Walsh family:: Playwicki Farm

Tonight I had a session with the Walsh family. Their "reunion" celebrated many things -- birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. I photographed Caleb a few months ago, and they invited me back to take pictures while family was in town for the weekend.

Amelia's brother is in the Army and just graduated from Basic Training. She wanted some pics of him in his uniform, and bought a onesie for Caleb to wear proudly for his uncle. Her parents and sisters were also in town, too, so they thought it a perfect time for a family session.

We had gorgeous weather - although a bit sticky - and it was wonderful to meet the rest of Amelia's family. Thanks, everyone, for spending a few hours with me. Hope you enjoy the rest of your family time together this weekend.

Here are a few images to hold you over till the rest come...

his shirt says "I crawl the line" :-)

Amelia and Josh

Caleb - he's getting SO big....

Caleb was mesmerized by Phil

Amelia, Josh, Caleb, and Amelia's siblings

Sean: Deacon Ordination

This morning I had the opportunity to photograph Sean's ordination into the deaconry, which took place at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. There were 4 others who were becoming deacons and one who was becoming a priest.

washing of the feet

The service was very formal and followed a liturgical program. The cathedral's website provides a bit more information on today's event.

Sean has been interning at Church of the Crucifixion in Philadelphia and hopes to continue with ministry.

Congrats, Sean, on this very important day!

Take me out to the ballgame....

If there is one sport my nephew enjoys playing, it's baseball. A few months ago, he wrote a report for school and dressed up like Derek Jeter. He plays on a team, plays for fun when he's not playing on the team, and looks pretty darn cute, er, rugged in his baseball hat. He's for sure all boy -- doesn't mind the mud, loves running around and getting sweaty, and enjoys the days of youth.

I only got to see one of Grant's baseball games before moving back to PA. Just days prior he had gotten a pretty fat lip after taking a baseball to the face. But he mustered up the courage to play the game, and be the best 1st baseman/shortstop/pitcher he could be.

counting the number of outs (can you see the black and blue on his upper lip?)

All was going well, until he got a little protective of first base. The runner came toward him and he didn't realize it probably wasn't a good idea to stand in front of the bag. What happened next took us all a bit by surprise. He and the other little boy collided and Grant took a pretty hard hit to the sand.

But he got up and went about his business, trying to avoid crying and acting like the tough 8 yr. old that he is. But then his coach came over to make sure he was OK, and Grant just kept his eyes looking forward. He couldn't be bothered....

The inning ended, and he got up to bat. He got a pretty good hit that got him to first base.

 Proudly sporting the #2 jersey...

 He hasn't quite realized he shouldn't watch the ball as he runs...but he ended up scoring a run....

And meanwhile, his brothers were half watching, half playing, and I caught this pic of my other nephew Dean.... There is just something so gripping about this image...maybe because he's my oldest nephew... seemingly all grown up... Oh, how I wish I could freeze time and just savor these sweet memories I am able to capture.

I absolutely cherish the time I get with my little men. I still snuggle with them, and scratch their backs. I love trying to distract them from watching tv or playing their video games, just to hear them say "Siiiiissy, stop!" I love when they come running - ready to topple me over - when they've not seen me in awhile. And I love sleepovers... Why do they have to get so big??

Cuteness Overload....

To some, taking pictures of a lot of children can be very overwhelming, but to me, it's pure joy!!
I had the opportunity to get together with a number of my family members to take engagement pics, kids pics, family pics, and lots of little things in between.

A big ol' blog post will be coming soon...for now, this is one of my favs from the day....such sweetness and I just adore that flower.

Showers of Love

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to a bridal shower for Brittany. She and her fiance - Bradley (most people call him Meek) - are getting married in July. And while at the shower, I - of course - had to take soooome pictures. Brittany has one of the kindest hearts. I remember first meeting her (she was close with a mutual friend of ours) and wishing I could call her my friend. She is passionate about many things, and really cares deeply for her friends. She also has an incredible fashion sense, and it's often the topic of many jokes (in regards to matching vs. non-matching). And if there's one thing she can't do without, it's tie dye shirts. Not really. She can't stand the fact that all these random (usually unmatched) colors are all splattered on a shirt...and that people actually wear them!

But I am thankful to now be able to call her friend and excited for their wedding in July.

Here are a few pics of the shower...

Aren't these just so beautiful? They tasted AMAZING!!

Britt and some of her coworkers

Heritage

I feel incredibly blessed to grow up knowing both sets of my grandparents. I even had the opportunity to know my maternal great-grandparents throughout my childhood, and have fond memories of times at their house. I also met my paternal great-grandparents, but I was so young, I don't remember much.

I was named after my paternal great-grandmother, and consider it a privilege to be named for someone who raised such wonderful children. I am - without a doubt - a product of my parents, and it's neat to see the characteristics that are carried down throughout the generations.

