Smalling Ladies!

When Chandler contacted me to take some photos of her, I was super excited. I always joke and tell people that pretty people make pretty pictures, so I knew Chandler's pictures would be stunning because well, she's stunning. After Chandler and I picked a date for the shoot, Chandler told me her sister, Jordan, and mother would be in town from Vermont that day and wanted to get some photos of the three of them to give as gifts for Christmas. (I had to use every ounce of self control I had to do this posting after Christmas).

The Smalling ladies snuck out of the house and claimed they were going shopping and met me at Castle Island for the shoot. I had never met Chandler's mom or sister, but as soon as I saw the three ladies together I knew we were going to have a fun day with lots of pretty pictures (pretty people = pretty pictures!). I have never laughed so much during a shoot. Chandler's mom was a riot. Jordan and their mom were cheering on Chandler as she did her solo shots ... "work the camera"! After Chandler's mom saw some of the teaser photos she e-mailed me saying "The photos are FANTASTIC..….. (You made this old broad look halfway decent!!!)… You captured all of us so well, and I can’t wait to see the others!!!". Did I mention how funny her mom was?!

Thanks for a fun day. :)

Here are some of my favorites (there were soooo many it was hard to pick):

Chandler
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
-Coco Chanel

Sisters
How do people make it
through life without a sister?
-Sara Corpening

Smalling Ladies
A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.
-- Author Unknown

Such a fun day.
The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.
-- e.e. cummings

I hope the men in your lives (and grandma) enjoyed their Christmas gifts!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

My friends in Ireland, Kate and Tony (I can't wait for your visit in March!), were looking through some holiday photos I had posted on Facebook and sent me a message: "the photo of you with Aiden who we think is your godson shows how much pleasure you can get from the simple things in life!!!!!...a cardboard box.." I loved this message because it made me take a second and think about how blessed I am and how it truly is the little things in life that make such a difference.

Here are some pictures of Aiden playing with his favorite gift, the box his new bike came in.
I hope these pictures help us remember:
'It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.' -Paulo Coelho

Peek-a-Boo:

Race Car (Aiden was the driver):

And then when Aiden was done with the box, he asked to be duct taped to the door (completely normal):

And incase my blog readers don't facebook stalk me, I have some very exciting news!!
Aiden is going to be a BIG BROTHER in May.
I can't wait to have a niece & meet Miss Ava Mae Katherine (and take a million pictures of her)!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

"You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space." -Johnny Cash