Now booking mini sessions for November

Anyone interested in a FREE mini photo session with me?  I want practice.  You want a great family shot for your holiday card.  Sounds perfect!  Here's the deal:  We will spend 30-45 minutes taking photos on location.  I have some in mind but am always open to suggestions.  Ultimately, it will be your choice.  I will give you a CD with at least 10 edited images to print as you choose.  Please allow two weeks for delivery.  As I've mentioned, my Photoshop class is killing my extra time these days.

I wanted to give my Crazy for Cookies fans a chance to schedule with me first before I start asking around.  So if you're interested, please contact me ASAP so we can work out a date and time. 

Jason and I also wandered to the Scottsdale Civic Center area last weekend to scope out some good locations.  Here are a few areas I think would be nice for family photos.  The LOVE sign is quite popular.  Sans sprinklers, of course.  Any other ideas?

Papago Park

Jason and I wandered quite a bit on Saturday morning.  I am checking out locations for future photo shoots.  We walked around one of my favorite parks from my childhood.  Papago Park.  While my parents played softball on Sunday nights, my sister and I would play.  Sometimes we would climb the rocks nearby. 

The park looked more run down than I remember.  But I liked the shape of this tree growing over the water.  Can you see the little bird sitting in the corner?

McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale

We took the boys to the train park in Scottsdale today.  Jason hadn't been yet.  It was perfect timing  because Railfair 2011 was going strong.  There were several model trains set up all over.  The boys really enjoyed the displays.  I think Jason started thinking about setting up his own train set.  After a ride around the park on the train, we headed home.

A nice lady offered to take our photo so I could be in it, too.  We don't get a lot of family shots these days.  Thank you, guest photographer!

Anniversary celebration

Eleven years! 

Logan stayed with his cousins and Ryan spent the night with Grandma so Jason and I could get away for a night.  We stayed at Tempe Mission Palms in downtown Tempe.  We walked to dinner at Ra.  We even received a free dessert- Cinnamon Tempura Fried Ice Cream with Chocolate and Raspberry sauce.  It wasn't a cookie but it was YUMMY.  Then we headed over to the Tempe Improv for Flip Orley's hypnotist show.  If you haven't seen him, you should.  He is hysterical.  (This from someone who has been accused of not having a sense of humor.)  Maybe next time I will be brave enough to try to get hypnotized.  Brunch the next morning at Ze Te'jas was perfect.  I just love their unique breakfast options.  Then we headed to Scottsdale's mall to check out the Microsoft store. 

It was so nice to have an entire night- 24 hours, really- to ourselves.  Just the two of us.  After all this time, we still like talking and hanging out with each other.  It doesn't get any better than that. 

Jason was a good sport when I insisted we take some photos.  He even managed a good smile. 

Happy Anniversary to us!

On this day in 2000, I walked down the aisle to Jason and said "I do".  It was the best decision I have ever made.  Eleven years later, I love him more than ever and feel so blessed to have him as my best friend and partner in life.

Apparently he still likes me, too.  He brought me flowers today.  Aren't they pretty?

We are celebrating with a night out on the town, brunch tomorrow and maybe a bike ride.  Happy Anniversary, Jason!  Here's to 60 more!

A day at the park

Have I mentioned I am taking a Photoshop class at the community college?  Well, it is kicking my tail feathers.  It seems between running and my Photoshop homework, I don't have much time left over.  So I have decided to remove the daily photo posts.  Instead, I will attempt to post 3 to 4 times a week.  It seems this is what I am currently doing but saying it here makes it real, right?

After preschool today, a bunch of the moms and kids met at the park for lunch and playtime.  The boys love to play in the sand.  As soon as the sand toys showed up, Logan didn't move.  He was digging and building mountains the whole time.  Ryan, too, enjoys the sand but his preference leans more toward throwing it than digging in it.  He keeps me on my toes.

It was midday so the lighting was too harsh.  But I just love these shots of the boys' shoes- especially Logan's boots.  He loves them so much and wears them everyday without fail.

Off to work on my Photoshop homework while the kids are resting...

Step Out- Walk to STOP Diabetes

Today the family joined Christine's Dream Team for the Diabetes walk.  (Christine is my friend and favorite Creative Memories consultant.)  It was a mile long walk at Rawhide, an old western town.  We had an unfortunate stroller malfunction so the boys had to walk with us.  Ryan was able to catch a ride most of the way.  It was a fun morning.

I love this shot of Logan walking along side his daddy.  The red shirts were part of the festivities.  Did you notice neither of Logan's feet are touching the ground?  How about both of their right feet?  Totally in sync.  I ♥ it!