Layman's Terms: The Presidents aren't this CUTE!

Tara and Randy Player have three precious boys. When I went to take their pictures a few weeks ago it reminded me of something I might of read in a storybook as a little girl. They were all picture perfect. There was no mistaking this family belonged to each other. Tara and Randy named each of their boys after U.S. Presidents: Lincoln, Carter, and Jackson. These three little boys were just a hoot and a half to take pictures of!

Having boys myself I had a greater appreciation for these little ones. Just like parents past these two were also concerned with how the boys were acting and how the photos would turn out. Also, just as I had suspected in the past, the crazy ones where the boys were being themselves were the ones I fell most in LOVE with!

I have to say the men in these family shoots usually have the most trouble. By that I mean they don't really want to be there, it takes too long, well really it is just more of a girl thang. But, Randy was so great! Great with the kiddos and great posing (or should I say not posing) with his beautiful wife. What a great daddy and mommy, and what gorgeous children.

This was indeed one of the rare DREAM shoots! Thanks Players!

Layman's Terms: Their apple didn't fall too far from my tree!

Well this was my first Big Ol' family photo shoot! Doug is the father/grandfather of this beautiful Mari Family. Doug and his wife Judy have two daughters and a son who are all grown up now with some pretty babies of their own! I was a little bit intimidated since this was my first shoot with so many people in the pictures. I tell you what, it's hard enough to get one kiddo looking near the camera, I was really worried about getting four of them to! Come to find out though, their kiddos were adorable and Doug and his whole family are just as CRAZY as I am so we got along just fine! I knew the minute I had to tell Doug and Judy to, "Get a Room" that we were all on the same page! Here are a few of the pictures I took of this lovely, crazy-funny, Mari Family.

Layman's Terms: A TRUE Homecoming

I got the opportunity to do a shoot a few weeks ago in San Diego, Ca. It was a Homecoming. About 15 years ago Homecoming would have meant getting an oversized mum and going to a Brewer Bear football game and pretending to watch it. Really all I was watching was the other girls to make sure my Homecoming mum was the most colossally ugly contraption in the place. Today my definition of Homecoming has a deeper meaning indeed. Because of this beautiful family I have learned a deeper, more meaningful definition of Homecoming.

After over a year of not seeing her wonderful husband, Dawn anxiously awaited the arrival of her proud Marine Corps husband, Robert. She was figity all day. At one point she said she felt like she could puke! Robert had been in Afghanistan and had not really been able to talk to Dawn or his three sons much at all over the last eight months.

I drove to San Diego to the Burge's house to meet with Dawn and her three handsome boys: Preston, Austin, and Bubby (Robert Jr.). There was an ansty feeling throughout the house. As the minutes turned to hours I began to feel their anticipation. I was ready to see Robert!

I took the mommy and three boys to a nearby park and we took some pictures before we went to the base to pick up Robert. It kept em' busy for a minute!

When we got to the base we waited for about an hour for the bus bring them from a nearby base to arrive. YES, more waiting!!! Only this time it was Dawn and the boys times about 50! All the beautiful wives, mothers, siblings, and children waiting for their loved ones to come home. It was surreal and I was so very proud to be there on that day and to have gained even further appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives everyday proudly serving our country.

Thank you Robert, Dawn, Preson, Ausin, and Bubby for your service and sacrifice. God Bless the United States of America. Now that is the true meaning of Homecoming.