarbonne.com/

Enjoy the mega sneak peek!

SIBLINGS: Remember these kids?

So friendly and the middle girl is still the perfect model! I photographed this family when baby was just a floppy 2 month old. Now she's sitting up and smiling like her big brother and big sister. Thanks for inviting me to capture your kids at this fun stage!

FAMILY: Another repeat client

And they came all the way from the Pismo Beach area to see me. I'm extremely flattered and touched that they traveled so far for the photo session--definitely my longest distance client. :) I shot baby and mom about a year ago and am amazed at how the little girl has grown. Such a smiley little girl too!

SIBLINGS: I "heart" this family!

I love all my clients, but I have to give this family a special heart for providing my business a steady flow of shoots through gift certificates, extended family shoots, and referrals. Plus, the kids are adorable! Just so easy to please. And I had to show Big Sister breaking out the chicken dance. Every time I see this photo, the tune gets stuck in my head.