{Family Photo Session: My Neighbors!}

How lucky am I to have neighbors who work as a police officer, a nurse and a barista.

Together, these three could keep me alive in the worst of crises. (Yes, I rank someone

with good coffee making skills right up there with those who can administer emergency

healthcare or protect me from bad guys.)

The last time they took a family photo, their gorgeous, fully grown daughter Nicole was

only seven and didn't have any teeth, they said. :) So, our super fast get together for

photos in downtown Chandler was much needed and long overdue.

Merry Christmas to Shea, Linda and Nicole. Thanks for being such great neighbors.

This was my last session for the "holiday card season" and my last shoot of 2011.

I'm looking forward to developing this little side business of mine even more in 2012!

{Family Photo Session: The Wool Boys}

There's no shortage of cuteness in this trio.

The boys were comfortable enough to let their spirits shine in this comfortable

setting in their neighborhood. Their dad was spot on with that idea. Check it out ...

I love the way this session came to be --

A month or two before I got a call from Dan, I randomly left my business card on a table

filled with other local peoples' cards at Hillside Spot -- a great little restaurant in town.

He picked it up and called. Not bad for a two second decision to add my card to the mix.

Thanks, Dan! Happy holidays to you and your beautiful boys.

{Family Photo Session: Anthony, Jenny & their Babies}

It's the holiday season -- Ho, Ho, Ho! -- a perfect time to update photos.

All the more important to do when you've added a new member to the family.

Jenny and Anthony had a baby girl, Amelia, a few months ago. So, we set out to

capture a photo of the four of them together. Of course, Jenny arranged flawless

outfits with gorgeous colors and textures. (She's amazing like that.) Anthony wore

a blazer that'd belonged to his grandpa who recently passed -- pretty special.

We were also lucky enough to score gentle morning light and fluffy winter grass.

Oh, how I love it when a plan comes together. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

{Family & Maternity Photo Session: The Hendricks}

Barb and Jason -- amazing friends, super couple,

dedicated parents, and beautiful people.

I am so thankful to have their family to love. Their

friendship has been a gift in my little universe!

Anyone who knows them would attest to how special

they are. I mean, you name it, they nail it. Every single

time -- whether it's at work, at home, in the community,

with family, and even when no one else is looking.

Their numbers are about to grow by one! We got

together to document their family, as it is now,

and the baby bump that signals the newest addition

who will arrive any day.

Here's a sample of what they ended up with from our session ...

Congratulations guys, on your thriving marriage, amazing kiddo and second pregnancy!

You've created a beautiful life together that's so deserved. Your happiness is my happiness.