Evan

I just love, love, love little ones! They are so sweet and fun and full of wonder! And then they grow up..... But I must say - although mine aren't so "little" anymore, they are still sweet. Most of the time. I think. :o)

Meet Evan - a nine month old mover and shaker! Blond hair and beautiful blue eyes with a fun personality to go along with it all! He was a real trooper for putting up with outfit changes, nose wipings, hair brushings and even being trapped in a papasan chair!

Now if only my kids put up with the same......

:o)

Did we really just......... ?

So every once in awhile I think we all have a moment where we think, "I know I shouldn't do this but I just HAVE to....." Well, two nights ago, I'm quite positive I had that moment. And it was a big one.

Meet Scooter.



Scooter is a rescue pup from Southern Illinois. I learned this week that no-kill shelters are essentially non-existent in the southern part of our state. Apparently dogs roam quite freely down there and the stray population is overwhelming. Shelters have no choice but to euthanize pets at an astounding rate of 98%. So sad. But the Wright Way Shelter is trying to help by driving dogs and puppies up to this area by the busload so that they can be adopted out. Their efforts are paying off - in their only shelter down south, the euthanasia rate has dropped to almost 60%. Not perfect but certainly a great effort.

My boys found Scooter online through the shelter's site. My oldest, Zack, fell in love with him instantly. Not only was he cute, but his shelter name was, well, Zac. Hello! I don't think it mattered if this little guy had three ears and a tail coming out of his head! In my kids' mind, he was ours.

So the story goes that my Zack rifled through his drawers to find his wallet and count the money he's been saving for what seems like forever. He went to the website and found that the adoption fee was $250 (it pretty much covers the vet visits, shots, food and shelter costs). The amount of money in his wallet - $246.

Needless to say we knew that we were going to be driving home that night with a new addition. With only $4 to kick in, how could we say no. Our boys learn another lesson about saving for something really cool, we help save a rescue dog, and our home is filled with the fun and laughter that a new puppy brings. All, to quote Visa, adding up to one thing - PRICELESS.

Kristin :o)

PS - Here's the shelter link if anyone is interested.....

http://wrightwayrescue.net/

Attention High School Juniors!!!!!

Are you, or do you know someone, who is a Junior right now? This summer is the PERFECT time to have your Senior portraits taken! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and do something FUN! Here is Emily's session from last summer - we did so many fun and creative shots! Thanks Emily!

Kristin :o)

Winter Engagement

When you plan a wedding for April, that doesn't leave much time for lush, green outdoor engagement photos. So what do you do if it's February and you want to take photos? You head to the beach! Yup - the beach!

That's just what Christina and Nick did and I just LOVE their photos! It was actually on the warm side that day (phew!) and we had a ball! Plus the combination of white snow and brown sand is really cool!

Thanks Christina and Nick for being so adventurous! See you in 39 days!

Kristin :o)

It only takes one.....

I did a session today and wasn't really sure what I got. My one year old subject was perfect - smiling, laughing, and BEAUTIFUL! But as we all know, one year olds can have a mind of their own and try and try as we did to set the stage, my little friend reminded us that SHE was in charge! And so as the photographer, I shot lots and lots - with the hope that there would be something good.....

As I edited the photos today, I was happy that there were quite a few good ones of her smiling, laughing and playing! Just what Mom and Dad will want!

And then I found this one........ And sometimes it only takes one.....

Kristin :o)

Congrats to Gina and Ben!

Gotta love an engagement session in February! Thanks Gina and Ben for braving the elements! You guys were awesome and I can't wait to photograph your wedding this September!

Kristin
:o)

Who says you can't take cool photos in the snow?

Many thanks to Lauren, a brave high school senior, who recently met me at a park for her Senior portraits! She said she was looking for something different - and she got it! It actually was a beautiful day and the white snow and brown grasses made the perfect setting! And of course going back to Cheer Fusion was fun, too!

Thanks Lauren!

:o)