{a little bit warm....for Autumn}

It's a lazy weekend and we're all recovering from being sick.  At the kids school Strep was going around like wildfire and both Tyler & Brielle caught the nasty strain :(  then they passed a bug {not the strep part as far as I can tell} to me so I've been laying low this weekend trying to recover for the busy week ahead.  But if it the temp hits a 100 degrees today we are however going to take a dip in our pool since it may be the last of the season. It's been crazy hot here in the valley - we're breaking records and it's much warmer than it should be this time of the year.   So when the Tripp's came out to Scottsdale from Nevada they enjoyed a lot of pool time and tried to stay cool in the 107 degree Fall weather we were having last weekend.  We've known the Tripp's for 10+ years and it was so great to see them again and catch-up.  They also wanted to incorporate a photo session into their visit and of course I was thrilled about it!   I hadn't seen their twin girls since they were toddlers!  They were so shy when I first saw them... but soon they were giggling, climbing trees, telling jokes, and being silly seven year old girls (well, a week shy of being 7).   We had so much fun -- Jeff and I agreed that we need to plan a trip sometime soon to Reno to see them and take the kids skiing.  Here's a peek into our session.

{Little bit Sassy - Oh So Sassy!}

The temperatures are crazy insane around the country; sizzling in LA, blazing in the Arizona Valley, and average temps around most of the country 10 degrees higher than normal for this time of the year.  But I'm so ready for some 'Fall'  weather, I could honestly cry {but I'll hold back as long as possible}.  The kids are giddy that Fall is hear but they don't understand how it can still be in the 100's during Autumn.  I have to shrug and agree that I too want cooler, crisp weather.  So to get in the fall mood we went to the 'Trader Joe's Pumpkin Patch' yesterday.  It small but the kids were literally jumping up and down exploring the little patch TJ's had set up.  We stood there and soaked it in - and went a little overboard getting 6 pumpkins.  We couldn't resist.  Of course we're going to hit as many Pumpkin Patches as possible so we'll need to refrain from buying so many at each patch.  But it was so exciting for the kids and myself -- nothing says 'Fall' like pumpkins.   Okay, I digress....onto some sassy designs {{{I'm in love}}}

Once again I am thrilled to be working with Michelle, the designer of  'Oh So Sassy'  clothing line.  I literally squealed out loud with excitement when I opened the package she mailed to me.  She is truly talented and I'm always giddy when she asks me to work with her.  And she's from AZ too!  Another designer that I would love to meet in person someday I'm in love with her cute ruffled skirts.  And her prices - crazy reasonable!!  She's going to sell out quickly!!  I can't sing her praises enough, I'm in love with her work...sigh.... ;-)

{wagons, skateboards & a fun family}

First, I want to start by saying that I had so much fun during this session.  Seven year old Weston was so great with his little brother, helping get his attention, tending to him, getting him water.  It was really impressive and showed how much Weston loves his little brother.  Also, Weston was amazing in front of the camera - he was so full of energy and spirit.  I loved it and could've been there all night but we were loosing daylight quickly.  Weston's parents were fun too - just going with whatever came next.  I loved their interaction with one another as seen in a few of the shots below.  The sun was bright and hot for September here {5 degrees warmer than normal during this time of the year}.  The sun flare I captured with them was really cool.  I was amazed how in the picture above the light is just streaming over them.  It was beautiful!!  Anyway, here's a little peak into our session.

{Fairy Dust, Friends, Cupcakes & Musical Chairs...}

What more could a birthday girl want?!  Okay, I know Brielle's birthday was in August, but things were crazy and hot in August so we post-poned her party.    She's never asked for a party, never asked for presents and just enjoyed the celebrating with family.  Since she's never had a 'friend-party' I thought turning 5 was the perfect time.  She was elated!!  So we set to make this party, and her day memorable.  She enjoyed helping me decorate everything in light pink, dark pink, pink, pink, pink ;o)  Tyler was a huge help on party day hiding on the balcony and sprinkling fairy dust (glitter) from the balcony into the courtyard as each fairy entered.  I wanted to get sprinkled too but I refrained ;o)  And he assisted like a pro in all the games.  The games we played brought me back to my childhood birthday parties.  We began with the cotton ball scooping game (my favorite as a kid, and now Brielle say's its her favorite), we played musical chairs and we made finger puppet crafts.   It was a magical day with friends for Brielle.  I loved seeing her excited and over-joyed to have her friends at her house celebrating with her.  And WOW, I have a 5 year old! Here's a peek into her birthday party.

