How time changes -- Central Iowa Family Photographer

I met up with one of my oldest and best friends and her whole family for a photo session recently. I've know their family from way back when we were 7th grade girls entering the fun/scary years of junior high and high school. Since then we've been on trips together,had lots of sleep overs, created tons of fun memories, were college roommates and maid-of-honors, held each other baby showers, go on regular mom's nights out, etc. But I never imagined I would be photographing her family of two kids and her extended family with four kids total. It's funny to think back to junior high and high school and wonder what we thought our life would be like at the age of upper 20's and all the things we had gone through together both good and bad. I hands down never imagined this scene. When I was in 7th grade I didn't know I wanted to be a photographer and I bet she didn't imgine her life as a stay at home mom with a baby boy and baby girl.


So getting together with them got me thinking... as I approach 30 in the next year (ok, I'm not even 29 yet but 30 just seems way too close right now), is this where I thought my life would be when I was 30.... a married, working, mom/individual. And I think it is. I'm happy right now, content, liked where my path has taken me. The thing about the age 30 to me is that you are no longer in your 20's where you are suppose to be figuring out your life and where you are going. Now in your 30's, I feel like I'm suppose to know these things and being going there. I'm sure I won't feel this way once I'm 30+. But for now, it has me thinking... have I accomplished what I wanted to? What I thought I would? What about you?

So back on topic of my session with my dear friend, her parents and her bother's family. I love that they both had boys within a couple of months of each other and then they had baby girls within a couple of months of each other. How's that for some plans working out for the better? They all live in the same town and get to see each other often. It will be so fun for their kids to all grow up so close. As for my girls, my brother who lives in town needs to produce a cousin for them to play with and the other 5 cousins who live in two different states need to move back. My girls do have four cousins that live near so we are thankful for that. But two of the cousins that live out of state were born the exact same week as Addison. Therefore they are at the same stage in life and I know would have a ball growing up together.

Ok, now on with the sneak peek...

Sweet as pie -- Central Iowa Baby Photographer

Baby girl Q was such a treat to be around. She is super sweet and was just as mellow as can be during her morning session at her house. And if you are sitting around wondering how mom got her bow to stay in so well with the lack of hair she is sporting at 3 months, email me. It's a super easy trick to get it to stay in that I'll share with you.

You'll notice a new format for photos here. The verdict is still out for me on showing sneak peeks in a template form rather than one by one like I've been doing. I'm told on my new blog (still under construction... sigh) that these templates will appear much bigger so you can all see the images much better. I'm so excited for it to be done and share with you. But now, I'm excited for you check out sweet Baby girl Q's sneak peek below. She's a doll!

Their magic castle, I mean tent

When you have kids, you can never have too many blankets in my opinion.You never know when they can come in handy and provide kids with a fun, imaginary world to play in. My neighbors might not have liked the big colorful blob in our backyard when they go home from work, but my girls loved playing in their tent for hours this day. So if you are looking for an activity to do with your kids this weekend, indoors or out, pull out your blankets and build a tent. I promise, it will be fun.

Giggles and Grins -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet family for a session recently. Their little boy was getting his two year old milestone photos done and they took this the opportunity to do family images as well. I loved their black wordrobe with splashes of red color here and there. We had a perfect end of summer/starting of fall evening weather mixed with lots of smiles and laughter. That combo equals lots of adorable images for mom and dad to choose from. Below are just a fraction of the cute images I captured during thier session. Happy Friday everyone!

All smilies at two -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

This little handsome guy was all smiles as he celebrated his second birthday on the day of his photoshoot. Why wouldn't he be? First he opened some presents when he woke up, then he got to play outside during his session and finally he was off to a hotel waterpark for his birthday party.

I'm always amazed at the difference between boys and girls during a session. This location was perfect becuase it had lots of rocks and sticks to keep him entertained and happy. At one point, his pockets were full of rocks while I took his pictures. LOL. I guess I just told you a secert how we kept him smiling and focused during some of these photos. :)

Thanks for stopping by the blog.

Twin time -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

Minus the swarm of mosquitoes and 10+ bites from them just on my right arm alone, I had a ton of fun at this session. We first started at a grassy area but had to change locations because the mosquitoes were the worst I've ever experienced. So we headed downtown Des Moines. I'm glad we did because the urban photos turned out to be some of my favs from the session. This session was actually from a free family session I donated to the Des Moines' group, Mothers of Multiples. This lucky family bid and won a free session from DKA Photography at their spring auction event.

Since these cuties rocked it in front of the camera, I have a ton of images to share here with you. In fact, when I debut my new and improved blog within the week, you might even see a photo or two of them in my artwork.

Pretty Flower Girl -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

This little mama's girl was so fun to follow around and take her photos during her one year old session. She just started to walk which is such a fun stage... still a little wobbly on the feet but yet determined to get places with their feet now. She also has a super cute name that I managed to called her by 97 percent of the time when taking her photos. But mine lips are sealed. Sorry, no name sharing here. As you noticed, I don't post names often on my blog, but I do post their cute little faces, expressions, attitudes, etc. to brighten your day.