teeny tid bit

Yep, I'm so lame that I'm blogging at 1:22 a.m. on a Saturday night. This after I have spent the last 4 hours staring my computer in the fizzace -it's a word- rehashing all expeditures from 2009 in preparation for my tax man.

Yeah, I'm that cool that I can spend my Saturday night blogging and preparing tax documents.

Don't hate.

Since I am about the worst when it comes to waiting, here's a little nugget from earlier today. Chicken nuggets sound delectable. This is another cousin of mine (I have many). Seriously, we come from the same tree people. In some wrong twist of fate, my apple rolled oh-so-far away. Poor lonely apple.

(It's late, cut me some slack.)

Just one for now...plenty more to come soon...promise, promise (say it twice you really mean it, mean it!)!!

St. Patty's and birthday wishes

I don't remember the exact moment you were brought home, but I do recall stories that I was mad because I wanted a brother. After a while, I must have conceded and thought a little sister was alright, too. Someone to play barbies and 'Mommies' with (why the heck was that the name of that game?). Someone to make endless treasure hunts for and a student to sit in my play classroom. A forgiving and patient model for all my photography endeavors. A talk show guest. An enemy in 4-wheeler hide-and-go-seek-tag. Someone to ride bikes with and read stories to. A fellow co-hort to jump in the rain puddles with and to drink hot cocoa with later. A friend to have lunch with (whether it be on top of the little house at the end of the driveway or a more established Hogan Brothers) or to call simply to shoot the breeze. Yes, a sister is alright. Sure, there may be a hole in my door from where you stabbed it with a butcher knife and a cut under your eye from one of the many brother adventures, but that's just a part of normal childhood wear and tear. As you finally come into the 20-something world, I have to say that I'm so proud and happy to have you as my sister. Who would have thunk it?! I'm so happy for the person you are turning out to be and feel so blessed to have a sister who I can also call one of my best friends.

Happy birthday, Cletus. You're alright.

Courtney and Chad :: Engagement

All three of us were 'just getting over' some stage of late-winter sickness as we headed out into the woods. Makes for the most of romantic times, right?! The day was fair, as far as Saturdays in March go, and we actually lucked out as it could have been much cooler, windier, rainier (it's March. One never knows!). Courtney and Chad were super easy-going and we had a good time getting to know each other over laughs and sniffles. I'm super excited for their July wedding (bring on the warmth and sunshine!)!!

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday: (n) The glorious holiday at the end of every week to celebrate the end of a long and tiring 6 days. On this day, its observers are to completely relax in whichever way they see fit. Most events start in the early afternoon, and end in time for all participants to get to bed at a reasonable hour to prepare for the beginning to yet another long week.

Snowmoboarding: (n) A newly developed sport influenced by wakeboarding and snowboarding - a snowboarder is pulled behind a snowmobile with a pull rope like a wakeboarder, but on a snowboard. The snowboarder can be towed into jumps, rails, or cruise on flat land. Can also be used with skiers.

Let the games begin!

Setting the scene:

Can you tell what's obviously going to happen next...?

There were a few spills...tee hee...

 :-) He's so darn cute!

Brit opted for flips. Then sat around in bare feet. In the snow. Yep.

Catalina & Curt::Engagement

Ok...I meant with Cat and Curt nearly a month ago and we picked the first Saturday that worked for the three of us. Amazing luck would have it, it was a beautiful Minnesota winter day with temperatures in the balmy low 30s!! Catalina and Curt were super easy-going and we made our venture short and sweet. And how sweet it is! I'm very much excited to photograph their wedding in July-bring on the summertime!!!

Oh....rraaaawwwwrrrrrr! Quite possibly, my fav.

Just dance!

I've never been to a dance competition. Like, ever.

My Aunt called me a few weeks ago and invited me to tag along at a invitational for the local high school dance team. Being more than slightly embarrassed that my cousin had been on the dance team for years and I had yet to attend a competition, I heartily agreed to join her. I had no idea what to expect and, I honestly have to admit, I was a bit blown away and totally hooked watching these girls perform. Insane. I'm almost quite positive that my body has never been, and will never be, able to bend or move like that. Really makes me look like the convulsive one on the dance floor. No, I'm not having a seizure, I'm just rocking all my moves. These girls, however, can bust it. Hard core.

High Kick and Jazz...and winning first place!! :-)

Yeah, she's taller than me. As a junior. In high school. I totally grabbed the short straw in the family milkshake when it came to height, dancing skills, competitive spelling and overall clothing style. However, I can pretty much out eat anyone.

So bring it.

smiles and energy

On location shoots mean something different every time. I mean, I guess any shoot is different than any other, but there is something about going into someone else's home, backyard or personal location choice and poking around. It's like being an unusually large sized fly on the wall...'cept more on the floor...and with a camera...and backdrop...and purpose. Oh, yeah...they are aware of my presence.

But you know what I mean.

Tanner and Elia definitely kept me on my toes, whether it was about showing me a new toy, something 'exciting' under the kitchen sink (haha...Becky, that was too funny...) or just being themselves. Love. It. Kids and their abound energy and curiosity and playfulness is what I dig the most-as both a photographer and a person. Seriously...can't wait for the day that stuff can be bottled.

Awwwwww! How cute are they?!

Elia had just turned one, so what better way to celebrate than her own personal cake (these cakes are ridiculously delicious and brought to you by the Ole Café!)

Seriously. Heart. It.