Washington D.C.

About a month ago, the hubs and I took a trip up to Washington D.C. for a quick getaway. It was the hub's birthday, and he had never been to D.C. We took Thursday to drive up and spent Friday and Saturday to explore as much as we could before leaving Sunday morning. In the time we had we were able to take a tour of the Capitol, explore the Library of Congress, take pictures in front of the White House, walk to the Washington Monument and surrounding memorials, ate and explored Georgetown for a bit, and took a tour of Arlington Cemetery. My feet hurt just from typing all that. By day two we were taking any car, bus tour, or wheelchair we could find! Just kidding on the wheelchair. But seriously, we were exhausted from walking. We've decided if we ever go back we are renting bikes or taking a segway tour. It was definitely a fun trip. We both agreed our favorite part was seeing the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery. When you know the history and read how each soldier prepares for his duty you really grasp and sense the honor given at the tomb that represents the respect given for all the fallen soldiers buried at the cemetery.

 

Harper

Ashley and Ryan of a previous blog post had Harper Noel on January 3rd. It was my first newborn shoot, and I honestly didn't know what to expect. Mom and dad were so sweet and patient with me as we tried to get some decent shots of precious, little, baby girl. I was prepared with cute poses stored in my head, but she ended up being awake the entire session. Not one picture with her eyes closed! As soon as I put my camera away to leave wouldn't you know it she started to fall asleep. Oh well, it was fun and I learned a lot! Ashley and Ryan had cranked the heat in their house prior to my arrival in attempt to keep Harper calm and warm while we were shooting pictures- nakey, cold baby= unhappy baby= crying baby pictures. Cranking the heat and/or space heaters is definitely a must for newborn sessions. I found it pretty funny to see momma throwing off outer layers while I wiped sweat from my face in between set ups. Note to self: wear thin layers you can take off during newborn sessions. Lesson learned. Here are some of my favorite pictures from her one month old session. Sorry for everything we put you through to get a picture, little Harper, luckily you probably won't remember.  :)

 

 

Puppy Central

 Try not to squeal too loud when you see this post. This is Lola and Boone aka Booners. Lovely Lola and Mr. Boone are brother and sister. My aunt rescued them from being... I can't even say it. They would no longer be with us today if it wasn't for my wonderfully loving and precious aunt. Lola now lives with my cousin here in Charlotte and Boone was adopted by one of her coworkers. These are some pictures from a play date I had when they were still puppies. They aren't puppies anymore just FYI. Maybe I'll get some pics of Lola to compare up here soon. In the mean time, enjoy "awww" ing and laughing over these two. Wook at dose wittle ears!!!  

 Boone

 Lola

No Da

My SIL (sister-in-law) and I ventured to the area in Charlotte known as No Da one Saturday afternoon. Well, more like my SIL chauffeured me around. When she first texted me asking if I wanted to go practice our camera skills I was like...what the heck is No Da?? Bless my little heart. It's such a fun, artsy, little area- probably because it's Charlotte's Historic Arts District. Oh and No Da is short for North Davidson referring to the street of North Davidson for you total noobs out there! Geesh!

There are lots of great restaurants (but I've never eaten at any of them), fun theaters (but I've never seen any shows there), and cute little shops (but I've never bought anything at any of them) for you and the whole family to explore! I'm such a good endorser, huh? Well anyway, it was a fun afternoon and so many great photo ops! Yay for discovering new hang out spots! Thanks, SIL!

  

           

 

 

Ashley and Ryan

Ashley and Ryan welcomed Harper Noel into the world on January 3rd. A few weeks prior I was fortunate to have taken some maternity photos of them. Ashley's belly was so stinkin' cute, and it's so evident that Ryan absolutely ADORES both of his girls. I can't wait to shoot Harper's newborn session in a couple of weeks! Eeekk!