I had a unique experience this week. I had the opportunity to go out with a group of friends and dine at a revamped restaurant in South Jersey. The restaurant was part of a pilot show for Food network. I got to meet new friends in the group and we just had a great time! Despite the food being just ok and the service being long (our server was great though!), I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time! It just shows that this group knows how to party!

Calamari Fritta and some good Cabernet

Seared Ahi Tuna

My friend Ben and I both ordered the tuna, and sadly, we sent it back. I love raw and seared tuna, but this was just not working for me. Our server was great and brought us lasagna instead (she said anything else would have taken too long). It was ok.

My new friend T got the lamb stuffed with olives. She said it was good. I had to include this one b/c it just cracks me up! Her husband kept us laughing all night!

At least we ended the meal with a tasty coffee with Bailey’s!

Chef Robert Irvine came out and met with the patrons and took pics.

I got jealous of the pic, so I had to get my friend Vicki to take one with me in it. Forgot it was on continuous shot and she probably took 6 shots in less than a minute. hehe

And a great way to end the night…with good friends and good laughs! Thanks for an very enjoyable night!!

Remember this family from last fall? We were back at the same park to take their last family portraits before the arrival of their newest family member. I just love working with them. They are one of the nicest couples ever and their son is just adorable! He was not as into taking pics this time but we got some wonderful shots. Thanks for a fun morning and I can’t wait to take new portraits in a few weeks!

I love this moment!

She couldn’t have picked a more coordinating outfit! She has just a perfect basketball belly!

I think she always looks fabulous in red…

And I had to mock this one up as a canvas. It’s just perfect!

My niece is a 5 -time Black Cat Kenpo Karate champion training with Master Art Beins. I remember when she first started as a ranger, she looked so cute in her white gi and camouflage belt. Looking at her now, not only can I not believe how much she has grown but I am so impressed with her dedication and passion for the sport. Sometimes, you would never realize that she is on the verge of becoming a black belt at the age of 10. She is sometimes quiet, but when she gets her gi on, she is so serious, so dedicated, and honestly, a little scary!  ;-)  When she competes, there are so many rings of competition going on. Yet, when it’s her turn to compete, even up in the high bleachers, I can hear her introduce herself to the judges with such fire and passion. She just blows me away. I am so, so proud of this kid!

In a few weeks, the organization is celebrating 30 years and she will be receiving a leadership award. I had taken some studio shots of her 2 years ago and got some really cool ones. But since then, she has gone from a purple belt to a brown and she won 3 more trophies. So we took more studio shots because the weather just wasn’t cooperating. I got some nice shots of her inside, but I still had a vision and set out to find a way to make it happen.

J, I am so incredibly proud of you!! Love you so much!

Today, we had gorgeous weather and I was determined to get her some shots outside. The trouble around here is getting above the tree line and getting a great silhouette. There is a small hill by my house that faces the sunset and I hoped it would work. We walked up the hill only to discover it’s not as high as I thought! We kept working it and finally got some shots. I just love how these turned out. I told my sister these are going to make an awesome set of canvas wraps in my niece’s bedroom! I’m thinking a 3-image panel across her wall.

Left: (Isn’t she so incredibly flexible?)

Middle:

Right:

Since big brother was sick when we did C’s initial newborn session, the family came back a week later to do some sibling and family shots. C was 17 days old when we were able to schedule another session. He was definitely more awake and more alert, but for family shots, it’s not as critical that he was sleeping. We got some great eye contact and very sweet shots.

So sweet…

Love that their arms are in the same position (we didn’t do that.)

He’ll never fit in the palm of his dad’s hand like this again…

And finally, he sleeps.

I’ve been taking pics of Miss V for a couple of years now and soon she’s going to be a big sister! Mom is 36 weeks but she went early with Miss V, so she might be a big sister very soon! Thanks for another fun-filled evening session!