My dad's parents live in a retirement community in Lancaster County, PA. They have lived there for a number of years, so many of my adult memories are of times spent in the apartment they've lived in for over 10 years. Just recently, they moved into another part of the facility. As they age, they've realized the need for further care, care they just can't provide for themselves.

There is still something so very sweet about them. While they don't show each other much physical affection, the love that they have for each other overwhelms me. My grandpa cares for my grandma with such ferocity. Equally there is this incredible tenderness with with he tends to her needs. But lately, his eyes have been causing him issues and he is nearly blind in both eyes. So he hasn't been able to do the things he once did.

A few weeks ago, I went to visit them with my cousins. It was the first time I saw their new place. It's smaller but still great for them. They are on the first floor now (previously they had a second floor apartment), and so my grandma was telling me about the ducklings that were frequently outside their bay window. And sure enough, while we were there, they came (about 10 of them) to get water out of this tiny water basin.

I asked them if I could take a picture of them. When I sat them together, my grandma was in her recliner and my grandpa sat stiffly in a folding chair next to her. They are both very stoic. So I thought to capture individual shots of both of them. As I focused on my grandpa, I treated him as though he were a kid in front of my lens, and said, "SMILE, grandpa!" and gave his knee a little squeeze. He smiled SO big...a genuine smile I've not seen in awhile. And then I told my grandma to smile and - well - you see the result below.  I know there is a glare from her glasses, but I really like her expression. She is going to be 92 this August...unbelievable! And on Tuesday, June 5, they will celebrate sixty-nine years of marriage.

This, my friends, is a picture of my grandparents. I am so happy to be part of their family, and grateful for the support they've offered. While I don't get to see them very often, I know they love hearing about my goings-on and regularly pray for me. What a joy to have grandparents who may not show you the outward affection, but passionately love you on the inside.

Under the Sea:: Ruby's 5th Birthday Party

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph Ruby's 5th birthday party with all her friends. The theme centered around all things mermaid/under the sea and the decor was ocean blues - shells, streamers, pom poms, fish-shaped sandwiches, and even a visit from Ariel herself, complete with face-painting, a treasure hunt, and - at the end - "loot pails" for each child.

I took pictures of Ruby's princess party last year and wrote a simple blog post about it. Ruby's mom - Jen - is fabulous with planning parties and is quite honestly the hostess with the mostess :-) Jen has launched a business out of her love for planning and is gearing up for some upcoming parties. Check out Jen's newly created blog for previous parties and those to come! I am so thankful we had the opportunity to meet a few years ago...I count it a blessing to have her as a friend and watch her love on her daughter.

But back to the party..... The day couldn't have been nicer - temps in the 70s - and a little girl so excited about her special party. Here's the birthday girl:

 Mom and Dad with Ruby.....

 Such a happy little 5-year old:

 Playing with the flowers....just love that "poof" of the skirt...

 A pic of the girls with Ariel in the middle...they were so excited when she came...

 Ariel's response when one of the girls asked her a question:

Ruby doing the "craft" -- painting shells...

Ariel did face-painting too...all the girls ran to line up....birthday girl got a little heart...

 Beaming as she listens to her friends sing "Happy Birthday".....

 The moms whose girls came to the party....they are a great bunch of really sweet women...

 The dining room, all set for lunch... Jen did a great job taking care of every last detail...

The cutest little holder for pink lemonade that the girls loved...and look at those cute straws....

 The wonderful hostess....and mom extraordinaire. Jen is so gifted...she's really so talented. She made so many of the decorations and food items you see in this picture:

the streamers hanging, the marshmallows on the left of the table, the pom pom hanging, 

and put thought into each and every thing that took place that day. 

Jen, thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of Ruby's special day. I am so glad I was able to capture the moments so you could enjoy watching it unfold. Your creativity is inspiring. It's amazing what a year does to little ones...Ruby is such a sweet young lady and it's wonderful to know your journey and have her be such an incredible blessing in your and Jeff's lives.

Absolutely superb party...can't wait to hear about next year's theme!!!

(Click here to see more pics)

Tina M :: Portrait Session

Tina and I met in the whimsical town of Chester, NJ for a photo session yesterday. I was a bit nervous about the looming rain, but it held off just long enough for us to get in a great shoot. Tina is trying to make her way into the NY scene, both with acting and trying her hand at writing a few novels. She's already completed her first novel (can't wait to read it!) and is working on book #2.

Tina has such an outgoing and vibrant personality; she's one of those people who seems to always have a smile on her face. And I feel like if I didn't know her, and we were sitting by ourselves as two separate tables in a cafe, we'd strike up a conversation and become fast friends. She is so eager to see her dream become a reality... when she sets her mind to doing something, she sees it to fruition unless it becomes a for-sure closed door.

Thanks, Tina, for allowing me the opportunity to take your portraits. I had such a fun time getting to talk a bit about what's going on in your life. I wish you ALL the best with your novel, and am excited to see you do BIG things. And when that book gets published, I'm here to take your author photo, if we need an even more updated one :-)

Here's the beautiful and fun Tina.....