A different kind of shoot...

I had the pleasure and privilege of capturing the canine officers who help to keep our county safe. AND, after watching them sprint AT me at full force, I think I'd rather the officer shoot me than let one of the dogs get ahold of me. Yikes. BUT, they're only mean when they have to be, and when they don't have to be, they're the most lovable, adorable, and beautiful dogs to hang with. Here are a few of my favorites. (edited to add: not sure why the second pic looks so pixelated; if you click on it, it will open it up and looks better. Hmmmm.....)

No better way to start the year...

...Than to have a post dedicated to one of my heathens. Cooper, my second in the line of Thorne kids, celebrated his SEVENTH birthday on January 8th. SEVEN. I can't believe it, nor can I believe what a wonderful guy he's turning into.

Coop - I can't tell you how proud I am of the kind, thoughtful, and considerate boy you are. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and you always, without fail, put others first. You would never think of getting your own shoes from the basement without bringing up your brothers' as well. Even though they often don't acknowledge the kindness, well, maybe they do in their own bodily noise sort of way, I do, and I appreciate it. I love that you are fiercely protective of your baby sister, and that no one can make her light up like you. I still can't believe that you held her so calmly and didn't even make a loud noise when she threw up on you. In Your Mouth. You were holding her above you and she splatted you in the face with baby puke, and you quietly said, "Mom - I need a towel. Fast." Not many adults could've handled that situation the way you did.

I love your goofy grin with your chicklet front teeth, and I love how your freckles stand out on your nose when you're hot and sweaty. From the moment you entered my life seven years ago, I knew you were my special boy, and I hope it stays that way forever. I hope that we have coffee together in the mornings and that you tell me your stories for always. Your very RANDOM stories. VERY RANDOM stories.

I love you to the moon and back to infinity, Coop de Loop, and I'm so very proud to be your Mama. Happy Seventh, Birthday.

Brothers

Really Really REALLY cute brothers. And they were so great for the shoot! We took advantage of some beautiful fall weather in the park, and the light was terrific, too. Thanks guys - I look forward to our next session!

Landon

I'm old. I used to babysit for Landon's mama. Wow. And he looks so much like her when she was a kid! He is adorable, and I'm going to get to take his pics again very soon - woohoo!

My Sweet little Gabe...

I've had the pleasure of capturing this little sweetheart since he was teeny-weeny. I love his curls; I love his beautiful blue eyes, but mostly I love how kind and loving he is. He is a true living doll, and I could seriously bite those cheeks right off his face.

Fun Family

I've known Steve, the dad, since we were little; we grew up in the same church and then went to the same high school. I'm just getting to know Erica, and I really enjoy her! The kidlets were so well behaved and they cooperated so well - I was so impressed!

And another for the night...

Two posts! In one hour! Woohoo!
This family is very precious to me. Rose, the mama, and I got to know each other from church about six years ago. In that time, her daughter Emily and Sam (my oldest) became friends and we joined the same playgroup. Well, in June of 2004, Emily drowned in their backyard pool. It was the most horrific and bone numbing experience I've ever witnessed someone go through. I can only imagine the pain that her mama and her whole family experienced. Well, a couple years and several attempts later, they were blessed with another angel in Miss Gracie. Grace Emily to be exact. She is a perfect combo of Emily and Levi - the older brother she so completely adores in these photos.

I thought the shoot would be bittersweet for me, but you know, there was nothing but love there during it. We couldn't have had a more beautiful, perfectly lit afternoon, and you could just see the joy oozing from Grace and she played with her 'bubby'. I felt so honored to have been able to capture this little girl in all her glory. I know her sissy would be so proud.