Kelley's Photography Got Published!

Remember this photoshoot I did earlier this summer just outside of Minneapolis?  Two of the photographs I took are now published in the Parade of Homes magazine in the Fall Showcase 2011 issue!  Page 38 is the full page photo.  Wow!

Pear Tree Photography even got the photo credit on this smaller image on page 18!

I had so much fun photographing these two guys back in June.  So fabulous to see my images in print and remember what a great time I had with them.  I am really looking forward to seeing them again next summer and their house which is completely finished.  It is an absolute dream home and I couldn't be happier for them!

Chloe's Birthday at School

I drove up to school on Monday to have lunch with Chloe for her birthday.  She felt like such a big girl getting to pass out pieces of cookie cake to her classmates.

It was finger licking good.  I did a better job measuring and dividing up this time and actually got to bring some home to share with the family.

Happy 7th Birthday, Chloe - evening celebration

The Grandmas came over for Chloe's birthday and brought cards and presents.

She read them out loud to her Grandma Suzanney.

Think she was excited about more cash?

And more clothes!

Silly girl.  It was Owen who suggested she put the new leggings on her head.

She had fun dancing for us with her new long hair.

Looks like she's thinking hard over her wish.

Make it a good wish, Chloe.

Whatever it was that you wished for, I hope you got it Beanarina.

Happy 7th birthday big girl.  We love you so much!

Chloe's 7th Birthday - morning presents

This girl was not up quite as early as her brother was on his birthday last weekend.  But she was equally excited to open up her cards and presents!  Her brother also gave her some Go Gos, which she loved.

He also gave her this doll, which she named Hanny Wool (stemming from what she thought was the chorus of a Maroon 5 song, when they were really singing "Anymore").

I think this was in response to Daddy suggesting that the doll be named Hanny Wool and she loved it.

Her old helmet is getting small and falling apart.  She really liked this new hot pink one.

And the name on it, too.  :)

Of course she had to try it on for size.

She liked her next present even better!

Her very own Razr scooter.  This was a big surprise since we have been very strict about not allowing the kids to ride these because we didn't think they were old enough.

She really wanted to try it out and we were thankful there was no assembly, just unfolding and popping joints into place and it was ready.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much time for her to ride it before we had to leave for church.  When we got back home, she was allowed to open her birthday cards and presents that had arrived in the mail from her Minnesota grandparents.  She loved this wild new dress from Grandma Vicki.

And equally crazy leggings to be worn with it.

She was also very excited about getting cash.  Just like her brother.

Moose pajamas were appropriate for our little girl who tells people her middle name is Moose.

Silly girl.

More cash.

And a check.  This girl made out!

I think she was blown away by how much money she received.

Silly Beanarina, we love you!  Happy 7th birthday baby!

A Perfect Saturday

Daddy and Chloe made muffins this morning.

She's a good helper.

Later in the morning, we drove over a couple of towns in search of a bike trail.  The guys ended up deciding to play catch in the gravel parking lot while the girls went biking/rollerblading.  Chloe played opossum when we had gone less than five minutes from the parking lot.

But then she wanted to show off for the camera.

Because she's good at making faces.

I am so impressed with how my baby can ride a bike now.

She is growing up too fast.

I had so much fun rollerblading right next to her while she pedaled as fast as she could to see if she could go faster (she could not).  I love how she decorated her helmet after the plastic casing fell off.  Mommy and Daddy love you, too, Chloe.

Yes, she was riding full speed here on her bike when she turned to look at me and my camera.

On our way back, we stopped on the trail under a bridge.  There was sunlight coming through a grate into this little alcove.  She had fun sliding down the slope.

After biking and playing catch, we surprised the kids with a trip to the movie theatre to see the Lion King in 3D.  This is Todd's favorite Disney movie.  :)

The tickets were $50 for the 3D showing.  Popcorn and waters were another $20.  Chloe squirming on my lap most of the matinee movie.  Priceless.

On another note, this was our 11th wedding anniversary.  The years have flown and so much has changed.  We have spent just as many years working together at phone companies and sometimes on the same team as we have spent working at different companies since we met.  The years we worked together were hands down the best.  And now I am no longer working, but spending as much time as possible with the two best kids ever.  I couldn't be more appreciative and thankful for all this man has given me.  

He is my best friend, my husband and a wonderful father.  I don't think I will ever understand his fervor for the Minnesota Vikings or how he can drink a Mountain Dew at 10pm and then go straight to sleep, but that's okay.  I don't need to.  Neither of us have the need to fill the air with idle chatter as we are comfortable in silence.  We don't like crowds and almost always agree on paint colors and furniture.  No matter what fire has been lit under me, he has supported me 100% in trying what has inspired me (from buying a sewing machine that sat unused for years, to a stint of selling cosmetics to playing with fire and hiding behind a camera).  He has my back and I have his.  I know he loves me and that is enough.  Well, it is more than enough.  

I feel so undeserving, yet incredibly thankful for this man in my life who puts family first.

Happy Anniversary, my love.