rainy day-making it the best...

Thanks to The W family for hanging in there and trying to get the best shots we could despite the foggy downpour! We will be meeting up for a mini this week, but here are some shots from our dreary day...

Family Time

This time of year makes blogging a little hard. I don't want to spoil anyone's Christmas cards, so I have to pick photos I don't think they will use. Here are some outtakes of the W family. Perfect weather on a nice La Jolla afternoon!

the Woobie Sessions

One of my girlfriends has the cutest little girl. She sleeps in an outgrown infant sleepsack she affectionately calls her "woobie". Over the years Woobie has been modified, and even had some additions sewn to lengthen the end. I stopped by to photograph her and her woobie in probably some of their last precious times together... Thanks for sharing your woobie, A!

Naomi and Sadie

Although I'm not done going through all these photos, I thought I would share a couple of this cutie-patootie Naomi. This little girl and her sister Sadie were probably the most mellow baby/toddler combo I have ever seen! (not exaggerating) Cant wait to photograph them again when little Sadie is standing and her little curls have grown in like her sisters!

Rainguter Regatta

Here are some snaps from Ethan's Cub Scout regatta race. It happened in May, but like I said...still trying to catch up :-)

First Holy Communion

I am so behind in my blogging. I guess I will blame the spring weather... Anyway, I had two sweet little girls two days in a row receiving their first communion. Such different children and so beautiful in their own unique ways. It was really fun to work with these families in a wedding-like setting, but without the bridezillas! hee hee.

My Brother's Visit

This post is long overdue, since my brother and his son came to visit an entire month ago! Luckily, the weather was awesome and we were able to do all of the usual fun So-Cal activities. I was also able to photograph them. My brother, who is a musician, got some new head shots. We also got some cute pics for my nephew to take back home. We miss you guys already!

Welcome Baby Ivan

Our neighbors recently ended their long journey of adopting a baby boy from Russia. I had the privilege of photographing them a couple weeks later. You would never know that little Ivan hasn't been in the family all along. He was happy as can be and so full of energy I could barely keep up with him. Congratulations guys. We are so happy for you!

More Kids

I think Most of the Christmas cards are in the mail so I can finally share some of these families I've photographed in the last few months. Here are a couple little ones that could have jumped right out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Awesome styling, mom...

Can you say Beautiful?!!

How can your pictures look bad when your kids look like this? I wish I could post more, but I don't want to spoil any holiday card surprises!

Daddy's Girl

Since I had this week off (from photographing families, not Halloween craziness) I thought I would post this cute shot I snapped of my friends at the beach a couple of months ago. Can you tell this is a Daddy's girl?

At last...a peek for Jennifer...

Sunday morning I bundled up bright and early to shoot this north county family. Right away Nathan and Kaitlin (sure hope I spelled that right) ran into the woods to do some exploring. Nate found a rock, which he affectionately named "rockie", and carried it around the entire shoot! You would never know Dad had a twisted ankle, and Mom was wearing heals as they scaled countless rocks to get that perfect family photo. And did I mention no complaints? These guys should be professionals! :)

Fall Morning at the Beach

This laid-back family was all smiles despite the chilly morning weather. Of course it was high tide (made higher by the full moon) so we were given no sand to play on :( Luckily, this is a roll-with-the-punches sort of family. Little Ellie scraped her knee half a dozen times, yet still found a way to ham it up for my camera. Must be a third child thing!!

Happy Birthday Mojo

Happy Birthday to my sweet, furry friend. It was two years and four months ago we walked into Helen Woodward Animal Shelter and fell in love with our not-so-little dog. Tomorrow he will be three! The kids and I will be making home made dog biscuits and doing a little singing to celebrate his big day :) If anyone is ever looking to adopt a pet, we highly recommend Helen Woodward. They have all kinds of animals from horses to turtles and are a no-kill shelter. They also provide tons of educational workshops. http://www.animalcenter.org/

Carson turns 1

I have been photographing Carson since he was in his mommy's tummy. Now this little guy is 1-year-old! How time flies with these little ones. Needless to say, he wasn't a big fan of sitting still for our session. His two sisters and I chased him all around the park :) Thanks for the help ladies, and Happy Birthday Carson!!

Ervin Family

A couple of months ago I got to meet Angela and her family. She was hoping to get one last family portrait while her kids were still "kids". The following week their daughter left for New York and I'm sure they are missing her. Enjoy your last year with your son at home Ervin Family!

End of Summer

I have been out on the road with the Fino Fam all summer and have been terrible about updating. Here are a couple pics from our most recent beach trip.

Sneak Peek for Helene

Thanks for the fun afternoon Venegas kids! I managed to come home with a sunburn despite the late afternoon and the clouds, but the weather was absolutely perfect for an afternoon in La Jolla. Helene, I will let you see the rest of the pictures tomorrow. Until then, goodnight...

Beach Day

The clouds and gloom let up enough yesterday to allow for some good 'ol fashioned beach fun. The kids all went crazy in the surf and Max didn't mind chasing "the ladies" up and down the beach!

Mommy to Be

Nicole is a friend of my husband and I. She was in our wedding 8 years ago and is expecting her first, a little boy, this summer. She was in town for the weekend from Seattle and we were lucky enough to have the coolest clouds and weather to shoot at the beach!