in Corn Country.

When Em was in town she played photographer for us.  She was a great sport!... it was windy, chilly, you kids weren't super cooperative and I probably sounded like I was barking out directions.  In any case, it was so nice to get some updated family pictures WITH Aimee in there :0)

my Sleeping Assistant.

Aimee, early one morning while in Utah, you peacefully slept, snuggled up next to me while I did a photo shoot of Aunt Heather and your soon-to-be cousin Kingston.  The morning light was perfect and Aunt Heather looked just lovely.  The sunflowers were so cheery and were reminiscent of her bridal shoot.  Thanks for being my assistant, sleepy and all :0)  Someday I will miss when you can no longer rest your sweet head so easily on my chest.  I'm treasuring this time when you're so small. 

our family now.

My friend Lenay is a photographer here in town.  A few months back at a Relief Society activity we talked about the idea of swapping newborn photo shoots (she is due at the beginning of June).  So a week after Aimee was born she came over and spent an hour and a half with us.  She used to work for Bella Baby Photography and it was evident that she was accustomed to working with newborns.  When Aimee would get fussy she'd gently press a soft blanket to her arms and it magically helped her settle down.  In any case, she did a wonderful job and I'm grateful to have these pictures officially documenting our now family of six.

She had a few different props and I opted for this cradle with a heart since Aimee's name means loved.  The pink blanket is from Mémé and since has been transformed into an adorable blanket for Aimee to carry around and snuggle with.

I just love these few shots of Brie with her baby sister.

When trying to figure out outfits for the shoot I was considering doing neutral.  Then I decided that with a second girl in our family I wanted to go super girly...lots of pink, tulle and this ridiculously large flower headband ;0)  As over the top as it was, I love how it all turned out.

Aimee's tulle skirt is special because it was given to her by her Grauntie Elaine, one of the dear "beloved" women that she is named after.

  This one with Dad and you girls is another favorite.  He loves his girls!

 We had to get one with Alex and his adored Aimee :0)

This is the birth announcement I came up with to send out to {great} grandparents..."April showers brought our family a beautiful baby girl, then May flowers."

That gorgeous blossoming tree is our neighbors.  Those branches were reaching over our fence the week Aimee was born and I couldn't resist including them with the announcement.  What a beautiful time for a baby girl to be born.  The little closeup shot I took one afternoon.  I had just fed you, Aimee, in my craft room and propped you up on a pillow so I could work on thank you cards.  You often rest on me like that after nursing and I just had to snag a shot.  I grabbed the headband to complete the look and my camera and just happened to get one of you smiling.  I just love how it turned out.

a Special Spring Sealing.

As I mentioned in my road trip post, it was amazing to see how all the stars aligned for Dad & I to be at Uncle Matt's sealing.  We were so thankful for everyone who made the trip out possible.  After spending the morning with the groom, Dad & I got to be the chauffeurs for the him (and Uncle Tim) and only arrived at the temple a few minutes late ;0)  It was a beautiful spring day with the trees and flowers in bloom.  Once inside, I loved reuniting with a lot of my Robertson relatives (and talking about Aimee's soon-to-be arrival) in the waiting room.  The sealing room was beautiful with vaulted ceilings, and natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.  It felt surreal to be sitting there with all of my siblings and to see Matt & Erin at the altar.  It was so special to be able to witness them be sealed as husband and wife for time and all eternity!  They had been engaged for over two years so that moment was a long time in the coming.  Erin hadn't ever had an official  engagement ring and didn't think they'd have the ring for their sealing day, but Matt surprised her.  When he pulled out the ring she gasped and with the biggest smile hugged Matt.  It seemed to encapsulate how patiently she'd waited, not just for the ring, but for everything to fall in to place and how happy and grateful she was.  It was really sweet.

Afterwards we all congregated outside to greet the newly wed couple and take pictures.  Unfortunately it was a VERY cold and windy day.  Mémé had asked me to bring my camera along to snap some pictures alongside the photographer.  You know you love photography (and your brother) when you brave the COLD for an hour and a half ;0)  Dad was a good sport too to tag along.  But really I enjoyed helping to document their big day!

The wedding dinner was in the Rose Room at Thanksgiving Point.  Mémé, my Aunt Lisa and Grauntie helped to plan out a lot of the details and it came together beautifully. We decided that you kids would rather spend the day with Graden cousins than drive here and there, wait around while the rest of us were in the temple, and wait some more during pictures then stay up past your bedtime, trying to sit still at a table as the only children at a formal dinner.  All that to say that you were playing with your cousins while Dad and I took part in the festivities. A BIG thanks to Grandpa & Nana, Aunt Julie & Uncle Walt for making us possible for Dad & I to enjoy the events of the day!! 

Matt & Erin, Happy 1 month Anniversary today :0)  We are so excited for you two and that you've officially set out on your eternal adventure together.

Such Great Friends.

We have been blessed with such amazing neighbors and friends here in St. Louis.  It has and will be so hard to say goodbyes.  The bittersweet thing is that some of our most favorite families are also moving (Lees, Kams, Thornocks, Maxwells, Hutchisons...).  Which means that when we come back to visit St. Louis they won't be here :0(  But here's to hoping that our paths will cross again!  In any case, a few weeks ago I did a mini photo shoot for Hannah and Tiff's families, partially as a souvenir from their time here in the Lou.  It was a beautiful overcast evening and other than little hints of rain, the storm held off til we were done.  What a fun photo shoot!

(I have yet to edit pictures for the Thornocks, just chose this one to add to this post)

a Jungle First.

My good friend Sarah and I worked together to plan her son's first birthday party.  I was excited when she decided on a jungle theme because I already had a whole stash of things from Alex's baby corner and paper vines from Lij's first.  I really enjoyed all of the times she came over to work on party projects...fun to chat and craft.  If I'm remembering correctly, this was my first time doing all for the graphic designs for a party and I loved it!  I don't think I'd want to do it professionally (too much pressure), but I loved doing it for a friend.

May 10, 2014.

I brought some things and Sarah brought others.  

She added the cutest touches! (The animal print tablecloth, paper bag favors, party hats, jungle vests, etc.)

The morning of the party Sarah, Charlotte (Adam's sister) and I worked together to decorate.

My little monkeys :0)

I like the plan parties, but I don't like the cook for large groups of people.  Sarah did a great job planning and preparing all of the food.  There was a fun variety of colors and flavors.  

I LOVED how Sarah thought about all of the different kids that would be attending and what she could do to make it fun for them.  She had a jungle outfit for each one (how cute is that?!), animal pictures posted around for them to find with their binoculars, pin the tail on the lion and cupcake decorating.

Just love how sweet Brie is with Lijaroo.

 Owen was sharing his cupcake with his mom and dad.  So cute!

 Alex enjoying all the grub.

 Bryan (with goatee) and Mini Bryan (with mini chocolate goatee).

Over the last few years it has been so fun to work on various projects with Sarah.  Good thing Normal is only 3 hours away.  Here's to more party planning and projects!