[Spirit] Two great guys!

Have you ever walked up to a house and the energy just hits you at the front door? These two cute guys welcomed me in and I could tell they had a ton of spirit. They were silly and funny and had me laughing as they showed me their new house. If there was a way to bottle their vitality, it would be a fountain of youth. Thanks for inviting me over! I hope you have many great years in your new place.

[Done!] Project 365

On January 1, 2009 I set out on a personal project. My goal was to take a photo a day for the next 365 days. Not every photo had to be wonderful, but the goal was to get and keep the camera in my hands every day and learn more about photography (and in turn, more about myself).

First of all - it was hard. It doesn't sound hard to just take a picture, but I felt like the images had to mean something. I didn't want to wander around my house taking aimless photos, although I did some days.

Secondly, in reflection it showed me how small my life is sometimes. Staying home full time with two (and eventually three) kids under five means I don't get out a lot. But, the completed the project serves as a diary of our year together and I will always treasure that.

Lastly, it forced me to really pay attention to the world around me. Really LOOK at what is in my life everyday and find something interesting.

The following are a few of my very favorites. The rest can be found in a Flickr set.

[Faith + Hope + Love] Jen and Tim'sWedding

I got an email a few weeks ago and was surprised to see that my brother-in-law's brother (got that?) was getting married - and wanted to know if I was interested in documenting their big day. Wow! Really? Sure!

My friend Sarah volunteered to come along and show me the ropes and help out second shooting. Thank you, again, Sarah. Your help and support was amazing.

The wedding was at a Czech hall in St. Paul. We had fun exploring the nooks and crannies and looking for interesting areas to shoot.

Jen and Tim, I hope you're happy with our work. We had a great time at on your special day - thanks for inviting us!

[Awesome] Brothers!

I've been throwing out the word awesome a lot lately - it's that time of year when so many good things are happening to so many people in my life. And these two boys are super awesome. I first met their mom when her youngest was just born (or just about to be born?!?), and both of my boys have worn their clothes (and I'm sure Everett is wearing something of theirs right now!).

These are such funny, polite and cooperative young men. Thanks for having me over to hang out and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[On a Roll] Happy Birthday, Samuel!

Do you remember this little guy? Look at him now! Mr. Samuel had his first birthday recently and his mom invited me back. What a difference a year has made. I was amazed by how quickly he can duck, dive and roll. He just looks like such a boy now, doesn't he?!?!

I was also lucky to snap one sweet photo of his big sister.

[Joyful] Noise..make some!

My friend Aimee invited me over for another session with her four sweet kids. You know how you walk into a house and you just know that the foundation is built in love? You hear it in every squeak and scamper across the floor and there's laughter around every corner? That's Aimee's house.

Enjoy your sneak peek!

[Ten] 2010 High School Graduate Caleb

I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Caleb, a 2010 graduate. His mom and I are friends, so I expected him to be a pretty great kid based on what I know of his mom. But seriously? Caleb. You are awesome! Thanks for being so cooperative of all my ideas and trudging through the rain and cold. Good luck next year!