Suzanne McGrath Photography

More than Six on Monday

1.  It feels like months ago that my older girls had their school picnic - just last Tues.  This year the school participated in Rachel's Challenge.  It was very touching.  It started with one of the girls who was killed in the Columbine shooting.  The idea was simple.  Every time a student was "caught" doing something kind, they earned a link.  Each classroom had a chain.  Then last Tues, all the chains were linked together - over 4,000 in total.  The chain made it's way about one and a half times around all the students in the school.  Check it out...

Here a few first grade girls standing; waiting for the chain.  Each student was able to hold on to a portion of the chain.

  

2.  Friday was the last day of school.  It was such a great year for my girls.  They adored their teachers and learned so much.  Mrs. J and Mrs Engle - you ROCK!

 

3.  The hubby and I were able to go out on our date.  Yippee!!  We did, indeed, make it down to West Bottoms to the R bar.  The drinks were phenomenal.  The food was fantastic, too.  I really liked the small portions because I was able to eat more courses and try more food.  Can you go wrong with that?

After dinner we tried to catch a movie.  However, the only movie that we wanted to see was Date Night. And since we're so old now, we couldn't wait until 9:50 or 10:10 for it to start.  So we tried a wine bar down south.  Very fun.

4.  I was able to take #3 out for her turn at a portrait session.  Those pictures will show up later this week. For now, here is just one...

   

5.  I also squeezed in a photo shoot with my niece, nephew, and sister this morning.  The weather was simply gorgeous.  I'll get those up later this week, too.

6.  My parents came down on Sat.  We went out for dinner on Sunday to celebrate my mom's retirement.  Given that we're a motley crew when we go out to eat, we headed to Blanc Burgers and Bottles.  We wanted some place that wouldn't kick us out after 5 minutes!  We had a great time and the kids were pretty good.  I was able to snap a few pics here and there.  Congratulations, mom!  

       

7.  Growing up, I always knew my dad served in Vietnam.  But he never talked a lot about it so I didn't ask too many questions.  The older I got, the more it meant to me.  I was proud of him when veterans were asked to stand up for recognition at the fireworks display on the 4th.  I looked through his pictures and scrapbooked them when I got even older.  But it's not until I had my own family that I understood how much the men and women in our armed forces give of themselves to serve our country.  So for anyone out there touched by a loved one serving our country and those themselves serving, you're in my thoughts and prayers on this Memorial Day.

#1 and her 9 year old portraits

I mentioned in my Sunday post that #1 and I managed to fit in her children's portrait session on Sat.  It was HOT!  And the only time we could fit it in was smack-dab in the middle of the day.  Earlier in the day I had lathered up the four kids with sunscreen but I was so busy, I forgot about myself.  Oops.  Big mistake.   

Anyway, as you can imagine, having four kids means there is not a lot of one-on-one time with them.  And the grocery store doesn't really count.  So this was a special treat.  #1 really enjoyed it and even managed to convince me to stop for ice cream afterwards!  (She's very good at reasoning WHY we should stop.)  Now her sisters can't wait for their turn.  (#3 only wants to go because she knows I'll stop at Target and buy her new shoes first!)

Without further adieu...here's my first baby...

    

Six on Sunday...another May version

1.  Honestly, this was not my favorite weekend.  There was simply too much going on and not enough time to just enjoy life.  We had one sleepover, three soccer games, a softball practice, a softball game, a swim practice, a Bridging Ceremony, and a school carnival night.  On top of that, we stopped by Costco, did a grocery store run with a Target run thrown in for good measure.  Geesh.  I'm tired just writing all that down!  

2.  Thrown in with the above mix, #1 and I managed to get in a short 9 year old portrait session on Sat.  The downside was that it was 1pm - NOT the best time for portrait sessions and it was almost 90 degrees with about 95% humidity!  Yikes.  Stay tuned for those pictures later this week.

