Today....

When I realized a few days ago that I wanted to recreate this image for this wonderful mommy, I never believed that it might actually happen. The chances of getting a newborn perfectly posed + his toddler brother to even want to be in the same room + mom actually still having that beautiful skirt were pretty slim. But it worked. First try. It was a gooooooood day. I'm still in shock ;-).

Be still my heart.

Okay, I LOVE being a mommy. I'm not always very good at it, but it's not a bad gig at all. I took a trip down memory lane today. Perks like this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and of course THIS all help to counterbalance stuff like this, this, and THIS. 

WINNER OF THE BLOOM THEORY CAMERA STRAP IS SUMMER MURDOCK "VOTE FOR PEDRO!" Thanks to everyone who shared their funny motherhood stories. Definitely a fun read!! 

And most of all, Happy Mother's Day, moms and those of you who are like moms to some!

She is very much herself. She expresses her artistic side through her outfits and accessories. I imaging she was a lot of fun growing up, mom ;-).

Now she's getting ready to graduate high school and start a new chapter in life. It makes me equally happy and melancholy for both her and her mom. I remember how incredibly exciting this time in my own life was, but I also can't begin to fathom getting to this point with my own children.

We managed to find a LOT of color in the most unlikely places this evening. Tired of going to the same places, I decided we should explore an area I hadn't been to in years. It was fun to see it through fresh eyes!

In true Austin fashion, there was some event going on at the park when we met for our photo session that day. Parking...oh lovely parking. Well, let's just say it wasn't easy to snag a spot. But we pushed forward--all the way forward to the really, REALLY LOUD live music that happened to be there. We were shouting at each other to try and communicate. It was rather comical. But again, they pushed on through and managed to keep a great sense of humor. The pics of mom and her cubs...oh my...

Growing up with my clients is a privilege I cherish. It's like I have the largest extended family on the planet and I get to be there to celebrate the biggest milestones and the happiest moments in so many people's lives. 

This particular session was very special to them and to me. It's marking the time as a family of three, how they've settled in so nicely into parenthood, this little beauty with her joy and spirit, and how--in just a few months--they will add one more to their nest.

The weather was incredible and the light fell perfectly on them no matter where they were. Everywhere we explored, we found beautiful little nooks to help them tell their family story. This gazebo was breathtaking, covered in every inch by jasmine in full bloom. We could smell it before we even turned the corner to spot it. It was like a fairytale unfolding before us.

I had *just* finished watching The Tree of Life a few days before their session. Even if I didn't fully understand the movie, I was completely inspired by the memory-like progression of the film...those little snippets flashing on screen making even the smallest moments seem significant. It greatly influenced my approach to their session and the ones I've had since. I need to watch it again.

And then, as if we needed icing on this cake, we stopped by this wildflower field on our way home for some signature Pinkle Toes Texas wildflower images ;-). Seriously, it was if we could do no wrong this afternoon.

I'm so happy we got to do this session before baby #2 arrives and I'm very much looking forward to see how baby girl up here embraces her new role as Big Sister!

Since we've already started getting into the 90's around here in these parts, we naturally assumed that a sunrise session would be the perfect temperature and not too hot. Silly us. I think it had just barely reached 50 this particular morning and bless his heart, it was all we could do to keep him warm. We would take a few pictures, mom would wrap him in his blanket, he'd warm up, we'd take a couple more, rinse and repeat. He was such a trooper and every now and then, he would treat us all once again to his infectious smile.

On this day, we were fortunate that...

1. we were even able to find a parking space

2. we had live music to accompany our session (see #1)

3. the light was perfect

4. the wind didn't carry us away and

5. her mommy was there to help with the bubbles

6. this girlie can do cool tricks

7. we could celebrate her senior year with a fantastic photo session!

I adore the fact that she brought along some of her record collection for her senior portraits. I adore the fact that she even *has* a record collection...and some great tunes, too! And goodness, she is a lovely girl! Just radiant and confident!

while the rest of us watch a movie. He has *always* always marched to the beat of his own drum. I have *always* always admired that about him. I am proud of him.

This is a good looking family, no doubt about it. These boys just take my breath away. Even from the first time I met them [funny...I just noticed the titles of the last post and this one are pretty much the same ;)], I was completely bowled over by their energy, exuberance, and dashing good looks. Despite a tragic balloon incident, we managed to have a wonderful time at the city park, enjoying the perfect weather and all the fun sites to see (like counting turtles and climbing giant hills)!

Three years ago I was charmed by big sister. At the time, she was one of the most well-spoken, pleasant, intelligent 1-year-olds I had *ever* met. She is still one of the most well-spoken, pleasant, intelligent children I've ever worked with. She has a GREAT imagination and loves to entertain. I'm glad I get to say, "I knew her when..."

Enter little sister. Just as joyful, a little timid at first, but you can see it didn't take her long to warm up to the idea of exploring this amazing Austin park at sunrise. The fog that day was mystical and although we battled slight drizzle, no one seemed to mind. We were just there to play and celebrate what it's like to be a happy family of four.

A day in my life - my post today for The Creative Mama.

I was grinning ear to ear during their entire session. And when I got home. And when I proofed their images. And now while I'm posting this. They were the giggliest girls I had ever met...a love of life, their family, and this precious time they spend together. Those girls are so lucky to have one another. They're lucky to have such a warm, relaxed, loving, caring family. And I'm pretty sure mom and dad know just how lucky they are to have all of that.

To this:

I LOVE how she's like an exact copy of herself, just a little more alert and a little more filled out! Never ceases to amaze me! She was our 2nd in-home model for the last workshop and oh boy, did we have a blast with her. I don't know how her parents can get anything done with her around...I'd be too busy pinching her cheeks and working for that adorable little smile.