Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Time with my Sis and her 2 kids

I've realized since both my sister, Shonda and I have become moms, we just don't get to see each other as much as we used to.  She is my only sibling and we were so close growing (maybe she would say I was "clingy", but close describes it too).  We've always stayed close but marriage, miles and motherhood have taken it's toll.  We were finally able to carve out some time in mid January for a fun sisters/cousins visit.  We were blessed with one really good weather day, being able to take the kids to the park and all.  The next day it poured and we took a less than fun trip to the library, which last all of about 23 1/2 minutes (5 kids in tow, ahhh, what were we thinking).  The next day was calling for some snow, so she got home as quickly and safely as possible.

The kids had so much fun playing together.  Reagan and Shrade really hit it off.  She's so great at coming up with games for the little ones (hmmmm, kind of like her Auntie Shonda was ).  It was so fun seeing the kids play and laugh together!






Little Jessna is compared to a Cabbage Patch Kid, the roundest little head I've ever seen. :)













Our parents REALLY wanted some current photos of all their grandkids together, which doesn't happen very often.  Shonda and I even attempted a couple with some of us in there too!





This was much harder than it looks! Haha!

Here's to more visit with the cousins and SISTERS!!!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Catchin' up and Livin' life!

As always, time goes WAY too fast!  The kids (and I) are another year older.  Christmas was a whirlwind and just didn't seem Christmasy with the balmy weather.  I really miss my parents at this time of year and hope to be able to start spending Christmases with them again soon!

Here's some updates via photographs of some things we've been up to:
Some of our good friends that now live in CA came for a visit.  Ethan and Caleb met in Kindergarten and were IMMEDIATE friends.  They've had this wonderful bond that now 4 years later, despite hundreds of miles and really only getting to see each other once a year, is still so strong.  They pick right up where they left off.  Those are the forever friends.  Caleb's younger sister, Adora, and Reagan have come to be good friends too (started off a little rocky). We love when they can come visit.

"Brothers"



The Divas! :)
 I'm now into my second full year of my photography business, Kaptured by Koren Photography.  Last year was so amazing and I'm making strides to continue to learn more and hone my craft.  I am officially licensed now.  Woo hoo!  I just shot my first wedding of the year last weekend, and it was so amazing.  This time of year can be a bit slow so getting my itching feet wet felt amazing.  But in the meantime, I, along with my follow photographer friends, are always finding time practice, practice, practice!




I think I'm done, mom!



We are always searching for new locations to add to our lists.  My friend Heather found this great barn (I've driven past it but never really stopped to have a closer look) so we all took our kids out for some practice, using reflectors, a little glitter!  All in the name of being artistic!


I LOVED shooting this little doll, my friend Anna's daughter Abby! Too much cuteness.

Here's the glitter! It sticks to everything!

Angela workin' it!






 And don't forget, our little Jordan is going to be 2!!!!!!  How time flies.  She is getting so fun to be with, I'm really enjoying her goofy personality! Wow, she cracks me up.



 I recently purchased a new lens and reflector so I had to try them out the kids.  The reflector brings light from the sun to the face when the sun is behind the subject.  So learning how to use that without an assistant holding is is tricky.








These two were some students of another photographer, Karina.  We met at the barn again to practice.  It's fun working with older "kids", they just don't move around as much and don't get grumpy! :)





That's all for now.  I'll share some of my time with my sister, niece and nephew soon. :)