3.  Our friend, Chad, helped us out this week.  You see, I bought a really cool tall, skinny shelf from Ikea in a dark brown.  It matches the other shelf/room divider from Ikea, even though that one is white.  He mounted the shelf on the wall, on it's side.  So now it's a floating entertainment unit for our TV.  It looks awesome!!  We are definitely DIYers, but we couldn't have come up with his cool mounting system.  I need to dedicate a Six on Sunday post just to the basement.  I love how it's turning out.  

4.  My parents are coming next weekend.  Although they're staying with my sister and her family this time, they are babysitting for us next Sat. night.  I can't wait!  Patrick and I have not had a date night in nearly a year.  Seriously.  Our last date night was for our anniversary last July.  Man, that's been too long.

5.  I'm thinking about trying out the R bar down in the West Bottoms for the above-mentioned date night.  I read a review on it and it sounds really cool.  Plus, I want to try something new - so why not?

6.  It's definitely summer here.  The pools are opening and it was almost unbearable humid this weekend.  And to mark the beginning of summer, I'll leave you with an image from my rose bush.  We tried unsuccessfully for years to try and kill this thing but it just wouldn't die.  So we figured what the heck, embrace it.  And we have.  

       

Six on Sunday and all that jazz

1.  It's actually SUNDAY!

2.  Did I tell you our dishwasher broke?  Yes, almost two weeks ago.  We are so busy that it's hard to find time to even look at them - so we didn't.  We picked one out on the internet and Pat is going to pick it up tomorrow.  Thank goodness!  Washing the dishes every single night is the WORST!!  Our marriage couldn't survive this for long.

3.  It was a crazy weekend.  The hubby and I drove to Omaha for a wedding Friday night (kids weren't invited).  Therefore, we had to ship off our four kids.  #1 had a birthday party that was a sleepover.  That worked out well.  #2 stayed at a friend's house so she would make it to her early morning soccer game.  And #3 and #4 stayed with my sister and her family.  Thank goodness for our friends and family!

After that we still had a softball practice (rained out), a girl scout overnight at Iron Woods park (still rainy), movie night at home with the other girls, two soccer games, and a visit to meet Easaw.  

4.  We posted our broken dishwasher on Craigslist and it was spoken for in a matter of hours.  I'm just thankful it didn't end up in a landfill.

5.  My girlfriends and I are planning a girls trip this year.  We are heading to San Francisco and Sonoma.  How fun is that?!  There are six of us and so far, we are all in.  We all went to the University of NE-Lincoln and now we're spread out in the midwest.  Three of us are here in KC, two are in Denver, and one in Chicago.  I can't remember the last time we all made it to a girls trip.  October can't get here fast enough!

6.  Lastly, we visited Easaw tonight.  (The chinchilla.)  We needed to make sure he is right for our family before committing to a new pet.  Turns out, he's adorable and truly the softest thing I've ever felt!  We did not take him home since he is going to be a birthday present, but we can't wait.  The girls are so excited!!  Here's a couple snaps:

Have a great week!  

Mini Accordian Album {Overland Park Baby and Kids Photographer}

I promised to show you what I made my mom for Mother's Day.  I just love how it turned out!  This is a little mini, accordian style photo album.  It's only 3" x 3" and it's magnetic, so it stays closed in your purse.  Genius.  One side has 6 3x3 "slots" and the other side has 4 "slots".  I am definitely going to begin offering this little bonus to all my clients!

Check it out.  Isn't this the cutest?  Ever!

