Joy . . .

That was the word that kept popping in my head as I shot photos of this precious trio.  JOY.  This little fellow emanated joy.  He couldn't stop smiling, and ran from shot to shot with a happiness that I loved!  

It was freezing cold the morning we met, but you would never have known.  The smiles were rampant, and this awesome family was up to anything.  Such fun!

When I emailed to let them know that the images were up on the site to view, I told Jen that I kept thinking 'joy' as I photographed them and again as I edited the photos.   I loved hearing the surprise in her answer, when she let me know that 'joy' had been in the forefront of her mind on her wedding day and the idea for each day in their home.  I think it's working!

joy * joy * joy

I'm quite sure that I could watch this little guy happily run all day!

And, yes, I could look into these eyes all day, as well.

Here's to joy and to another family that makes me know I've found the perfect (a)vocation.

Thanks, friends!

Fantastic Firefighter and Best Ballerina Awards . . .

I love kids!  I love their zest for life, their inhibitions and the way they know to live in each moment!

These are two of my favorites, and it was special to be with them in their home, doing what they do best - play their way through learning and life.  How awesome it is to get the call to capture the every day in the lives of little folks - I'm a lucky one.

That great Cathedral space which was childhood. 

Virginia Woolf 

Blessed be childhood, which brings down something of heaven into the midst of our rough earthliness. 
Henri Frederic Amiel 

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.  ~Elizabeth Lawrence

I'd give all wealth that years have piled,
The slow result of Life's decay,
To be once more a little child
For one bright summer day.
~Lewis Carroll

Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.

YODA, Star Wars Episode II

Isn't it fun to look into the eyes of these precious ones and wonder . . . 

about what they'll do and be?

Sparkling Eyes in Chimney Park

I love kids.

I love photography.

Sometimes I get a bit excited when I meet new kid friends, and I loudly remark about their sneaky smile or their twinkling eyes.  I don't mean to act like a crazy woman, but I tend to jump and see them as my camera might.  I get a little fired up about this stuff!

I see a set of sparkling eyes and I'm ready to start shooting!  That was certainly the case when I met these two cuties, the grandchildren of dear friends.  Though it was stifling hot on the day we got together, there seemed to be a bit of magic in the park.  These two were the perfect little adventurers, and I loved following their fun, sharing their enthusiasm and capturing their love of the beautiful surroundings.  What fun!

 

Good times . . .