7.25.07 : : Eli's First Trip to the Studio

I have been photographing Eli since he was a newborn baby 18 months ago. Now, he is a mobile little toddler with a distinct little personality and a penchant for wanting to wear my beaded necklace.

Tonight was his first trip to be photographed at my studio. He seemed to truly enjoy the session and was fascinated by the lights flashing at him every few seconds.

It was truly amazing to see this little guy walking around and waving goodbye to me as he left. I am not yet a parent but I can definitely say that kids grow up way too fast!

7.24.07 : : A Butterfly Emerges

Some of you may remember a post a week or so ago that featured my monarch caterpillar changing into a chyrsalis. Well, she (or he...I didn't necessarily check) has finally emerged to make her debut as a butterfly into the world. Scroll down to see the journey.

7.23.07 : : Taking Time to Smell the Campfire

This evening I spent time with friends who are camping all week in a little campground. This picture above doesn't really do much justice to our adventures this evening, but I thought it was a really cute picture from tonight. Little Alyssa totally adores her big brother and wants nothing more than to keep up with what ever he is doing.

Camping is not something I do often, mainly because I find that many campsites aren't equipped with the necessary outlets I need for my hair dryer, straightner, etc. But after spending some time out here tonight I may revisit my previous ideas I had about camping. Plus this place had Wi-Fi so I would totally be able to bring along my laptop.

I ran relay races with kids, caught caterpillars, roasted marshmallows and even played charades around the fire. It doesn't get better than that in the summer.

How cute is their little cabin?

7.22.07 - A Perfect Summer Day

How fabulous does this dessert look? The above picture is also a self-portrait. Can you find me?

Today was a pefect summer day in my book. My husband and I spent the afternoon playing tennis and then met friends out in Holland at a favorite summertime restaurant on the lake. We sat outside on the large deck sipping mojitos,watching the boats go by, listening to the band play and enjoying great conversation. The weather was perfect and after our dinner we took a walk in the park along the water.
I love this restaurant! If you are ever looking for a great place to kick back in this warm weather, check out Boatwerks in Holland. You can even drive your boat right up to it if you're lucky enough to be a boat owner.


It isn't very often I get in a picture (since I'm usually on the other side of the camera) but our friend did take a picture of Jason and I in the park tonight.

7.21.07 : : Congratulations Jennifer and Brett!

Brett and Jennifer were married today on a truly perfect summer day. With an outdoor ceremony and reception, they couldn't have been blessed with better weather. We took a trip out to Oval Beach in Saugatuck after the ceremony and played around in the sand and water. They were so excited they were literally jumping for joy! (ok, I may have made them do this)

Congratulations you two!

(PS - for those looking for Friday's POTD, scroll down past the two wedding previews. I was a little late to post my weekend pictures)

Katie and Brian : : Wedding Preview

When: Saturday, July 7, 2007

Where: Ceremony - Kentwood Christian Church

Reception - Lincoln Country Club

Highlight of the Day: Brian proposed to Katie on a golf course and golfing is a big part of their life together. We went to The Mines golf course in between the ceremony and reception to get some pictures and were able to get some lovely ones on this course. This wedding party was fun!

Joe and Stacey : : Wedding Preview

When: Friday, July 6, 2007

Where: English Hills Country Club

Highlight of the Day: During the reception Joe and his band played for all of the wedding guests and if that wasn't fabulous enough, he also played and sang the song he wrote to his new bride. It was a beautiful sentiment that left Stacey in tears.