merry christmas

O Christmas Tree

Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas day! Here's a bit of whimsy from our house to yours today.

Merry Christmas!

moroccan birthday

David and I had fun at Epcot celebrating my birthday yesterday. I am now 35! Wow, it seems like a big number to me. I got in free since it was my birthday, and got to wear a HUGE birthday badge that said, "Happy Birthday, Kristina." I don't think I've ever been wished "Happy Birthday" by so many strangers before. An amusing experience for sure.

We ate a late lunch at the Marrakesh Moroccan restaurant, and it was incredible! The food was delicious, and the service was outstanding. I would highly recommend it. It was a great all-day date, topped off by our favorite Christmas program, the "Candlelight Processional." Thanks for a fun day, David! I love you :)

ballet week

It's that time of year again. Time for what I call "ballet week." It's become a tradition in our house over the last three years since the girls have performed in the "Nutcracker." It was a very full week: Monday--staging class, Wednesday--dress rehearsal, Thursday--recital. The girls love getting their hair fixed in a nice bun and putting on real make-up. I have become much more proficient in such things as well. This year, it was a treat to have their Auntie Yvonne here to watch them dance too. Thanks for visiting, Yvonne, it was fun to have you!





On a side-note, it's my birthday today! I'll post some pics later--David and I have a fun day planned at Epcot. I'm excited!

Sarah + Aaron

It's been so rainy and cloudy lately, but the skies cleared just in time for us to have nice weather for our little shoot. Sarah and Aaron were fun to work with. Here's a few favorites.

20 weeks

It's hard to believe I'm already at the half-way point. But, it's true.
20 weeks. They've really flown by so quickly.
Life is busy and full in a good way.
I am blessed!
Here's the baby bump again.


A big thank you to my friend, Emily, for taking these photos for us today.

winter in Orlando

It's still not what I'm used to. Such nice weather in the "winter" time. An oxymoron to me. If you know me well, you know that I'm not a huge fan of the climate in Florida. I'd rather have a nice cold winter and a pleasantly warm summer. Not a pleasantly warm winter and a summer from....well, you know where.

But, you gotta make the most of where you live. And, so we've enjoyed the beach a few times recently. I really love the beach.

Happy Winter from Orlando!

going deep

Sometimes things happen that just don't make sense--that leave you hurting and feeling empty. This is one of them.

Our dearly loved family doctor, family friend, and brother in Christ, Dr. John David Ward II, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 2oth.
We met him shortly after getting married and moving to Greeley, Colorado. Our friends told us that he was awesome, and looked like Doogie Howser, MD. They were right.

It's so rare that you just hit it off with someone, especially your doctor, but he was one of those amazing people with a gift for caring and connecting with you.

He quickly became our friend.

He was such a tender presence in our lives during such vulnerable times--pregnancy and childbirth. I was so sick during pregnancy with both my girls. While pregnant with Miss A (my second), I kept telling him emphatically during every visit that I could not do this again--that if for some reason I had to have a C-section, to please tie me up!! He was so great to remind me over and over again that such decisions were best not made during hard times, that I really needed to be sure before the Lord. In the end, he convinced me to wait and not make any radical decisions while sick and pregnant. I'm so glad he did!

I'd been wanting to reconnect with him to let him know how grateful I am for his wise words to me 5 years ago. I wanted to let him know that we were expecting again, and that amazingly I haven't been sick at all this time!

He's spoiled us forever as far as doctors are concerned. I just can't imagine ever finding someone that we'd like as much or connect with as well. He meant a lot to our family, and we'll miss him so much.

To read more about Dr. Ward and to listen to one of his worship songs, click here.


In honor of you, Dr. Ward, because you loved babies and delivered thousands of them:

newborn: Max

This little guy was such a treat to photograph. He slept the entire time, and was super laid-back, which made my job very easy. Such a sweet baby!

baby bump

I love a little distortion in photos. It's just fun.
The baby bump will definitely make one's body feel distorted.
Not just shape, but everything! Sometimes I feel like I've become a different person.
I used to love Chinese food, now I can hardly stand it.
And, where did this sweet tooth come from?
I used to be a salty-mouth.
I guess I'm still me, just a distorted version of myself.

