the Honerkamps

Last weekend I met up with the cutest family. The Honerkamps have been married for 30 years and the whole fam got together to celebrate their anniversary with a photo shoot.

Such a sweet couple...

with a really cute family..

That cute blonde on the right is my good friend Maggie. I love photographing friend's families.



Thanks guys! And happy 30th!

fall girls weekend

Remember in this post how I said I had set aside some time for fun in my schedule? Way back in the summer some of my best girlfriends and I marked this weekend down for fun on our calendars. Beth, Amy and I are trying to get together for some girl time a few times a year. Fall is our favorite season so we were all pretty excited to spend some time together this month. We usually head to Columbia, MO where Amy lives, but this time we decided to spend some time in St. Louis doing things that we love doing or have always wanted to do but haven't.We started out on Friday night with dinner at Crepes in the City. Yum. Then headed to the Gelateria Tavolini across the way where it just so happens that Beth's hubby Kurt was playing that night. Sweet. Also they were having what they called "chai party" in which they gave out free samples. We all know that chai is near and dear to me so that worked out well. It was Chad's Chai and I highly recommend it.

Saturday morning we went to Soulard Market which is one of our favorite spots and took in all that the market had to offer. Then we took home a bushel of apples and some pumpkins and gourds.

Next we headed over to the cherokee street antique district and saw a lot of cool things.


And then we headed home to make all kinds of yummy things out of our bushel of apples. We like to cook....and eat.Thanks girls. I needed that.

And now my bed is calling. Tomorrow is going to be a doozy. Here we go!

little M

Last week little M came over to the studio for her first photo shoot.
Her grandma made this amazing basket just for her so we had to get a few shots with her snuggling up inside it.

There is just something I love about this shot. Such a sweet moment between mom and baby.

And then...it was time for another nap.

Oh no. I think I need another baby now.

Today is a chilly, rainy, gray fall day and I kind of love it. I did not exactly love getting poured on this morning and running errands looking like a wet cat, but thats OK. Its a good day for scarves, and comfy clothes and snuggling with Monkey Pants. If she lets me that is. Plus Pam and Jim are finally getting married tonight. Sweet. I think I'll make some hot cocoa.

It's true

Its true when people say that your kids grow up too fast. That you blink and they are all grown up. Its totally true.

It seems that during our vacation Marlie suddenly realized that Shane and I are not the coolest people on earth. In fact, we apparently are big dorks. She started saying "go away Dad" in the pool. I guess Shane was cramping her style. She didn't want the other kids to see him hangin around her floaty. Then one day when she was watching the Wiggles, Shane and I, overcome by their amazing musical talent, began busting out our best dance moves around the condo. She totally ignored us. Not even a smirk. To top it all off, in the car on the long drive home we were trying our hardest to stay awake. This is best done, as everyone knows, by singing loudly and flailing your arms along with "Back in the High Life," by Steve Winwood. Marlie was not amused and started yelling "No way guys! No buddies no! No singing buddies!" from her carseat. At least we are her buddies right?

Then last week she made the big move from her crib to a big girl bed. I can't even handle how cute she is all tucked in with Elmo at her side in her new bed. I'm not gonna lie, I teared up when we moved her crib out of her room.

Today was the last straw for me. It was Marlie's first day of pre-school. It looks in this photo like I had to drag her there, but she was actually really excited to go. This is just another example of how I am already embarrassing her. This is her "my mom is so lame with her camera out all the time" look. Oh that kid.


She had a blast at school and had no qualms with me leaving. I however had a hard time leaving her there. I know it will be good for both of us and its just a few hours a week, but as I walked back to our house I couldn't help but think about how fast she is growing up.

So, I am trying even harder to soak up each moment, each day that we have together. And I'm still going to dance, sing and take too many pictures. Some day she'll laugh about it. Even if its not today.

Addison

About a year ago I did a newborn shoot with little Addison and I hadn't seen her since. Isn't it amazing how much they grow that first year? One thing is for sure...she is still adorable.

We played with some blocks...


And then had a little birthday cake.
Happy Birthday Addison!

Mike + Beth + Lunden

Before we left for the beach I had a little session with some good friends of ours. Beth and Mike are our neighbors/new found friends/pastor and his wife. Lunden is their adorable little one year old whom Marlie likes to call Lundie.

Lunden didn't even make me get out my puppets or make silly noises or dance around like a crazy lady. She just looked at me and smiled her huge Lundie smile.

Oh my word, those eyes! I can't even handle her adorableness.
Thanks friends!

the beach

Our vacation was perfect. Thanks to a very generous family friend we stayed in an amazing condo on the beach. We could not have asked for a better week. Our days were full of relaxing and swimming and more relaxing and more swimming topped off with dinner on the deck and early bed time. It was just what we needed.



Marlie was the cutest beach baby you ever saw. She was incredibly content and happy this week. And I had to try my hardest not to squeeze her little legs all day.







My favorite shot of the trip by far...



It makes me get a lump in my throat.





Thanks Terry and Mary for your generosity! Such a blessing.

Its back to reality now and I'm having a little bit of trouble adjusting to be honest. It feels like fall here though and that I love. I think a new pumpkin candle and some fall decorations might be enough to pull me out of the funk.

When we got home we found out that our internet is not working. It stinks. So, if you are waiting to hear back from me please give me a little bit of time. I can't stay in this coffee shop forever, although that would be nice for a while. I should be up and running again in a day or two. Thanks!