more from last night

A very fall-like storyboard idea.

Too fun to pass this one up!

friends.family

I've known this family for years now. She and I were pregnant with our first born at the same time and practically at the same time for our second kiddos. What a joy it has been to document their family as it as grown. I love this family. Hip, urban, eclectic, smart, fun, funny, energetic, and most of all, real in their love for one another. Thanks for a fun evening, guys! I am so lucky to have spent it with you!

;-)

Finally got around to ordering some GAP red items (the holidays are coming!). What a brilliant campaign for a brilliant cause. I love it.

"Dear Santa...

...we've been soooooooooooooo good."

"But Miss Michele said we could jump on the bed!"

This little cutie's room was soooooo beautiful.

As was she. Can you believe that stunning hair and those amazing eyes?

And this little bug reminded me so much of my own son.

Such intensity and with eyes that will stop you in your tracks.

Loved this moment between these two.

Momma loves her babies, that's for sure.

"It's NOT a zoo, Mom,

...it's a farm." My 3-year-old corrected me upon our return trip from the Austin Zoo. "A zoo has elephants and giraffes." Thinking back on what we saw, the kid has a point. He's so danged exact. But it was fun, regardless. The above image just cracked me up. I swear, I have seen *people* do this exact thing!

Peacocks make it more zoo-like, right?

My littlest was getting dang tired by this point. He's like, "Okay. I fed the sheep. *Now* can we go eat ice cream?????"

I love getting to capture his excitement on camera.

My own personal excitement. You can even see the butterfly's tongue.


This made me giggle. But then I felt kinda sad for the little guy.

T's FAVORITE farm "animal." He's taking it's picture.

Now he's taking my picture. We'll have to take some time to work on form, but it's a great start!

*jeweled*

Showing off my own personal photo charm which I *love*. The pic on the charm was from our trip to Sea World this summer. Such a wonderful memory that I now keep close to my heart. (There's another image on the back, too!).

Bronzed

This month marks the one year anniversary of Pinkle Toes Photography. I can't believe how many miles I've put on these shoes and my cameras. I can't believe how many wonderful people I've met. I can't believe the newborn miracles I've witnessed, the fun stolen kisses between couples, the warm embraces among family members, and the sparkling smiles from children discovering the simple pleasure of dancing barefoot in the grass. I can't believe I get to live a dream every day and record memories that will last forever. Thank you for everything! I am so blessed to have been touched by you.

More I just had to add..

The eyes have it.

How does his mother ever get *anything* done with eyes like this????!!!

And then there's his older brother, who'll be breaking hearts in no time:

As a mother of two young boys myself, I can understand the challenges of trying to get both kids in the same frame at the same time. It was amazing because these two seemed to have a real connection. Big brother would only have to come near this cute little bundle and he'd burst into giggles.

But this would have to be my personal fav of the day:

Thank you all for yet another wonderful session. I seriously love every picture we took today. Your boys are simply beautiful!

Speaking of beautiful boys, my two had their first day of school today (well, preschool. and this would actually be my eldest's second year...hence the show of brotherly support below:

Okay. I'll admit it. I've been a blubbering baby all day. I'm sorry. I'm a mom. That's just how things are.

Cake Bandits

My boys were absolutely fascinated with this cake. They couldn't keep their paws off of it...and of course, I couldn't resist a few pics. Here are some more snapshots from the party today:

He seemed to be amazed that all these people were singing just for him. Properly humbled, joyed, and excited. He's such an amazing little guy. And yes, that would be a bruise on his forehead from a dangerous run-in with his Elmo chair a few days ago.

One of the rare instances where I can get my eldest to actually LOOK at the camera. He's growing into such a handsome young man.

And this one is especially for my mommy, who complains that I *never* have any time to take pictures just of her and her grandkids. Of course, if she actually wants to see this printed, that's a whole 'nother story. ;-)

And one last note to my sister: i love you. i support you. i am proud of you. i believe in you. i admire you.

November openings now available!

Due to a big change in my family schedule, I will now be able to book a limited number of holiday sessions during the month of November. These spaces will fill quickly, but if you had your heart set on a session this year, shoot me an e-mail or give a call and let's see if we can work something out. Please note that because it can take several weeks for things like holiday cards, albums, or other gifts to be produced, we may or may not be able to get them done in time for the holidays. It will depend on when the session is scheduled and how quickly we can get the proofing/ordering process completed.

Thanks so much!

I've been tagged!

By the extremely talented and inspiring Deb S

Before I get into the tag, an announcement: my baby boy turned 2 today! How long do they stay this cute?????? Happy Birthday my Virgo buddy.

Okay, back to the tag:

Here are the rules of the game:

Post the rules before giving your eight facts. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to post the rules and write their eight things in their blog. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag eight people and list their names. Leave the people you tagged a comment on their blog, telling them that they've been tagged and not to forget to read your blog.

8 things about me:

1. For most of my life, my main ambition was to be a Broadway star. I actually met my husband in the theater. But, for whatever reason, Broadway just wasn't in the cards for me.

2. After three years of doing this, I've realized that I'm not a very good stay at home mom. I'm just too all over the map. So many big plans, but I tend to forget that my kids operate on their own schedule. My husband is MUCH better at this than I am and hopefully, one day soon, he'll get to take over.

3. I've been bitten by a snake AND I've been stung 7 times by scorpions. [We run the scorpion motel over here at my place.] Thankfully, my kiddos have been spared to date.

4. I gave birth to my second child at home. It was the most wonderful experience ever and if I could ever convince my husband (and myself) that we need to have another baby, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

5. I've never faced a life and death situation and I always fear that I wouldn't have the sense to make it through if I ever did. I have the utmost empathy for children and families in places like Darfur...it takes an incredible amount of courage and strength to fight for their lives on a daily basis. One day, I hope to travel to Africa to photograph those amazingly brave people.

6. My favorite photo ever is the Afgan Girl. I was thrilled and amazed when they found her again...still with those piercing eyes.

7. I still cry when I watch Steel Magnolias, Legends of the Fall, and the last episode of Sex and the City.

8. If I wasn't already married and madly in love, I'd marry John Mayer (if he asked me). Or Jon Stewart. Or Gavin Rossdale. Or Dave Matthews.

I'll be back in a bit to reveal all of my tagees, but here's a start.

Kara

Leah

Laura