What starts small...

Usually ends up big.

It's pretty common, the "we've never had family pictures" bit. I myself fall into the category occasionally.

This last trip to Kansas City we got to meet up with some cousins. Not only did we kill the session, we had some great food afterwards. Yup, another Diner, Drive-In, and Dive.
If you don't know my obsession with the show and eating at the places when we travel, just ask and brace yourself.

This particular place was pleasantly clean and had, of all the things in the world, root beer cake. Light and fluffy like Grandma used to make.

I digress, we had portraits first. Even though it was chilly, it was relatively quick.

Oh, and did I mention we rocked it?

Pure En-er-gy!

Broken record moment here. But really, when I say you should have picture of the two of you, this is what I'm talking about. These two were so together you could almost hear them buzz with energy...

I've got to fit it in somewhere, but she's the most talented beader.
Is that what you call it?
She tried to be modest and not let on, but seriously, she and her sister make some amazing things.

And this last one is my favorite, favorite, favorite.

I want it on my wall.

Mmm mhhmmm.

You may recognize this family.
We go way back to last fall.

The only difference is this time they've got a new addition.

"What!?!"

Not that guy. As cute as he was yelling "what!" at the top of his lungs to hear the echo.

The little one, on the right.

Oh, these children are awesome.

We happened to have grandparents too.
I'm a firm believer in couples of any age, having great portraits of themselves.

What fun folks. It was a split shoot, in that we did some in the morning and some in the afternoon after the kids got out of school.

There are so many to get through, this is only part 1 blog post.

Sorry Kiera. I'm terrible. I adore them all.

And....
how you know brother is done for the morning.
No amount of lollipops or fresh-makers are going to make this guy happy.
He was in a great mood after nap time.



She was just in a great mood.

I've got lots coming.
Now that I'm back in town and settling back into the edit, eat, sleep, kids, edit cycle; all is well.

As much fun as my little va-cay was, it's good to be back in my home with my kids watching snow drift around outside.

Mitchell-in Man

Isn't he fun?

I got to spend a whole week with this chubby guy. We decided all he does is eat, sleep, and smile.

How great is that?

Can't believe it took me this long to post these.... a little older brother love.

And my very favorite of older brothers.

"That Brick Wall"

"That brick wall looks pretty cool".

Yes it does.

Underground

There's just enough time for a sneeky peek. Kiera, this one's for you.

Forty and Fabulous

I came to Kansas City just after my sister-in-law's birthday. She just turned forty.

"Oh", you say, "you can't broadcast that to the blogging world".

Actually, if I look half as good as this at forty I say flaunt it.

Getting some portraits to celebrate isn't a half bad either. We were driving along downtown and saw some cool patterns and decided to hop out for a quickie.

I don't know which I adore more, her coat or the vintage tile work.

Happy Birthday Cheryl, and THANK YOU for everything.

You rock!

Homecoming

Can you believe I've been in Kansas City for four days? Time flies when you're having fun.

I've had a fantastic time here, and have taken some great portraits. These are near a dear to my heart as they are my niece and her friends homecoming pictures.

The school they go to is an old farm.

Well, we found some of the actual "old farm", i.e. fence and barn, in a field. So on a freezing cold, cloudy evening, we took them out to take pictures.

The tradition is to find a fountain, so it took some convincing to get them into a field of weeds... But I think we all agree it was totally worth it.

My nieces date was quite chivalrous. (It that how it's really spelled?)

Home

Sometimes opportunities arise that catch you a little off guard.

Some friends have put their home up for sale, as they will be moving back to the family farm in Idaho. Their home used to be their barn, that is, until they made it a home.

I have a clearer vision now of what makes the difference between a house and home. (oh, there is such a difference)

This home was pieced together of second hand EVERYTHING. Right down to the doorknobs that wonderfully don't match. It was almost too much to take in as I was wondering around soaking up what was important to them to go in their book (I could have done hundreds of pages of just details...be still me detail loving heart)

It starts with a road, named for his Mother...
















All the woodwork was done by their own hand.





An antique weight.








If there was ever a perfect garden, this is it.


The man who makes it all happen, in his element.














These weren't for the book.
But it sure is impressive, that many squash all in one place.
It's a joke around here that the only time you lock your car is in the parking lot at church during the fall for fear of having it filled with squash while you're inside.

Can you see why now?




Now back to the inside of the house.
I love this kitchen.
Complete with farmhouse sink and a one ton chopping block.






This is the grinder I want for Christmas.