I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow local photographers to practice and play this past weekend. Here are some of the images that I’ve proofed so far!

This one is totally different than how I usually process…just trying out something new. I’m not sure about it though…thoughts?

Just a quick note: my portfolio-building promotion will end as of June 30, 2009. Any sessions booked after that date will have ALL NEW pricing + ALL NEW offerings! Stay tuned for some exciting new products that are going to knock your socks off!

And because no post is ever complete without a beautiful photo, here are two more favorites of new baby Madeline! I just love her.

Have a few minutes? Maybe more than a few? I am trying to catch up on everything we’ve had going on lately, so this is going to be one MONSTER post!

{Disclaimer: these are snapshots…little to no editing was done on these photos}

Grandpa Don and his friend Jackie came to visit over Easter weekend, and we had a great time! On Saturday, we went to Village Deli and strolled around The Factory in Wake Forest.

I loved this wall inside the Factory. It’s made with tiles individually decorated by kids. So adorable - I want one for my house! Well, maybe on a smaller scale.

We did a little shopping, and Daddy and Macy had an impromptu dance, complete with a dip! (I missed capturing the dip. I could kick myself!)

Then we took a few pictures outside. Have you met my wild child?

And one of Grandpa Don and Macy.

Here’s what Claire thought of the Factory:

That afternoon, we headed downtown to Marbles Museum. Macy loves going to Marbles, which is an interactive kids’ museum - there is so much for her to see and do, and it keeps her busy and happy for hours! Her favorite part is playing at the water tables. You literally have to DRAAAAAG her away. (But of course, no pics of Macy at the water table. What is wrong with me?!)

Here’s what Claire thought of Marbles:

The next day was Easter Sunday. Macy and Claire were each visited by the Easter Bunny!

That kid’s digital camera is a hunk of junk, just so you know. When you took the picture, it would only show up as a blank screen. So I exchanged it for a new one…which won’t even take the picture at all! I’m not trying again. That dumb Easter Bunny ought to read some freakin’ reviews before bringing junky gifts to these poor children!

Easter was rounded out with a yummy ham dinner, followed by an afternoon walk. The weather was perfect. After the kiddies were in bed, we had a pretty funny Wii bowling tournament!

On Monday, we had planned on going to one of our favorite places, Pullen Park. But it turned out to be kind of grey and drizzly, so instead we went to the Museum of Natural Sciences. They have a butterfly exhibit inside, where you can walk through and the butterflies will actually land on you. Hey, by the way, it’s closed on Mondays. Just so you know.

We had fun anyway.

HEY MIKE, LOOK OUT! THE GIANT DINOSAUR IS ABOUT TO EAT YOUR HEAD!

LOST IN SPAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCEEEEEE…

Here’s what Claire thought of the museum:

We do take her out of that carseat if she ever wakes up. Promise.

WHEW! I’m exhausted all over again. And that was just one weekend!

Business-related note: My maternity leave ends in 2 1/2 weeks (sniff, sniff!) so if you are wanting to schedule a session, contact me right away! Once I go back to work, I will be taking limited sessions, so availability will be first come, first serve!

Little Madeline was just 6 days old when we did her newborn session. Check out all that hair! Even my 2 year old doesn’t have that much hair!

Madeline was very alert and calm for a long while, but finally conked out hard. And I can tell you, her mommy and daddy love her to bits!

I know, I know, technically today is Flashback Friday. My poor, poor neglected blog. We’ve been busy bees around here, so there’s a ton to share! Of course, being a new mom of TWO is busy enough, (by the way, can you believe that Claire is 8 weeks old already?!), but there was also the birth of baby Harper, the birth of my nephew JJ, Easter, a one-year old session, outdoor mini-sessions, and a visit from Mike’s dad. And tomorrow we’re hitting the zoo, and on Sunday I have another newborn session! Plus Claire is turning two months old and smiling and cooing a ton, so I need to capture that as well. So much to keep me busy…I really ought to get better at staying on top of it all, especially since I go back to work in 3 weeks. 3 WEEKS.

So how about we just take things one at a time? Here are some snapshots of us celebrating Easter a week early with Nana and PopPop, Jeff and Leslie, and Mike and Cindy. And all of the babies! Harleyann, Macy, Jacob, Claire and JJ!

These are entirely unedited. That’s why they are also small. I am unashamed. I told you I’m BUSY!

Macy and Jacob had a tea party. I think he liked it, although Macy kept choking the poor guy with the spoon! Good thing he doesn’t have a strong gag reflex.

The perpetrator. (I just wanted to show her dress. Isn’t it cute?! Not at all Easter-y. Which I like, being that I’m not a fluffy, frilly, ruffly girl.)

Poor Jacob is wondering how he lucked out to be born into THIS family. He’s silently screaming HELP. ME.

I think he’s decided to embrace it.

Of course the ubiquitous Easter-egg-and-finger-and-hand-and-dress-and-table-dying photos! And yes, that’s a lollipop in my daughter’s mouth. She got it for going pee on the potty. And I don’t think she’s done it since! I’m gonna need a Potty Training Boot Camp. But I digress. Back to the eggs.

Uh oh, somebody made a mess! But it wasn’t Messy Macy this time…believe it or not! Daddy spilled the blue dye. Almost exactly 8 minutes after he warned everyone NOT to spill the dye. Especially the blue dye. Tee hee…I had a good laugh over that one.

Okay, so that was early Easter. Stay tuned for many, many more pictures! And some words to go along with.

Namaste. (Somebody on tv was saying that lately, and it’s been stuck in my head. Sorry.)

Meet Lola. Lola is two. She has her own little dance number, complete with a “big finish!” So stinkin’ adorable!

Meet my nephew JJ!  Isn’t he just the tiniest thing ever?

Little Emily turned ONE yesterday! To celebrate, her mommy and daddy met me at the arboretum for some new photos. Check out her beautiful hat!

Happy birthday, Emily!