{Ohhhh…this has spurred a desire…} Arizona Commercial Photographer

A desire to travel.  I've always wanted to see Ireland's 40 shades of green and Scotland's rolling rocks and grassy countryside.  Many of my family members have been, but I'm looking forward to the day I can go rather than hearing & reading about it.  I want to go to photograph the landscape, the people, the lifestyle.  Sigh...someday I will go there.  But this outfit that I photographed made this desire resurface.  Majd, the designer and talent behind, Janum, sent me this adorable tartan outfit!   It's made so well, and I was impressed with the detail.  And the peasant top - it's wrinkle FREE.  I want like 10 of them in different colors and patterns.  It's made of a soft, material and goes with everything.   Also she's designed this cute little girls costume for Halloween {Rapunzel}!!   Brielle got a kick out of wearing the costume and being Rapunzel for a while during our shoot.  Her smile was huge and she giggled a lot. :)

{Saguaro Lake - Labor Day Weekend 2010}

A little gem is only 20 minutes away from me - Saguaro Lake...I had no idea!  Our friends invited us to go on their boat with them & the kidlets.  Anyway, we made the quick trip up to the lake early in the morning and spent the day tubing, swimming, having delicious watermelon mojitos, and yummy snacks.  The kids were in heaven.  It was the first time Tyler and Brielle tubed and they loved it!  Tubing wasn't only fun for the kids, we all got turns too - yes, the adults.  I think I pulled a muscle holding on so tight and Bill, our wonderful captain and friend took it easy on us even though we were airborne many times LOL.  I had a raspy voice from all the screaming and hollering - it was so much fun!

{below:  the kids as we rode further into the lake looking for the perfect spot.   Anxious, excited kiddos aboard}

{below} Liam, such a handsome little man.

{below}  I think someone's excited.  Brielle was so excited to go tubing for the first time.  She'd say, 'Go Fast! but kinda slow'.  I loved it.

Going 'Fast, but kinda slow' here. LOL - love each of their expressions.  Ty's cracks me up :)

{below}  Little Grace was ready to get off the tube and just go swimming.  She's daring on the tubes but not on this day.

Much better, dipping in the cool water with her momma, Sue.

{below}  Sweet Ella, she's only 2 but hung in there the whole time.  She spent her time playing games in the lower cabin of the boat and swimming when we found a good swimming spot.

{below}  Captain Briella & Co-Captain Sue - or is that the other way around?

All the kids together chillin on the tube after swimming.

Grace took over the wheel for a while :)

So the boat overheated at the end of the day and we were lucky enough to get asked by a nearby houseboater to play on their boat and with there two grandchildren.  The kids had a blast - they jumped off the roof of the houseboat - how cool is that for a kid?!  We were so thankful the kids were happily occupied in the 110 degree heat.

Brielle really wanted to jump off the top of the boat and we all rooted her on {peer pressure, how bad is that?} but she was reluctant and came back down the ladder.  She preferred playing in the house-boaters inflatable floating pool.  Smart girl ;-)

The Boys.  Will, Liam and Tyler.  What an awesome day with great friends and fantastic memories made.  :)

{***swoon*** Palm Tree Princess's Fall Line}

When the creator of Palm Tree Princess contacted me to photograph some clothing from her fall line, I was excited to see what she was going to send based on our conversation.  And when I got the clothes, I was blown away!  I may have even **squealed**out loud!  I just love her style!  It 's so posh, hip and unique.  I fell in love!!  Anyway, here's a peak at some of her Fall line!

{Heat Index = **120 degrees** for this beautiful family's photos}

But the heat and humidity didn't stop this family from looking amazing.  Grandma was in town and leaving the next day, so we braved the hot weather and I must say - it's the fastest session I've ever done with 2 locations.  You can't even tell this family was dying in the heat- they did awesome.  I on the other hand learned what sweatbands for your forehead and wrists were invented.  I need a good pair and I'm not ashamed to where them (behind the camera) if it will help from sweat dripping off my brow  LOL.  But seriously, I might consider getting a pair ;-) Here's a little peak at our session!

Note:  My calendar is filling up for fall.  If you haven't booked and wanted to you may want to do it soon before all spots are gone.  All of September is booked,  there's one date left in October, and a few dates in November is still available.  Go to the 'contact' page on my website to inquire about a session availabilities.

{itty bitty bundle of cuteness}

A while ago, I was lucky to have the opportunity to photograph this handsome little newborn and his beautiful mommy, Haleigh.  This is her 4th child and only boy - isn't he adorable!  He's absolutely perfect!  Haleigh is a friend of mine and also a talented photographer right hear in AZ too.  She's beautiful on the inside and out and I'm so happy we met.  She and her little boy were fun to photograph - isn't she stunning?!  She reminds me a little of Denise Richards....= gorgeous :) Anyway, here's the overdue post of Haleigh and her little bundle of cuteness!

{Ohhhh...Eliza Kate is at it again...}

Back to school means fun new designs by Eliza Kate!  I've been working with the talented Krystin for over a year now and I'm always excited doing business with her.  As you've seen on here before, her style is fresh and full of  happy,  well blended colors with a fun girly look.  Here's a peak at some pieces from her Fall line!  Nuxiemade designed the cute matching hats for this.  Thanks Nux!!!

On a side note:  I just sent  out my first Newsletter!  Yay!!  It includes specials only for Newsletter readers!  Click here to be come a subscriber.