Cover:

 

One Side:

 

Other Side:

Back Cover:

  

Ten on Tuesday

I made you wait.  After our busy weekend, I just couldn't post a Six on Sunday.  And to make up for it I'll add FOUR more!  Here's my 10 on Tuesday:

1.  I couldn't post last night because I had to watch Castle on abc.

2.  I didn't really want a mother's day gift.  I like the kids' school gifts - they're all so personal and just plain cute.  However, I thought my hubby might buy me something anyway.  So I suggested a book.  He came through - in typical Patrick form.  Friday afternoon, as we were packing the beast (suburban), he asked if I wanted my Mother's Day gift?  I was confused at first.  Then I realized he got it.  He gave me Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang.  I read it in two days.  It is so NOT politically correct.  It is so inappropriate.  And I laughed out loud - even in the middle of a swim meet!  I think I'll get her other books for our next road trip.

3.  I wrote about trying to get accepted for the Nike Women's (half) Marathon.  I didn't make the cut.  33,000 people applied for it and they only draw 20,000 names.  Such a bummer.  BUT, I am not going to let that stop me!  I think I'm going to run the Kansas City marathon  (the half).  It's a great time of year - mid Oct. - and I hear the course is really cool.  And I want to say I've done it at least once.  Now I just need to recruit a training partner!

4.  Last weekend we went to Sioux Falls.  The weather was AWFUL!  It was 42 degrees out Friday morning.  But, we still had a fun trip.  I was able to catch up with two of my best friends.

Rachel and I met for a grown-up lunch at Spezia.  We have been friends since 2nd, well, 3rd grade!  We met in 2nd grade in Mrs. Bong's class but weren't friends until 3rd grade in Mrs. Carlson's class.  It was such a treat to have lunch Rachel.  

Then Sat. we were able to meet up with my best friend from high school, Lisa.  Had you asked Lisa and I back in high school if we would be married before 30 and have four kids by age 36, we would have laughed you out of the room.  And yet, that's us!  It was so fun to see our 8 girls together.  I managed a snapshot right before their youngest went down for a nap.  I had about 4.1 seconds to get this shot.  Hence, the white balance and light is a little "off".  But you certainly get the idea:

5.  Mother's day morning was really nice.  We went to church and out for lunch at Grill 26.  We attempted pictures.  However, given it was 40 degrees out - we had to stay inside.  

These are my parents with the girls.  We were cracking up because everyone was looking somewhere else, #4 was trying her best to escape and #3 wouldn't give up her blanket.  But that's what you get with four kids. Love it.

  

6.  #3's birthday is coming up.  She is dying to send out the invitations.  It's another sleepover.  Why do I do this to myself??!  

7.  I made my mom the cutest Mother's Day gift last Monday night.  I stayed up waaaaaayyyyyyyyy too late working on it all in the hope that it would be shipped before we left on Friday.  Alas, that was not meant to be.  So I'll post it later this week after she receives it in the mail.  Hint:  I have a copy in my purse:)

8.  #1 had her synchro meet.  Her team routine placed 2nd and her duet placed 4th.  Most importantly, she had a great time.  I was able to take this portrait of her in her team suit and headpiece.  She is so grown-up!

 

9.  I was able to get one image of my friend Lisa's youngest.  She was on her way to a nap.  She reminds me a lot of our youngest.  She's a little peanut and very easy going.  But the hair.  Oh, I love the hair!  All of their girls have these beautiful strawberry blond locks.  

 

10.  I placed a button on my blog.  It's on the right side.  If you read your blogs in a reader, such as Google Reader, click on the button to subscribe in your reader.  If you don't use a reader, you can add your email address to the box just below the RSS feed button.  That way, you won't have to check the blog, you will be emailed when I post something new!  See?  I am all about efficiency:)

Have a good one!         

Headshots and kids {Lee's Summit family and children's photographer}

Two Sundays I had the pleasure of photographing an old work buddy.  She and I worked in the same group years ago but we still have some friends in common.  It was nice to get to catch up a little bit!

Jen originally contacted me because she needed some headshots done for her business cards.  So, she sent over a prototype so I could see what she was working with and get some ideas.  Her cards are really cool with a black background.  Obviously, I had to shoot her on a black background.  So, take your pick.  I have two questions for you.  1.  What color shirt do you like best?  and 2.  Do you like a big smile or a more serious look?

