Pin it to win it!
We have a ton of really awesome locations planned for sessions this year and we cannot wait to come and photograph in some new beautiful American cities. On the list for 2015, Greensboro, Winston Salem, and the Triad ofcourse + LOTS more. Do you know anyone in Boston, Philadelphia, Northern New Jersey, Atlantic City, New York City, San Diego? If so, you’ll want to share this with them!! We’ll be giving away one mini session in each location just for pinning and sharing our blog images! That’s right, you have to do nothing but pin one of our on location images seen below and you’ll be entered to win! Contact us directly for more information about these very special comic book sessions today.
2015 Session Locations Announced
It’s January. It’s cold. No I mean it’s really cold! Now compared to last year, this winter has been a breeze, but I like to think I’m still in North Carolina or something. I don’t know.. 18 inches of snow? I don’t think I can get used to that. Crazy as it is, I know next year (especially if we end up in Hawaii or Florida) I’ll be missing the snow right about now. Isn’t that funny. You always want what you don’t have right? I’m trying to enjoy the time in the house, cooped up with the kids, too lazy to get them bundled up just to get bundled out.. just to clean up the mess when we get back home 😉 So, we stay home.. doing our homeschooling, enjoying each other’s company (most of the time). It’s a rather slow.. or should I say dead time for portraits around here because noone wants to be out when its -5 degrees. NOONE. The good thing is, its giving me a change to get caught up on some things that need done.. like blogging.. and scheduling. I’ve sat down in front of the calendar and figured out when we’ll be available and where.. so here it is. Now let the family portraits for 2015 begin! A little sunshine would be nice too! 😉
Sugarbush Maple Farm – Vermont – New England in the fall
Right off of interstate 89 and Hwy 4 tucked in the hills of Vermont is a beautiful Maple Tree farm. We took a couple hours this fall to take in the scenery, stock up on some true Vermont maple syrup, pet the animals, and learn about what goes on at a real Maple Sugaring Farm. There are a few main areas to this place. First, the maple tree trail, which in the peak of fall is absoulutely stunning. This is where the majority of these photos were taken. Second, there are a few animals which ofcourse the kids will enjoy. Thirdly, the little country store where you can purchase smoked cheeses, pure maple syrup, and other delectable treats. We took home a huge container of syrup (who goes to Vermont and doesn’t”), a great selection of smoked cheese, and some of their really yummy sauces and dip mixes. Who knew a trip to the farm could get so pricey? Lastly, and most interesting in my opinion is the building where you get educated about the process of how they actually harvest and make the maple syrup they sell. This places is a lovely stop to any VT vacation, especially in the fall! You can check them out here: http://www.sugarbushfarm.com/
Natural Bridge State Park, MA. – Travel Hacking – Family Photos
There is a little gem tucked away on what seems like a desserted road on the way to Vermont from Pennsylvania. It’s the Natural Bridge State Park in MA. It took us a bit of time to find it as the GPS took us to a back entrance instead of the front. Its nothing showing, nothing grand, but definitely worth stopping at if you’re on a long road trip and looking for a place to go exploring for a couple hours. There is a nice little visitor center area, a few different trails to walk along. These pictures were shot down the hill (near the parking area) NOT along the regular path. We like to do that.. go places where few dare to explore. The kids were excited to find the creek, and mom was excited just to see something so beautiful for me to take photos of.
Boston Tea Party Exprience – Boston, MA – Travel Photographer / Homeschooler
Is it even possible to visit Boston without a trip to experience what it would have been like having participated in the Boston Tea Party? We certainly didn’t think so! Although pretty touristy, and not necessarily the cheapest thing in town, I and the kids would agree that this was one of the best and funnest things we did while in Boston. I really don’t want to give away too many details about what to expect because I think the surprise of it all is a big part of the fun. I will say it was pretty historically accurate (at least from what we have been learning) and all of us, adults and kids ages 6,4, and 1 enjoyed ourselves. You can check it out here: http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/museum
Make Way for Ducklings – Boston, MA – Homeschooling the fun way
We love to read! What homeschooling family doesn’t? I personally like to teach using alot of fun literature and do a good mix of Five in a Row with my own variations and extra activities. One of the FIAR authors is Robert McCloskey and one of his books is Make Way for Ducklings. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re truly missing out! It is a sweet tale of a family of ducks who is searching for the perfect home to raise a family. They end up on an adventure through the city, finally finding a place of traquility in the midst of the crazy in the middle of the Boston Public Garden. The park itself is certainly a treat with monuments dedicated to revolutionary heros, walking paths, and the famous swan boats along the water. We didn’t have alot of time to do alot in the park, but I wanted to make sure we could go and see the little ducklings. The children enjoyed seeing one of their favorite storybooks brought to life (contrary to the looks on their faces – that’s just the PCS – Photographer’s Child Syndrome – kicking in).
I am Mother, hear me roar!
These photos are ones of power. The privilege and ability that God has given women to bear and give birth to our babies, our gifts from heaven, and the ability to feel such a tightly knit bond to mother them through adoption is humbling. There is empowerment in that humility, though. We are trusted with the very lives of these babes. This mother is statuesque, confident in her ability to nurture this newborn life. Now as a mom I know that not every moment of motherhood if dripping with confidence. In fact there have been moments in fits of crying and screaming and defiance in which I wonder why I ever thought I was capable. The truth is that on my own I am not capable of giving my children the picture of a full life- it is Christ in me that allows me the grace and wisdom to receive confidence to guide my family. In those Christ-seeking moments, I feel his power flow through me, confidence spreading through my veins and rediscovering the joy of motherhood. Those are the moments in which I feel the roar of motherhood rising in me. Thank you, God, for the privilege of motherhood. I am thrilled to be a part of the tribe of mothers. From the very first mother created in the garden of Eden to the very newest mom right here in my new home state of Pennsylvania, we each have stories and something, someone, to be proud of. So for all of you mothers out there, cling tight the babe at your bosom and say it with me out of the depths of devotion: “I am Mother, hear me ROAR!”
Oh the places!
You may remember this cutie from a post a few weeks ago. His first birthday session was a blast! We were able to get lots of creative shots right here in the Poconos, and some great keepsakes for his mom and dad.
The main challenge: bedtime. This little guy goes to bed early! But guess what doesn’t go to bed early? The sun. It was a little challenge to get him to show off his happy-all-the-time personality for the evening light, but we was a trooper! I am so glad! He, like most babies, loved his balloon. He was just learning how to walk steadily and gleefully trailed his balloon down the street, proclaiming proudly his victory of turning ONE! Don’t worry, this is a safe street in Pennsylvania with little to no traffic… no babies were harmed in the making of this photo shoot. In fact, one baby was quite filled with laughter during this photo shoot! Just the first year of many; oh the places he will go!