{trick or treat}

I have to admit the weather last night was perfect for trick or treating. Not too humid, and a balmy 70degrees. Actually, I have no idea what the temperature was, it just felt nice! The girls had so much fun with their neighborhood friends. This is our thrid year "treating" with our good family friends, the Cockings.

You can check out our 2006 adventures here.

Happy Halloween

{Happy Halloween!}

What does this post have to do with Halloween?
Well, nothing, except that it makes me happy...
just like when I was a kid.
I loved dressing up, and watching my pumpkin basket grow full of candy.
Oh, and if you're wondering, the photos below were taken in Lory State Park,
Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Another thing that makes me happy.

the kelly family

I met the Kellys just over a year ago when they moved into our neighborhood. They're great people, and we enjoy them a lot. Here's a few favorites from our session last weekend.

just fake it

It's their "get-that-thing-out-of-my-face" smile.
You can hardly call it a smile.
Actually, it totally captures how I was feeling about the day--
--a "fall" festival in the blazing 90 degree heat, full sun, no shade.
Not fun.
"Happy Fake Fall" from Orlando!
I'm not bitter.

she's 5...

Two months after the fact, I finally took some 5 year photos for Miss A. Actually, both girls and I went out for a little photo date last week when it was nice and cool. Yes, cool...oh, it was so nice while it lasted.

Happy Monday!

going public

Maybe you've noticed that the blog hasn't gotten much attention lately.
No photos of my girls, no news from our family.
Well, there's a reason.

I've been busy. Sleeping. Lots and lots of sleeping.
And trying to figure out what the heck to eat that doesn't make me want to gag.

Yep, you've guessed it. We're expecting.
Baby is due on Tax Day.
And, here are the first pics of the little bean:

greg + sarah + jack

We met up last weekend for a little family shoot. Sarah mentioned ahead of time that Greg had a strong dislike of the camera, but you'd never know it photographing him. Thanks for being a great sport, Greg! Their little guy was a trooper too. Totally tired and ready for his nap, but we still got a few smiles.

emily + baby in tow

It's always fun to take photos for my friend, Emily. Not only is she super-cute, but she is likely the cutest pregnant woman ever. Oh, and she knows just how to pose. I had to ask her if she'd modeled anytime in her life, but no, style just comes naturally to her!

From certain angles, you can hardly tell she's pregnant. Just a tiny little bump here.


I love the funky shadow!


And, my personal favorites from our session. I love the sunflare peeking out from behind her belly.

Ok, Emily, there's your little peek. It's really too bad we ran out of light, because I was having fun! The last place we went we were literally shooting in the dark, which I really don't recommend. If I get brave, I may post one just to prove my point. :)

Lynn + Foster: Wedding

When Lynn asked me to shoot her wedding, I was totally flattered. I'd never been the "lead" photographer before. She assured me that she would be the easiest person in the world to "practice" on, and she was right. She's probably the most laid back bride you'll ever meet. I never saw even a hint of stress on her face the entire day. Just pure happiness!



The lovely tiara and shoes.


Lynn's hairdresser did a fabulous job. I'm always amazed how they create those "poofs" of hair with every strand in place. I'm so not a hairdresser!


We'd been hearing a lot about Lynn's niece, Claire, for a long time. She's quite entertaining, and was lots of fun to be around while everyone was getting ready. She totally added a little sparkle to the atmosphere.


The finished make-up. Gorgeous!


Beautiful bouquet. I loved the eggplant-colored cala lilies.


Isn't she lovely?


I absolutely love this one!


Aren't they playful? I think Lynn and Foster are one FUN couple. Just look at that twinkle in his eye.




"Oh yeah, oh yeah, we're married, we're married..." They could have started doing the happy dance, I think. Aren't the doves beautiful? Such a unique addition to the reception.


The toast by the best man was particularly entertaining. I think it was the self-deprecating humor, but he had us all laughing quite a bit. The candles on the left were in memory of Foster's mother.


Thanks, Lynn and Foster for the chance to be part of your day! And thank you to Dennis who was an awesome second-shooter. I couldn't have done it without you!