Danae, John, & Vivian

I took some photos of this lovely family for their Christmas card.   Love these guys!

What a beautiful family!

Family Reunion 09

I love photography, and especially like being able take photos of those I love.  This summer, we had a family reunion, and here are a few of my favorite shots I was able to get as the "official" photographer.

I think this was a discussion on what do do....and what NOT to do...with the racquetball equipment.  The kids had fun with this all day!

Carefully observing the hooplah.

 

She's just adorable!

The whole group of us.  It was so much fun for everyone to be together!

One of the family pictures.

Precious.

Cousins having a great time!

 

What would a family gathering be without football?

Our part of the family: Back row: my brother-in-law, Stephen, his wife, Suzanne,  my nephew, Cole,  me, & Dave.  In the front, my Father-in-law, Dick, & his wife, Madeline.

Let's do this again next year!

A Special Homecoming

I was blessed to be able to photograph the homecoming of a little boy to America, and despite the terrible airport lighting,  it was one of my favorite things to photograph this year. A couple adopted a little boy from China, and friends and family were all there to greet the new addition to their family. 

Two little girls waiting to meet their new cousin!

Grandparents anticipating their new grandchild.

Several people made signs, as just one more way to show how much they cared.

It was hard to wait for them to get off the plane!  This little girl may have showed it plainly in her expression, but everyone was having a hard time being patient.

And here are Mom, Dad, and their new son!  It was so touching to hear everybody cheering and clapping so loudly.  All the friends and family were so excited for this couple and their new little boy!

Dad with his new son.  In the background are some of the people waiting to congratulate them.

Some of his first steps in America!  (at least, in Des Moines)

The bond already formed between the little boy and his new daddy was already so evident.

He was a happy little guy - for a little bit, he just sat and watched everyone!

The outpouring of love and the visual displays of enthusiasm for this little boy were incredible.  It was easy to see that this family has a whole community of people surrounding them, ready to love on them and their new son.  What a great group of family and friends!

Grandma and her new grandchild.  I could already tell that this kiddo was going to be getting LOTS of hugs and kisses.

Congratulations to the family!  I'm so happy for you.

PJ, Emily, Sarah, & Aiden

We did family shots with Emily and her family as well: PJ, Emily, Sarah, and Aiden.

This was my favorite family shot.

Sarah's expression while looking up at Daddy.

Emily & Aiden

I found Emily and Sarah playing by a pool of water - it was so fun to capture that moment!

 

Aiden, content and happy in his Daddy's arms.

 

This last photo is a Pretty Kitty - Sarah's favorite stuffed animal, and practically a memeber of the family!

Thanks to everyone for such a great time taking photos!

Chad, Ashley, & Abby

Since everyone was looking so nice, we decided to get some family shots as well.  Here are some favorites of Ashley, Chad, and precious little Abby.

Family Photo Shoot

My friend Emily asked me to help her with her Christmas present for her parents last year: a portrait of the kids and grandkids!  Of course, I was happy to help.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

Such a fun group to work with!