To say that this week has been a bit chaotic would be an understatement.  We have had kids that were very sick. VERY sick.  We have run ourselves ragged taking care of them, and it has caused our blog and editing to be pushed to the back-burner.  We had to reschedule so many things this week as well, and for those of you that have so graciously worked with us, thank you.  The flu bug is just MEAN.

Times like this make you stop, and really appreciate the simple things.  Last week I was just worried about our daunting “to-do” list before our family leaves for LA March 4th, and this week I have hardly looked at that list, and just find myself praying that we will be well enough to go.  Instead of worrying about whether or not I will be able to get my hair cut before I leave, I am just counting my blessings that my 4-yr. old has the strength to stand up and walk today….I know that sounds so dramatic, but it is completely true.  All of the sudden the little blessings in life are standing out so clearly, and I am thanking God for recovering children and the moments when they are completely healthy.  Good health couldn’t come soon enough, because we have a fantastic wedding this weekend, and a special guest we met here on our blog staying with us, from Germany!  We are really thankful our family is healing.  Now I just have to pick that list back up, dust it off, and bust a serious move!!

Here is a quick preview for E + J.  They came to town from Chicago last weekend for their engagement session, and I can’t wait to post the full preview!!! What a fantastic couple.  We are so happy to be working with them! More coming soon.

Oh, the power of Facebook!!  If not for the ultra-fab social network that we all so dearly love, I may not have reconnected with Valerie who went to the same small Christian school that Brett and I went to.  After we became “friends” on FB, she saw that we did photography, and soon after asked us about doing a session.  We scheduled the session and she and her 2 beautiful children made a 3 1/2 hr. trip up to see us.  (What an honor!)  :)  The best part?  This is a surprise for her husband, so I can’t wait to hear what he thinks!  :)

Here is beautiful, happy and energetic, five year old Kate-right out of the car!   I can’t tell you how much I love this photo of her that Brett captured.

And sweet, precious little Sam.  What a doll.  He is going to be 2 soon.  :)

As you can imagine with a 5 and almost 2 yr. old- we moved around A LOT!!!  Here is Sam playing around with Mommy, Valerie.

Kate was running around and skipping.  I love her curls!!!

Still for a split second…and I love this sweet intimate moment.

Sam was chasing Brett around.  :)

Kate and her Mama had some snuggle time.

Look at this handsome little man!!

Can’t you tell that Kate was sooooo camera shy??  I mean, really….very intimidated by a camera.  :)

You guys are gorgeous.

leg hugs are fantastic.

I think Sam is going to have 2 women in his life that are always looking out for him. :)

These photos crack me up.  Kate reminds me so much of my daughter when she was that age.  Kate says to Sam, “Come on Sam, come down here!”  He says, “No.”  She says, “Well fine then….” (as she strikes her pose.)  :)

Oh, and don’t you just LOVE her sequined handbag!  :)  I love that Valerie let Kate be herself.

Oh my goodness!!

As we were leaving, Sam started having a ton of fun jumping off the curb. So they did it again, and again, and again…..

It made him a VERY happy little guy.  :)

But, nothing compares to his basketball.  Sam LOVES his basketball.

Happy Babies.  :)

Thanks Valerie for making the trek here to have us take your photos!! We loved meeting your beautiful children, and it really was a lot of fun.  :)  Please let me know how the surprise goes…I hope he loves them!

All the best,

Jess + Brett