memorial weekend fun

Our family had a busy and fun time visiting grandparents and friends over Memorial Day weekend. Averhy had been itching to visit Grandma and Grandpa’s farm, and had a great time climbing all over the hayloft and shouting in the silo. Eden had some fun of her own, picking up rocks and playing in the dirt (I just love the bits flying off of her hands as she “cleans up”)! At Mema and Papa’s house, we were all excited to see Aunt Melanie (we haven’t seen her since she got back from her trip all over South America) and the girls all enjoyed a tea party while Daddy went golfing with Papa. Then on Monday, we visited our good friends the Eisenmann’s for their annual Memorial Day cookout on their farm - a gorgeous day and a great weekend. Here are a few of my favorites!

a magical opening...

My girls and I had a great time today at the grand opening of Bella Bambini. The afternoon was full of fun, thanks to magician Richard Landry (and his rabbit "Snowball") and cupcakes from Cakes on Walnut, not to mention load of gorgeous clothing and gifts to look at throughout the store! Here are a handful of the smiles, giggles, and looks of wonder supplied by kids of all ages... as well as some of the fun goodies you can find at Bella Bambini.









... and just a reminder that sign-ups are now OPEN for the Sweet Pea Photography limited edition sessions! Just email your full name, child's age, and Bella Bambini receipts total to allyson(at)sweet-pea-photography.com! (and yes, you can sign up if you've made several separate purchases that add up to $75...) It's going to be lots of fun -- I can't wait!

ahhh.... Allerton....

A few sneak peeks for some patient moms... I'll have the rest of your Allerton galleries up by the end of the week!

graduation!

Today my sister Amanda graduated from the University of Illinois - along with a great group of actors that I had the pleasure of photographing this year (both for headshots and senior showcase). So here are a few shots from today... first, my sister...


...a group of awesome actors (watch out Hollywood! here they come!)


...engagement rings, unite!...


and my soon-to-be brother-in-law Kevin, ever the comedian...


... and balloons to end the ceremony with a bang...



Congratulations graduates!

a good day

Tuesday was a good day around our house. Strawberries on cheerios... time to do my Bible study - outside with lemonade!!... silliness with Eden... yep, a good day all around...

hold on a sec...

... while I adjust my dress... After all, even the littlest girls want to look perfect for their pictures...



Gotta love one-year-olds!!

dandelion days

Eden and I took a walk yesterday to enjoy the breeze and the dandelions... She doesn't love the grass on her bare toes yet, and it's so cute watching her try to put her socks on by herself!

cake = fun

A few sneak peaks for KJO... I'm so glad that we decided to go ahead and give the birthday girl her cake after a fun session at Meadowbrook Park. I'm not sure who enjoyed the messy experience more - sweet A. or her mom and dad! I love birthday cake sessions...