I'm Back!

Wow... has it ever been a busy spring!  Since getting back from our Iowa trip less than a month ago, I've had lots of newborn sessions, family sessions, wildflower mini-sessions, my baby girl's 2nd birthday and party, a week long stomach bug, and lots of other fun stuff happening with the kiddos, my upcoming photography studio, and trying to balance it all so that I can get all of my work done and still squeeze in a few snuggles on the couch with my handsome hubby.

The kids and I enjoyed 7 days in Iowa visiting my family and we had so much fun on the farm!  I tell you what... I always loved that place, but watching the joy in my own children when they are there enjoying it really makes my love for it triple.

And I must admit, it is so nice for me to get out of the city, away from traffic and huge to do lists, and just "be" my old self every now and then.  But it's also nice to come back to our sweet little life here in Austin.  There are more houses (3,000) in my community than there are people (1,200) in my hometown!  It is the one place on Earth that I can say I actually feel young there.  So many wonderful childhood memories of raising pigs, horses, rabbits, sheep, cats, you name it... we raised it.

Here are some snapshots I took while we were there.

The E Family - Iowa Mini-Sessions

Here is a sneak peek into one more of my Iowa mini-sessions from earlier this month.  I have known B for many years, as she was my hair stylist from my early high school years on.  In fact, any time I am back, I always land in her styling chair for a haircut and highlight! 

She and her husband just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, and she decided it was time to update the pictures in their home, so she booked a mini-session.  We even got to include their adorable grandkids in the session.  Whoa... talk about the bluest eyes I may have ever seen!  These sweet kids were so fun to work with.

Oh... and another bonus... We got to include his amazing car.  L rebuilt this car from scratch.  It was amazing to see before, during, and after pictures of this car.  Talk about a labor of love, and something that they will cherish forever!  So cool.  

Enjoy the sneak peek...

And here's to 30 more wonderful years, E family!  

The VP Family - Iowa Mini-Sessions

I always enjoy getting back to Iowa in the fall, and have started doing annual mini-sessions there every October.  I'm already looking forward to October 2013 in Iowa!

It was great working with the VP family and meeting their sweet kiddos.  I went to high-school with their pretty mommy and played basketball, volleyball, and ran track with her.  And I even used to "go out with" (as we called it in Junior High) her younger brother when I was in 7th grade and then went to prom with him my Senior year.  You see, when you grow up in a town of 1,200, everyone really does know everyone.  :) 

It is always cute seeing how high school friends' lives turn out.  And how sweet their families are.  This little family of four is just beautiful all around.

Enjoy a sneak peek into the VP family Iowa mini-session!

The J Family - Iowa Mini-Sessions

I always have such a great time working with the J family when I head back to Iowa for mini-sessions in the fall.

This pretty mama is my cousin.   I remember being in the waiting room the night she was born.  And I very vividly remember her being about 4 years old (and I was about 7) and standing outside my rabbit shed (after I told her something she probably didn't want to hear) saying, "Fine then.  I won't be your friend anymore!"  Well, I'm glad to say that all ended happily, and we are great friends.  :)  She even went up to Alaska with me one of the summers I worked there.  And she is a supermama and such a loving wife to her hubby.  She makes an older cousin proud!

Enjoy a sneak peek from the J family's Iowa mini-session.  Can't wait for Iowa mini-sessions in the fall of 2013!

Iowa Mini-Sessions - The F Family

Part II of the Iowa Mini-Sessions!

I used to sit next to Jen in band... 15 years ago!  It was so fun seeing her again and meeting her beautiful family.  These kiddos were so well behaved, and made my job that morning SO much fun.  Enjoy!

Blowing mama a kiss...

Iowa Mini-Sessions - The C Family

Miles and I SO enjoyed a trip back to Iowa last week!!  Not only did we get to visit all of my Iowa family, but I also enjoyed doing 7 photo shoots while there.  Words cannot describe how beautiful Iowa is in the fall.  The trees are popping with color, the weather is crisp and cool (very unlike the Texas weather we've had since April!), the farmers are out harvesting their crops, and the sunsets are incredible.  (Let's just say I LOVE Iowa in the fall.  Don't ask me in the winter season, though.)  :)

I enjoyed working with the C Family for this mini-session last week.  Their little two year old boy was just a joy to work with, and had so many fun expressions to capture on camera.  You could tell his parents were wild about him and vice versa.  Enjoy these sneak peeks!

Miles on the Farm

We enjoyed an incredible trip back to the Midwest last week.  Miles got to see ALL his cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and farm animals.  And Miles and his mama got to enjoy being "farm kids" again.  So FUN!

Here are a few highlights.

Getting ready to feed the horses...

My sweet horse, Macy Gray...

Kickin' it - cowboy style!