Personal: My Mari
I recently posted some pictures of Liana at the zoo. I haven’t done an official shoot with Mari lately, but I do have glimpses of her from the past couple weeks to share. I can’t believe my baby is 17 months old already.
Our playgroup recently visited the zoo, and took our inaugural ride on their new Conservation Carousel – Mari’s loved it, and was even happy to share her steed with her big sister.
An evening shortly after that Mari was in more of a mood to explore the many use of a popcorn tin than she was to sleep, and my camera was within reach. It was used to barrel roll, beat like a drum, and at this point, as a comfy perch to read her book.
After she managed to get herself out of the tin, she found an even “better” way to use it – the reason it disappeared by the next morning. After all, what toddler wouldn’t love a stool just high enough to allow her access to the TV controls?
Here’s Mari after feeding herself so much pasta you’d swear she was carbo loading. This girl may have a Scandinavian first and last name and bear an oddly close resemblance to her father, but here my baby’s inner Italian shines through.
Like any mom I could go on forever with this post, like a digital never-ending brag book. Before I stifle myself, though, I can’t resist squeezing in just one more shot.
I was observing the big kids when our playgroup visited the Beech Creek Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve when I noticed Mari’s little spot in the shade. This was taken just after she noticed her unsuspecting sister coming near, but just before she bounded out to yell “boo” to her Liana, as their near constant game of peek-a-boo demands. I love how her plan is written all over her face here.
Thanks for letting me share Mari’s world with you. I hope she brought a smile to your face, too!
Family/Kids Session: Lisa, Jason, and Jenna
Happy 3rd birthday Jenna!
Jenna and my Liana first met when Jenna was three days old (Liana was all of two months old herself). Jenna had met her parents only hours earlier and was ridiculously sweet, staring into her mommy’s face. Poor Lisa probably couldn’t hear her baby’s gurgling, as I had screamed so loudly into the phone the day before when Lisa called to tell me they got “the call,” and Jenna was theirs.
Fast forward three years – and as all moms (and fake aunts like me) know it really does feel like life has been on fast forward – and Jenna has grown into a curious and beautiful preschooler.
We were also able to get some neat pictures of all three of them. What a beautiful family!
Jason and Lisa will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary soon, but sometimes they still look like they’re in that cute, exciting, everything’s new stage of dating.
These three are hoping to increase the size of their family soon. They would love it if you keep the adoption of Jenna’s future little brother in our prayers.
Senior session: Natalie, pt.1
The lovely Natalie just started her senior year of high school. She’s a great young woman to be around, and my daughters and I are particular fans of her baby-sitting skills.
Before school and fall sports started up for her again, we headed off to Southgate Park in Green for a senior session.
Southgate is actually the only park in Green that permits pets, so lovable old Annie tagged along to provide us with a prop, and comic relief!
My new favorite pet photo that I’ve taken:
Natalie, I had a great time working with you, and I’m looking forward to our formal shots session.
Personal: Liana at the zoo
This weekend we took the girls to the zoo. Liana, our 3 year old, is normally stuck in the stroller during weekday zoo trips with me. Dadda joining us today offered Liana a little more independence. We have tons of the obligatory bear-over-her-shoulder picture, so today I snapped some different shots as we celebrated her strollerlessness. This first set were taken in some of the few shady spots I could find today in the zoo garden.
Just past the eagles exhibit (one of Liana’s favorites) is the Eagles Nest exploration area.
It was almost time to head home for nap, but we had to visit the jellyfish, get our hands wet in the touch tank, and of course climb the coral reef climbing wall before heading home.
I love the Akron Zoo, and if you’d like to put down your snapshooter and have someone else document your family’s trip to the zoo (and maybe get some family portrait shots taken in the garden), I’m your girl!
Engagement Session: Adam and Shelby
Adam and Shelby are getting married! This handsome couple, clearly made for each other, can’t wait for their big day! They are starting their new life together with an act of support for another family, since they scheduled their engagement photo session during our Day In the Park family adoption benefit.
I love the “all about her” shot…
…and the “All about him” shot.
This was my favorite shot of the day.
(a little) seriously
I love meeting and working with you both! Good luck with the wedding, and best wishes on starting your new life together. I hope to get some family pictures for you one day!
What’s coming up…
I’ve updated my lighting equipment recently, and I’m looking forward to sharing new images with you. No new posts today since I’m working on my BRAND NEW COMPUTER, and am still transferring files. Coming soon: more babies, more families more seniors, a fun family reunion, and engagement sessions – and those are just the sessions I’ve shot but haven’t blogged yet!
Couple Session: Lindsay and Josh
Josh and Lindsay are an awesome young married couple with 3 four-legged family members. We had a great time making these pictures during our Day In The Park session.
After awhile we gave the dogs a break, and focused on Josh and Lindsay.
It was so nice to meet you both! Thanks for coming out and supporting a great adopting family.
Family Session: Kat, Aaron, and Kids
I was so excited to see this family. Aaron and I actually graduated from the same high school, so it was neat to see him because we no longer live in that school district – or that state! Kat and I met a couple years ago at a holiday party back in my hometown, and I’m so glad we did! They came out to support Brooke Taylor’s family adoption fund, and take some family/kiddo shots.
Peyton is so much fun to be around, and he’s pretty darn cute, too.
Emerson is so adorable. She was in a serious mood this day, so there was a bit of a game to catching her magical, twinkly-eyed grins.
Check out Peyton, a little linksman in the making.
Like father, like son.
Sweet siblings.
Next, it was time to hit the playground.
Last but not least, we checked out the duck pond and gazebo.
Thanks for coming out for the adoption benefit! We need to get our kids together soon. Last but not least, happy birthday Kat!
Family Session: Laurel, John, and Kids
Laurel’s been a friend of mine for years, and I can’t believe how fast her beautiful children are growing!
I love hearing about what her girls (Claire and Lilly) are up to about the joys and challenges of their age, because it reminds me that my own little ones won’t be small for too long. Johnny is the same age as my Liana and they’ve been playing together since before they could sit up, so it’s been a special joy to watch him grow.
I love the father-son shots!
Want to make a 3 year old happy? One word: playground! (The promise of treats to come didn’t hurt, either.)
Lilly’s name fits her about as well as anyone I’ve met. A few years ago she went from being the youngest to new big sister, and I think the role suits her well.
Claire has a disposition as sunny as her smile. My husband and I can’t wait until this tween gets a little older, because we think she’ll make a great babysitter.
Thanks Laurel and John for bringing the kids out for this “Day In the Park” session. I’m looking forward to seeing your family – from behind my camera, and without it!
Senior Session & Family Photos: Emily and her family
Emily is awesome. I always enjoy senior sessions, and this future art student was just plain cool to work with. She reminded me of this kind and creative girl I went to high school with. I had utterly no sense of style then (which my hs friends remind me by posting pictures from those days on facebook), and I was in awe of her sense of herself. I felt that same way about Emily.
Like I said, she’s just cool.
We also took the opportunity to get a few shots of her very photogenic family.
Thanks Emily and company for driving all that way! I had a great time meeting you, and I hope you enjoy your pictures.
Jayme Orn Photography 