OK.  Now that you've seen these, would you have guessed that Jen is almost 8 months pregnant?  No way, right?  Yes, way!!  She's going to have #3 this summer.  Doesn't she look awesome?!

While I was waiting on some wardrobe changes, I had the pleasure of hanging with her two kids.  They are simply adorable and WANTED me to take their picture.  Are you kidding me?  Of course!  Here they are:

Leave a comment with your votes!  I'll be curious to hear what you all think:)        

Six on Sunday

1.  Remember last week?  I know.  It's hard.  It was a full seven days ago!  Well, I talked about #2 wanting either a gecko or a hamster for her birthday, right?  She really wanted the gecko and we really wanted the hamster.  We were at a standstill.  We were nose to nose.  No one was blinking.  

A solution found us:)  One of the readers of this blog - not sayin' there's thousands or anything - contacted me to see if we'd want her daughter's chinchilla.  After some research (read:  make sure it doesn't look like a rodent, ie a mouse) we decided it's a good fit.  So, we're going to adopt an adorable little fella with the Jewish name for hairy.  #2 couldn't be more excited.  After all, she really wanted a pet that no one else has.  And this little guy will be perfect!

2.  My house looks like a tornado hit.  We're in the midst of getting rid of all our baby stuff.  That means it's strewn throughout the house.  But after this, we'll be so much lighter!  I mean, it's crazy how much stuff one, teeny, tiny, little baby "needs" (or four in our case):  exersaucer, two bouncy seats, bumbo seat, bathtub, portable swing, regular swing, two activity tables, a wood activity cube, a travel system, and clothes.  Oh the clothes.  Some of them were so adorable I simply couldn't part with them.  But the rest will be gone.  Piles and piles of clothes!

3.  This is going to be a short week for the McGrath family.  We are headed to Sioux Falls, SD on Thurs. after school.  #1 has a swim meet up there and it starts at 5pm on Friday.  I love it!  I'm from SF and so we get to stay with my parents and they get to watch #1 at her competition.  Perfect.

I was going to shoot a family session on Friday morning, but it got cancelled.  So, we'll have a lazy day before we have to be anywhere on Friday.  I am just praying for good weather!

4.  #4 goes from this during the day:

 

to this at night:

It is AWFUL!  She's cutting teeth - lots of them.  And she just can't get comfortable at night.  Last night we were up from midnight - 2:45!  And I hate pumping her full of medicine, but I don't know what else to do.  It was not this hard with the first three.  Ugh. I hope it quits really soon!

5.  I just put up a couple galleries today.  I hope to get a post out this week to showcase the photos.  And you can pick your favorite headshot!  Stay tuned.

6.  Lastly, I love this time of year.  It's warm enough to wear shorts and flip flops but not so hot we're complaining.  My favorite thing to do is either to go on a family walk or hang out in our driveway. 

#1 and #2 love to play Monkey in the Middle.  Of course Yours Truly gets to be the monkey!  And I have to really ham it up for them.  #3 likes to "drive" to Old Mc-a-Donald's to buy me hamburgers and french fries.  She comes home with all sorts of goodies in the back of her Cozy Coup.  Tonight she made me lots of tea.  And #4 loves to ride in her car.  She gets so excited she tries to stand up but can't because she's buckled in.  And she waves - the entire ride around the cul-de-sac.  It's that adorable whole arm wave. Usually Patrick gets to take her for a ride or else one of the neighbor kids will oblige her.  Seriously, she doesn't get tired of it! 

Here is #2.  I think she was mad b/c we were done playing Monkey in the Middle.  At least I was done:)

And here are a couple more of #4.  She was sans clothes because I had already given her a bath.  And I knew if I put her PJs on, they'd only get filthy and I'd have to change her.  Yes, we are that family.  Babies in diapers.  I know.

Have a terrific week!