Kara

is such a little sweetie. Within 2 minutes of meeting her we learned that she has her own schedule and it's not a rushed one and she is a master negotiator! The apple didn't fall far from the tree in her house given her parents' professions!

It had taken her hours to get down to half of her pop tart before we came. However, before the session could start she negotiated for 5 more bites. hehehehe!!! I'm pretty sure she only ended up taking one more bite, but it cracked me up that she wanted FIVE more...not one, not two....but five! Kara is one funny girl!

Want to know what she wants for Christmas? An octopus! That's not a typo....to the surprise of us and her parents she announced that an octopus was on her list of items she hopes Santa will deliver. Hmmmm, I wonder what Rudolph would think about transporting sea life?

I asked her if she could go get her favorite book. Given exhibit A above (she's on her own timeline), her daddy happily found his way up and down the stairs before she even knew he was gone. I'm so glad he found her favorite book because I am in LOVE with the family time we captured above!

I love them even more because the days of mommy, daddy and Kara only story time are limited...see exhibit C below...

Kara is going to be a big sister by the end of the month!! Not only do I love that image because it represents so much anticipation it also captures so much love in their family...Kara is just being her silly little self and her parents are loving it!

Kara - We had so much fun capturing your silly little self! You are so full of life and we loved learning all about you and your most ambitious Christmas list! You are going to be SUCH a great big sister! We can't wait to see you again!

Connor and Madeline

worked very very hard to help their parents get their Christmas tree all decorated before we came to their home for their family pictures. Don't they look like they'd be such great little helpers?

Connor was little Mr. Social Butterfly! Oh my goodness, he welcomed us instantly to their home and never stopped making us feel welcome! At one point he even planted a big 'ol kiss on my cheek! He helped us create a little surprise for his mom while she was out of the room. Surprise, it's little Connor Claus!

Madeline was pure tiny sweetness. She really didn't know what to think of Eric...it got to the point where we just had to have Eric hide because she would look around the room until she spotted him and then just scream....and they weren't happy excited screams. I have to admit, I thought it was hilarious! But look, once we got Eric hidden behind a blanket, she was good to go!

This next outtake is just too good not to share! Do you think Connor spotted Santa behind us?!?!?! :)

Connor and Madeline - I am so glad your mommy called us and asked us to capture your family! We had so much fun learning all your favorite ornaments and all the goodies that came in your Advent calendar! We can't wait to see you again!

Thoughts and Prayers

Please keep the Anderson family in your thoughts and prayers. I just received a text this morning with the most awful news. Susan Anderson very suddenly and completely unexpectedly passed away in her sleep last night.
My mind went spinning, how is this possible? I still have her emails in my inbox, her order was just delivered last week. She could not have been taken from her family and friends already.

And then I was quickly reminded why we love what we do so much. I am so thankful that we were able to spend an hour with their family last month and capture these moments. At the time, these moments seemed simple and normal, now they are priceless moments captured for a family to treasure forever. It brings a smile to my face now knowing that I kept Susan and Barry hugging for just those few extra seconds so that I could get "just one more picture". This is such a great reminder and I will forever continue to have families "hug it out" in honor of Susan and a life taken far too soon.

I do have to share a story about Susan in my very short time of knowing her. The majority of our "conversations" took place via email....and trust me we shared a lot of emails! But the one thing that always stuck out to me with her emails is that she never signed off as Susan. Her sign off was ALWAYS, "Love, the Andersons" I'm fairly certain it wasn't an automatic signature line, I truly believe she signed every email that way....as her family. It always made me smile.

To Barry, Jacob, Joel and the Ponca famly - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We are forever grateful you have invited us into your families and loved that we were able to capture these very special memories for you. Hugs to you all!