the Woodhouse Family

a few weeks ago, one of Paul's bosses contacted me and asked me to take a family picture for them. i remember thinking: i think they have three grown kids, maybe a few spouses, and a kid or two. maybe 10 people? sure. as long as they know i am no professional, i'd be glad to take a few shots for them.

bill and jina have 4 beautiful grown-up kids.

and four absolutely adorable grandkids!

even the two youngest know how to love on each other!

jina and her daughters

...are so much fun!

and how could we forget the dogs and grand-dogs?

so 2 sets of grandparents, 4 siblings 3 of which have spouses, an 8 year old, 3 young ones around or under the age of 1...15 people and 3 dogs later...

bill and jina, your family is beautiful. not only are they beautiful, they are fun, loving, entertaining, and a joy to be around. thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to spend time with you! i hope your weekend celebrating Kingsley was wonderful!

Whitman Burke

In the midst of all the sickness around our house last week, I had the opportunity to (de-germ &) escape the chaos for a few hours and spend time with a sweet family.

Laura Beth and I have been friends for a long time. I'm not going to put years on it, but I'd say maybe since about 5th grade? Long time.

When she saw the pictures I did for Kennedy's birth, she asked if I would come record their 3rd baby's birth!

I was both humbled and honored to be a part of this special day!

Unlike most, Laura Beth and Charles chose not to find out the gender of their baby or share the names.

So it was a big surprise to everyone, including new big brother Henry, when Daddy announced him, Whitman Burke!

I think sweet Ella's first glance tells all, but it took only seconds for that beautiful smile to appear.

Isn't he so handsome!

There was some waiting before and after Whitman's birth; but give Henry a car or truck, and he's entertained for hours!

It was so much fun to watch these sweet children as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their mama to her room.

Ella wasn't quite sure what she would find in that bassinet; but once again, it took only seconds for that smile to reappear.

Big sister Ella and big brother Henry were the first to hold their new baby brother!

And I loved these with their Daddy. You can just see how much this family loves each other.

It was all I could do to keep my hands off the cutie pie, but I was not about to pass anything along to the newest member of this family! But I do believe they might have a thinker on their hands.

Ella has just finished kindergarten, and I believe she will be a huge help to her mama this summer.

But I'm pretty sure this picture is my favorite from the day!

Laura Beth, Charles, Ella, Henry, and Whitman, thank you so much for allowing me to spend such a special day with you! It was both an honor and a privilege to share in your blessing!

Your new family of five is beautiful!

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23

Kennedy Anne

Everyone has a story.

A story that tells where they've been; and how they've gotten to where they are.

Babies are not only a blessing from God...but tremendous miracles.

Some of our little blessings took a little more of a miracle to get here than others though.

This little blessing is one of those miracles.

She was prayed for. Hoped for. And loved by many even before she took her first breath.

The hospital waiting room was full of Chuck and Anna's precious family and friend.

And this little guy who was, I'm pretty sure, more excited than anyone else there.

In his perfect 3 year old way, he had waited long enough for his sister's arrival and was more than ready to become a Big Brother today!

And when his Daddy walked through those doors holding his baby sister, it could no longer be contained!


My Baby! My Baby! My Baby!!!

Could there be greater joy?

Such a beautiful baby girl and such a proud Daddy!

This would be the first of many Sweet Big Brother kisses.

Thomas was so excited to see his Daddy after he brought Kennedy to the nursery.

Daddy Daddy Daddy!

He watched so intently as they gave Kennedy her bath, a shot, and got her ready in the nursery.

And got some good loving from Gran, Anna's Mama, such a sweet bond!

Welcome to the family baby girl!

Thomas could hardly contain himself. He wanted to hold that baby! I just love how he was looking at his Daddy.

He was just fascinated with baby Kennedy's tiny fingers.

And Melt.My.Heart. with that Big Brother kiss!

Kennedy was so peaceful.

Especially in her Great Grandmother's arms.

This is Anna's mother's mother who is 89 years young!

And this has to be one of my favorites of the day:

Look at those beautiful hands. One so tiny. One so wise.

Chuck's parents, Nana and Pop, were there as well to welcome their fourth grandbaby. So much love!

There's nothing like having a daughter...

Except when your daughter has a daughter.

One very proud Grandma and one very happy Mama.

Kennedy Anne

Thank you Anna, Chuck and Thomas for inviting me to spend the day with your precious family! Kennedy is perfect in every way!

Stan Snyder for City Council!

Our City Councilwoman recently joined Washington as our House Representative, which has left a vacancy for our district.

And...one of our family friends is running for the position!

I was thrilled to 1.) find this out and 2.) be asked to take some pictures of their sweet family for his campaign!

Meet the Snyders! I'll make sure to link back to his website, which will be up and running soon!

Thanks Stan and Heather for letting me take pictures of your beautiful family!