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The army is pretty amazing.  I met Valerie through mutual friends online a while back and next thing you know she and her family find out that they are moving to Fort Bliss.  I got to know her even better as we discussed the area, schools, homes, etc. and I couldn’t wait to meet her in person.

Needless to say, when we met it was like we had always been friends.  Funny how that works.  It wasn’t long before she mentioned family photos and we just had to wait for a good time.  The army has a way of making decisions for us and this was no exception.  Things are planned based off of work calendars and trips.

Typical of our area the weather also plays a huge part in scheduling and, luckily, we only had to reschedule once.  I guess keeping our fingers and toes crossed that mother nature wouldn’t have a mood swing at the last minute worked.

It’s been a while since I shot a session at my favorite location and I knew it would be the perfect setting for the Cloutier family.

I usually begin with a family shot but the kids seemed ready and I decided that I would follow their lead.  I’m glad I did because we had a great time and they were very cooperative.  Molly was up first and she was ready.

She loves the camera.

Grant went stealth mode.

Sometimes I get lucky when setting my camera and getting everyone into position and this was one of those moments.

So serene.

Now, this is more like it.

My children, my heart.

It was comedic trying to get a photo of mom with the kids.  There was a lot of laughter and silliness.  It’s the best and only way.

Perfection.

There it is.

When it came to getting a shot with dad they were quick and to the point.  That is usually the case.

Grant decided that he wanted to pick Molly up.  We weren’t sure how this would end up but it ended with a great sibling image.

It was finally Jack’s turn and he was ready and so easy.

I knew the kids needed a break so they were given Jack and I was able to focus on Valerie and Marc.

They were immediately photo bombed.

“Life with you makes perfect sense.”

And just like that the kids were back.

A few more of the kids and then it was time to head out since we were losing light.  My absolute favorite image from this session is located on my Facebook page.

They really wanted to pose like this.

The best place to be is with your dog.

The kids wanted to use the concrete wall to go back to the car and it quickly became a sledding adventure.

Thank you for asking me to join you for an afternoon of fun and adventure.  I truly had a great time with all of you.  I’m so happy that you are now close and we don’t have to rely on the internet for communication.  I look forward to more fun times.  Enjoy your photos!

When we have each other

We have everything.

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About a year and half ago I heard about LuLaRoe.  People kept talking about these amazingly soft leggings that felt like you were wearing nothing and I was a bit curious.  When my good friend, Alice, invited me to go along to a consultant’s house I jumped at the chance to see what all of the fuss was about.   We arrived and the first thing Alice noticed was a sign in her house with the names of their family and sure enough, she and her husband are Melinda and Paul.  I should have known then that our friendship was meant to be.

It was about 6 months later when I went back after that first visit and I never looked back.  I have gotten to know her amazing family and friends.  They have helped us in so many ways and I am forever thankful.  Melinda is one of the kindest and most giving person I have ever met.  Her husband, Paul, is in his residency for Orthopedic Surgery and is so supportive of her and a pretty awesome LuLaBro.  He even helped us out tremendously when my daughter fractured her pinky.  They go way beyond what anyone would expect and do with a smile.  They have 4 kids to keep them busy and constantly on the go.

I am so glad that I was able to photograph their family in their Americana LuLaRoe even though it was cut short due to a huge sand storm.  I had a great time with all of them and look forward to more fun times.

Ezra was not happy about not getting to wear his Micky Mouse clothes so while Paul tried to calm him I got to shoot Melinda and the girls.  The original location I was hoping for didn’t work out and we went to the Replica which is always beautiful and full of great secrets for photos.

We brought the boys into the photo and Ezra wasn’t feeling it.

Time for Dad to join the family.

We let the kids run around while I got some photos of Paul and Melinda.

“When I’m in your arms I am home.”

Need to work on their dance moves.

It was time to bring the kids back in at a new spot.  I love this corner with the beat up bench and amazing light.

It looks like running around was just what he needed.

I mentioned before that Paul supports Melinda’s business 100% but he isn’t alone.  Paul’s mom, Karen, comes to stay and help out when needed.  She is a special and very patient lady and I was thrilled to find out that she would be a part of the session.

The many faces of Ezra…

I noticed that the storm was getting close so I took the kids aside one at a time to get some individual images before running out of time.  My favorite images of all 4 kids are on located on my page.

He is always up to something and only wanted a funny photo.

The epitome of an older sister.

This little one is full of personality.

So many faces.

I wanted couple more of Paul and Melinda (I am horrible at stopping) and took full advantage of their cooperation.

 The winds arrived and we were done.

Thank you so much for allowing me into your family as a friend and to take you on a quick photo journey (I wish the beautiful weather had lasted longer).  You are truly a very special person and your family is awesome.  I am loving that I get to watch your littles grow and change for a little longer.

The Love of a Family

is Life’s Greatest Blessing.

