Family: The sunshine to a stormy fall day!

Growing up I remember fall days perfectly. There was nothing like going out to help my dad rake all the leaves up, only for when he turned his back, a sweet moment of complete bliss. Leaves raining from above, a soft cushion beneath, as I dove into the hours worth of work we had just completed. What kid could resist such a temptation as a pile of vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns that paint the most beautiful picture?

Delainie absolutely could not resist! From the moment we arrived at the park she couldn't wait to get her hands on those leaves. To my amazement it became the perfect bribe for the sweetest little girl ever. She looks like a doll from the American Girl collection. My kids and I wanted to package her up and take her home with us. Her smile could make any bad day, amazing!

Mr. Serious today, goes to David Jr. He was not about to crack a smile for me unless I worked extra hard. It was so rewarding when I finally saw his eyes brighten and a smile crack that could sweep in all the ladies. Watch out mom and dad. I was blown away at how good he was! Not one cry, fuss, or complaint came out of his mouth the entire time at the park. He was a perfect angel! Very calm, relaxed, and genuinely happy. It was so exciting to see how much he grew and changed in the six months that have passed since I saw him last.

I know how stressful family pictures can be, and on this day, it was nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen. We showed up to the rain beginning to trickle down, families everywhere, and icy cold weather. You would think...miserable, forget it! Not Valerie and David. They showed up with their adorable kids in stow, warm glowing smiles that instantly made me forget how painful this might turn out to be. They were eager to make our time together memorable and full of life. I think their kids alone were able to nail this. Someone knew how amazing this family is because the rain waited to pour down until the very last picture was captured. Needless to say what I arrived thinking would turn out in total disaster was quickly altered the second this amazing family arrived. They brought the sun to a stormy day!

Family: Erick and His Three Little Ladies

Erick has been blessed with a house full of girls. They all love him to death, too. It's not very often Leanna can talk him into a day of picture taking so I was excited when she called and said they were ready for new family pictures. It was freezing outside yet they showed up with big smiles ready to get some good photos. Danika and Arika are the sweetest girls. They are so well behaved and easy to be around.

Danika cracked me up during our time together. Anytime I would ask her to take a picture she would politely say, "No thank you!" What four year old says no thank you to everything. I usually hear NO'S or I don't want to, but never "no thank you". She was such a doll the entire time and listened so good. She definitely loves her big sister and tries to mimic her any chance she gets.

Arika has grown up so much since I last saw her. She no longer looks like a little girl to me, she is starting to look like a beautiful preteen. It makes me sad to think my daughter isn't too far off from this age. She did so good entertaining and helping out with her little sister. They treat each other so well it almost makes me think that they are perfect and never even fight. They don't do they Leanna?

I had a good time with Erick and his 3 little ladies and look forward to the next time I get to take pictures of them. It will probably be another few years... if I'm lucky, right Erick?























I had to throw this one in because Danika was so cute. All she wanted to do was play eventhough everyone was freezing and ready to go home. This was her fit! I wish my kids fits were this angelic!

Family: Navarro's Home

When I moved to Bakersfield 3 years ago and first opened my business I met the most amazing family. Carrie had just had her second daughter, Jordyn, and received a gift certificate from a friend to have a newborn session. I instantly fell in love with this family. They are the kindest most generous people I have met and I have been so fortunate to continue being apart of their lives as their girls have grown. This is their first family portrait since Jordyn was born and I was excited to finally get them together as a family for pictures.

Ralph has the most patient personality. The girls are his little princesses and listen so well to him. He did so good getting them to perform for the camera, although they don't need much pushing to do this.

Carrie is amazing. She will bend over backwards for you. Last year my computer had to be put in the shop for a few weeks and I wasn't able to get work done. Carrie downloaded the program I needed on her computer and opened her house up to me to get caught up on work. She always has a smile and friendly greeting everytime I see her. She is truly amazing and I am so fortunate to have her in my life.

Taylor has so much personality and cracks me up everytime I am around her. She is always dressed in the cutest princess outfits and wants to be a little princess. I always joke with Carrie because eventhough she is a princess through and through if you ask her what her favorite color is she always responds with black. I told Carrie we might not be shooting pics of her in tutu's next time, it most likely will be in full on goth attire. I don't know what Carrie will do.

Jordyn is a little spit fire. She is all smiles but when she is done, she is done! She is absolutely adorable and talks so well for a 2 1/2 year old. I'm sure her big sister teaches her a ton. She loves antagonizing Taylor, but loves on her big sis at the same time.

I love when I get to watch families grow through the years. It not only helps me create a bond with the kids but allows me to be apart of the most amazing people's journey in life. I look forward to all the years to come of watching these girls grow and achieve their dreams!

Family: Mill Creek

He's the center of their world, their pride and joy, what they live life for!

It's amazing what having a baby can do to you. Zack and Caity had Miles six months ago and their whole world changed. They are so in love! Miles is such a doll. He is that perfect first baby that does nothing wrong and is a perfect angel. Caity can't wait to get home from work everyday to spend time playing with Miles. You can tell he is very much loved and has a blast with both of his parents.

I had a blast spending some time at the park capturing those precious moments of love and good times. Miles was so sweet and has such a great personality. It was so neat to see Caity and Zach interact with him and how his face would light up the very second they looked at him. I absolutely love times like these and it makes me so thankful to have the best job ever!

Engagement: Ameri & Jordan

He's the life of the party, although you wouldn't know that when you first meet him. He comes off a little shy but very friendly. Nine years ago Ameri's cousin introduced them and well, the rest is history. They finally have decided to tie the knot and couldn't be happier.

I met Ameri at a recent wedding where she was the maid of honor and instantly fell in love with her. The way their relationship is reminds me so much of my husband and I, it's ridiculous. Jordan was so nervous when we first started out he kept saying what am I suppose to do. Of course I responded, "pretend like I'm not here". It must be pretty hard for men to do because Ameri had it down perfectly. She did an amazing job calming Jordan and making him forget I was watching his every move.

We enjoyed walking around downtown Bakersfield looking for "ugly spots" as Jordan would call it. I don't think he trusted that I knew the spots that would best showcase their relationship. What he saw as weird places I saw as beautiful and perfect for them. I couldn't be more happy with how the day turned out. They were an absolute blast to be around and I just love the comfort between them that only a nine year relationship can bring.