Little Miss Harlow turned 1 this week! To celebrate, her family threw her a Mad Hatter-themed birthday party on a perfect summer afternoon.

Before the party, it was time to celebrate this milestone with family pictures.  It always amazes me the difference a year makes in these little ones.  Last year her infant session was in an abandoned schoolhouse and orchard.  This summer, she’s a walking, talking little toddler.  Never one to sit down for long!

Afterward, it was onto the party! I adored the decorations and cake (done by the talented bakers at Cake Ninjas).  Guests enjoyed amazing food and yard games and celebrating Harlow’s first birthday.

Are you loving this hat like I am?  Who else could create such a creation other than the talented Daisy of Pixel+Hank!

Adorable little Jayden came back to see me again this year, this time to show off how tall he’s gotten and how fast he can run!  We headed to the beach, and even though this busy little guy would have rather played in the water than sit and show me his adorable smile, I think we both enjoyed putting our feet in the water and enjoying the late summer day.  I will never tire of watching these children grow up from year to year and revel in their accomplishments!

I’ve said this a million times before, but I sincerely LOVE photographing my sweet clients at the important stages of their lives!  Kerrin and Alan recently welcomed little Owen into their lives and I was excited to come meet him.  He is a sweet little guy and easy-going.  The afternoon was mild and overcast and Kerrin and Alan’s backyard, with a lovely little pond in the back, was such a nice place to take this little one for his first photo shoot.

I adore this family…congratulations again Kerrin and Alan - he is perfect!

Owen recently celebrated his very first birthday and what first birthday is complete without a photo shoot to show off new walking skills, big smiles, and a love for Taylor Swift?

I learned that this little guy is happiest when his family is surrounding him…especially his big brother..and when Taylor Swift is crooning her sweet country tunes to him.  He had me tears grooving to his music in the late day sunshine.  On hand was cousin Bree and her little Cohen. I always love seeing Bree and working with her extended family (Bree is the super sweetest and constantly recommending her sweet family and friends to me!!) is always a pleasure.  This family drove down from Gaylord and enjoyed the day hitting some of our local kid-friendly hot spots and ending the day with their session.  Love my job!

A family session on the beaches of Mexico? Yes please!

Upon my arrival into Mexico last week, Ashley’s sister Heather had arranged with me to do a family session with her and her husband George and their 14 month old daughter, Mary Grace.  I loved that they incorporated this family session in with their trip to watch their sister get married!  We all met down by the beach, played in the sand (even though Mary Grace made it very clear that she and the sand were mortal enemies).  Even Mary Grace’s grandma got in on the pictures and we celebrated this beautiful family being all together in such a pretty, tropical location for such a special event.