The Shades of Fall

I love everything about fall

well, except for the fact that it means blistering cold is around the corner.

I love the colors, the smells (I get so excited when I put my caramel pumpkin candles out), the cool air, the wineries (yea, yea, yea... I'm skipping them this year. Oh the sacrifices we make for our kids), and I LOVE that the Holiday Season is just around the corner!

What a better way to enjoy a beautiful fall day than taking pictures?

I KNEW THEY WOULD BE AWESOME.

Chelsey and Nick were adorable on their own.

Then they had kids and their family became picture perfect...literally.

I knew as soon as Chelsey contacted me that they would be one of my favorite sessions of the year. I was sooooo right.

They stepped out of the car dressed like they called up Mother Nature to ask her what outfits she thought would work for the day.

I remember when Chelsey and Nick got married. I think I looked at their wedding pictures for hours. It was when I officially decided that I would one day use Kelly Manno as my photographer.

I also remember when they welcomed Addison to their family. Chelsey's parent's could not possibly have been more proud. I think Chelsey is one of those people who was born to be a Mom. Addison was the perfect addition to their little family...

And now Tucker completes the American Dream: One boy, one girl. Not to say there won't be more, but just as their family was when it was just two, then three, and now four-it is perfect.

Addison is doing a great job welcoming the new addition to her family.

I hear a lot of parents get really nervous welcoming a new addition when their only child becomes the big brother or sister. Will jealousy be a problem? Will their first baby like the new one? Will both children know they are loved equally? Addison is a great big sister and Tucker is such a sweet little baby, what kid wouldn't like playing with him?

Plus, in all the chaos of having a new brother at home- Addison still knows how to have fun!!

With a smile like that, how could you not love her?

Meanwhile, Tucker was the best baby at Faust. Holy screaming kids. One mother was at a loss trying to console her baby during their photo session. I felt so bad for them. Family photos can be sooo much pressure. The photographer was so patient but you could tell the mom felt terrible. Not Tucker. I almost forgot he was there. He was so quiet and laid back. He was such a sweetie...

I think his Mom agrees!

Addison says she agrees...most of the time.

I love fall and I love this part of my extended family.

I've heard of Christmas in July...

But never July in Christmas.

Till Now.

Many of you may remember these 3 Musketeers from their Christmas Session last year.

This year has a new theme: HAWAII

Hmmm... what I would give to be in Hawaii right now.

Don't let the attire fool you.

IT.WAS.FREEZING.

I can't wait to see what is in store for next year's theme.

Hopefully it's something warm!

Brrrr...I get cold just thinking about that day!

Ohhhh Baby

I have known Sarah since we were babies.

We met in Sunday School and every Sunday I looked forward to hanging out with her.

Now were both having babies of our own.

Well, actually, She is on her THIRD!!

I was kinda worried she was going into labor during our session

but the baby is still cooking as of right now.

She called me that morning to say she would be running a little late due to some contractions getting in the way. YIKES.

I had a lot of fun with her and her awesome hubby, Josh.

I have to admit 2 pregnant girls riding around in a golf cart was probably hilarious to everyone watching but ohh well- It was sooo worth it.

I understand now why men spend so much time on golf courses. They are peaceful and beautiful!

Isn't she Gorgeous?

Congratulation you two! Hopefully you have a new addition by the end of the week!

Trish and Brian: MARRIED

2 Stracke Sisters Down...

2 To Go.

I'm sure they have heard that 84 million times by now.

I would have some insane ulcers if I were Mr. Stracke.

He has 4 insanely beautiful daughters.

Each one has been in a committed relationship since I met them almost 4 years ago.

Not only are they all beautiful, they are very smart, super funny, soon to be great moms (3/4 of them work or have worked at a very high end day care), and they are so nice it's like they don't even know how awesome they are.

Brian, well he is super lucky to be married to a Stracke, well now it's

Trish Lucz

Their wedding was BEAUTIFUL.

I would have to say aside from my own, it was my favorite wedding to watch.

The Larimore Plantation was like a fairy tale: carriage and all-

as for Trish, well she pretty much always looks like a princess.

* I was not the photographer at Trish and Brian's wedding but the super talented Brian Mueller was. Check him out!

I had to include this one. I love how excited Alicia looks!

The other 3/4ths of the Stracke Sisters.

These two=HYSTERICAL

Perfection...

Sweetness...

Fairy Tale Ending.

9 Years Later, Don't Forget Our Troops.

I thought war was for the history books until September 11th.

I thought it was romantic watching movies like Pearl Harbor.

I never, in my wildest dreams would think any of my friends would ever be fighting in one.

I'm not sure what I thought the U.S. military did when a war wasn't going on, but when my friends and family enlisted, I wasn't too concerned.

Then my first friend headed to Iraq.

Some calls from the military hospitals later...

war was more than real; it was all that was on my mind most days.

9 years later this war goes on.

Were sending more troops and it just doesn't stop.

Timmy is among one headed over to Iraq.

His family is actually THANKFUL he is headed there and not to Afghanistan.

I'm not quite a mom yet but I can't imagine saying goodbye as my son goes to war.

I get scared thinking about all the ways my child could be killed IN MY HOUSE,

I can't imagine my child going into a hostile warzone so when Timmy's sister, Monica,

contacted me and said her mom wanted me to come get pictures at Timmy's going away party-

there was no question in my mind, I was going to do it.

God Bless Timmy, I know you will be getting tons and tons of prayers these next 14 months.

Thank you so much for serving!

Support their troops is exactly what they did. Check out these shirts Timmy's sister made.

Gary was very proud to be wearing his shirt, and even more proud of his nephew.

I have the perfect wife for this little guy. Her name is Elsie. She is precious. Call me in 25 years, I'll hook you up!

Caught ya Monica! : )

Iraq will be a cake walk after growing up with these girls.

One thing is for sure: Timmy has awesome friends and family.

Timmy's mom sent me a message today that encompasses the reason why I started doing photography. I hope she doesn't mind that I include part of what she wrote,

" Seeing the pictures of he and I help me as a mom so much you soon will understand the bond of mother and child. But when I look at the he and I ones I am taking that as my hug and kiss for the next 14 months. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

I want to include a special thank you to my friends, Ryan Skinner (Army), Robert Escobedo (Army), Tasia Berry (Army), Michael Bosworth (Army), Tony Green (Marines), Danny Barron (Navy) and Tommy Marshall (Army) (and any and everyone I missed) for all serving in our United States Military.

And a special shout out to Marine Momma Joanie Green. She was such a trooper and dedicated Marine Mom when her son served in Iraq. He went through hell and back and we are all happy to have him home for good!