More pics from Serendipity Dr. and all the donations YOU gave!

Thank you all who gave and helped our neighbors today.  So many people have been blessed by your outpouring of love.  Here are a couple of pics of last night and today after lunch.  

Tornado on our street

We live on Serendipity Rd. in north east Raleigh.  Yesterday our street was hit by one of the tornadoes that made it's way up 401.  Our house only has minimal damage, but a good number of our neighbors had houses destroyed.  Please pray for them.  Here are a couple of pics from yesterday.  

Best Saturday Ever!

Last Saturday we had a Collins family picnic.  It was warm, sunny, breezy and so much fun.  The cousins had a blast playing together and our sweet Lyla had both remote controlled cars and airplanes to chase.  After the picnic we went home, rested, then went to church with my parents for a missions dinner and auction.  The kids got their faces painted and we had a wonderful bbq dinner.  It was such a wonderful perfect Saturday.   

Mama, I got you a pwesent...

Boy Band

Dude Ranch

Last Christmas my parent surprised all of us with the best present EVER!  We got information about a real Dude Ranch in NC that we would be going to in August of 2010.  Well, August has come and gone and I finally have the pictures edited and ready to go.  I"m going to post 2 different entries, one with my pictures on it, and one with the professional photographer's pictures from the ranch.  This post is my pics, with one exception of me on my horse.  Heeeeere we goooooooo!

First week of homeschooling

I tried to remember to take pictures.  I really did.  I have some, but not many.  For the first time, I don't have enough pictures.  Guess I was thinking about something else. Ill post more next week.

Moved

Have you ever felt the Spirit move you to do something.  Something that seems insignificant, but you know you should obey even if you never see the results?  Well, I'm going to link to a blog that I follow about a man named David who has an inoperable brain tumor.  I found out about him by first following his wife's blog who is a photographer.

I know there is someone out there that needs to read about their faith and their journey.  So here it is. 
Dear reader, I don't know who you are, but I'm praying for you.

Always,
Emily

Luke

Just some random pics of my littlest one.  One day he found my photography props, one day he found a bucket, one day he figured out how to take off his diaper.  Nothing significant.  Just everyday life.  Ben to follow.  

Fit for a King

You never know how a family session is going to go, especially with 5 kiddos to photograph and evening approaching. Sometimes when the yawning begins tempers can flare, but not with this sweet family. Everyone was so well behaved! We had a lovely time as the sunset and the air cooled. Even the little one was agreeable until the very very end. You can't ask for more than that! I hope ya'll enjoy.

Welcome baby Tristan!

My youngest son is going to be 2 in August. I think most would agree he's not a baby anymore. I'm so thankful that taking pictures for other families has allowed me precious hours with brand new babies. They are but days old, wrinkled, soft, cuddly, sleepy, and so so sweet. What a wonderful job I have.

I had the privileged of photographing this family last fall and for a maternity session this spring. Now, the newest member has arrived and their family has grown. I hope you enjoy the pics C Family.

Strawberry pickin'

At the end of May, and subsequently the end of strawberry season, we went searching for the delicious little suckers.  And by searching, I mean hunting.  They were hard to find.  Note to self: end of the season + strawberry pickin' = tall weeds = scratches all over arms and something airborne that makes Emily sneeze for the next two days.  It's hard to enjoy the fruit of your labors, when you can't taste it.  We searched and searched and when the boys finally had enough, I found myself in the middle of the field, alone with the absolute certainty I was about to stumble upon a patch that everyone else had missed and hit the jackpot.  I didn't.  So, I took what we left in my bucket, after Luke ate most of it, and we pet the sweet puppy, paid the nice man our $8 and went home.  Next season we're going to get there nice and early. After taking a claritin.  And putting on gloves and a mask, just in case.

Also, I know there are an disproportionate amount of pictures of  Luke compared to the other kiddos.  In my defense, Luke was with me and the other two punks are now big enough to pick all on their own.  Also, they didn't have adorable strawberry dribble down their face.  And they don't say, "Daw-bebby mama.  Mmmm,  good."  They say stuff like, "I don't want to smile, mama."

Aaaaaaannnnnnd, a word of advise: When you take your children strawberry pickin' put them in red shirts.  They will eat as they pick.  They will get juice all over their shirts.  You won't notice it and pester them to be more careful.  All will be well in the world.

Let's play ball!

Happy Birthday Little Man

This little man turned one today. To capture his sweetness we headed down to the park and snapped off some pictures. His big brother has been the subject of other photo sessions we've done, but this is his first appearance. I hope you enjoy the pics R family.

Graduation day

...more seniors...

This was a FUN session. Fun. Fun. Fun. Gorgeous girl, great props, sweet dogs, perfect weather. Who could want more? I hope you like your pictures D family. It was wonderful working with you.

Wakefield graduate

Graduation is such a huge milestone, I'm honored to have captured this time in his life. Thank you for trusting me Aunt B. I hope you enjoy them.

Birds and rabbits and chameleons...oh my!

Spring is here and that means it's time for senior portraits. Today's post is about the sweetest girl and her fantastic animals. Miss Alicia wants to be a veterinarian and will be attending NC State in Zoology this fall. After spending just a few minutes with her, it's obvious that the Lord had given her a gentle way with his creation. It was really fun not only taking some pictures of a beautiful girl, but also few of her well loved animals. ( And I was told there were 2 dogs and 2 cats upstairs!) Thanks for trusting me with capturing this special time in your lives!

It's Friday...but Sunday's Comin

Andrew is back...

and he has grown so much since our 6 month session. We had the blessing of some really warm weather and so we headed down to the lake for a little bit. I hope you enjoy this little guy with his hats and his overalls and his sweetness.