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I met Theresa when she was the speaker for the medical portion of a spouse orientation at Fort Bliss.  She was pretty amazing and so well spoken.  I learned that our husbands worked together and, to me, that was just an added bonus to this amazingly sweet person.  I knew that meant that I would get to see her again.  Sadly, I would get to see her again because it was time for her husband to move on and that meant losing her as well.

We discussed photography and she mentioned family photos but we didn’t delve too much into that particular hope.  What I didn’t know during this conversation was that she was thinking about retiring from the Army.  Did I mention that she was a LTC?  Oops.  I was under the impression that I would still get to see her every month

The time for her retirement was close and she contacted me wanting to do a family session with their uniforms on.  It was the last time she would be wearing it and wanted to get a few last moments frozen in time.  I suggested we do some in uniform and some in civilian clothes.  She went for it and we scheduled it for the day before her retirement ceremony.  So bittersweet.

As soon as we arrived at the Replica I knew that this was going to be fun…seriously.  It didn’t take me long to figure out that the boys (all ages) didn’t want to be there so I had to move fast and think about ways to keep the boys entertained and cooperative.  Not always easy but definitely fun for me.  I’ll let you decide as to whether or not I was successful.

I started at The Fort Bliss Replica and needed to get them comfy with me and the camera.

I could tell the little ones needed a break so I sent them off to find bunnies (they are all over this place) while I took some photos of the lovebirds.  I failed to mention that they have been apart for 5 months.

“You put your arms around me and I’m home.”

I noticed the boys had stopped running around so I went to them to get some shots.  My favorite individual images are located here and here.

They look like they’re up to something.

He didn’t like the grass tickling his feet and his big brother was egging him on.

All smiles after sabotaging his brother’s photos.  Gotta love brothers!

Theresa and Cory went to change into their uniforms so I had some one on one time with the boys.  They completely switched on me and I just went with it.  Austin was smiling and hamming it up and Alex decided that I had taken enough photos and was upset that his electronics were not nearby.

He was done and wanted nothing to do with any of us but especially my camera.

I love these images.

We had some trouble walking over to Noel Field with the boys.  The dry desert has caused the fire ants to spread and we had to walk around them on the way to the field.  We made it across but Austin may have gotten a bite when he stopped to look at the ants and didn’t want to step on the grass once on the field.  There was a lot going on and I was looking in every direction for photos.

What  beautiful family.

I have another great one on my FB page.

Compromise

The boys were done!  We set them loose on the field so we could get a few images of the two of them together.  Make sure you check out the one on my page.

There was an extra in this image…There was a lot of noise next to us…

He wanted one like hers.

He remembered that he didn’t want to walk on the grass.

I’m honored that I was asked to take these photos for you.  You are a great couple who embody what it means to be a military family.  You have raised two amazing boys and I don’t know how you did it as a dual military family.  Amazing!!  I hope this next chapter is more than you ever hoped it could be.  You will be missed by many but we all have wonderful memories.  You are both true patriots.

“PATRIOTISM…

Is not short, frenzied burst of emotion,

but the tranquil and steady

dedication of a lifetime.”

~Adlai Stevenson~

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Last minute sessions always work out beautifully.  Michelle’s husband was about to deploy and she wanted to try and get some family photos done.  We planned it and had it done in under a week.  That’s how we roll in the military.  Need it, plan it, do it in a matter of days.

Michelle is a beautiful lady who is always smiling and making others laugh.  Well, she makes me laugh.  She “warned” me that Allan had a lot of energy and it would be interesting.   He has his mother’s smile and personality.  I loved it.  Grace fits her name perfectly.  She is a smart and funny girl who loves to mother her brother.  I loved watching the dynamic between the two of them.   Dad made sure that everyone was listening and following my direction.  He kept us moving so we wouldn’t run out of light.

I loved every second of our time during this session and hope you are able to see who they are individually and as a family in the images.

We started early so had to find some shade on Noel Field since the sun stays high so much longer.  Luckily, there were plenty of areas to get some shots while we waited.

This little guy had me laughing.

In the blink of an eye…

Click to see a different version on FB.

Time to get some shots of just the kids.

Click for my favorite Allan image.

The sun was finally in the perfect spot for images on the field.

I could tell that it was time to give the kids a break so I sent them off to play while I focused on mom and dad.  I posted my favorite one on Facebook.

“You are my today and all of my tomorrows.”

~ Leo Christopher~

I looked over and found this and knew it was about time to bring them back in with us.Love the looks.

I had them run back over to us and this happened…

To have that energy again.

The black and white version is on Facebook.

This one was taken by Allan.

The only serious shot taken of him and I do love it.  Those eyes!

Michelle, I’m so glad we were able to make this session work.  You kids are amazing and I had so much fun watching them interact.  You are a wonderful lady and mom.  I hope the next several months go quickly.  You got this!

“Together is my favorite place to be.”

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