Suzanne McGrath Photography

Six on Sunday

Hello!  Did you have a good weekend?  We did.  And let me tell you, it was WARM here!  Like, 85* warm here today.  Anyway, I digress.  Let's get started...

 

1.  My MIL came down for the weekend and it was nice to have her around.  She was able to watch #4's tennis lessons and both of the Middle's soccer games.  So it was a good weekend to come down!  Of course the kids always love to have an audience.  It didn't hurt that my sister and niece made it to both soccer games, too!  It's always exciting to have a big audience.

We enjoyed the weather and the EOI (eat outside) index tonight was at least a 9 so we took advantage:  

(I don't believe in utilizing serving pieces for family dinner because DISHES.)  Also, #1 was missing because she was working.  Bummer.

 

2.  I've been working on the Little's bathroom off and on all week.  So far I have most of the vanity painted and now I'm onto the floor.  Here's where I was this morning before I put on the second coat of primer:

Not the most glamorous photo I've ever posted but you know me - I've got to keep it real, yo.  (Also?  It already looks a million times better with just another coat of primer so not to worry.)

 

3.  The dog and the cat both love the cat's food.  Darby (the cat) has pretty much zero patience for Winston (the dog), EXCEPT when she eats.  I'm not sure if she does that to taunt him, but she just doesn't seem to care.  She just eats away while he watches...

As soon as she's done, he moves in to finish the rest unless I catch him first!

 

4.  The kids didn't have school Friday so we wanted to pick apples.  Turns out all the apple orchards are pretty much done for the season.  WHAT?!  Who knew?!  So we drove out to one and just bought apples that they had already picked.  It was a little disappointing but we made up for it by making individual toffee apple crisps.  Relish.  They were so cute I should have taken pictures but I couldn't wait to eat mine so that didn't happen.  Oh well.

 

5.  #2 read the book The Outsiders for school and then the classes watched the movie.  (Brings back memories, doesn't it?)  Anyway, the 8th graders do this every year and every year the teachers let them dress up for extra credit.  She dressed up as a Greaser.  Isn't she cute?  I think it's so fun and really get the kids engaged in the topic at hand.  Win - win.

 

 

6.  Last but not least...I have begun my fall photo sessions.  If you want a session next Saturday, holler because I had a cancellation.  I met with this family today for the second year in a row and they are awesome.  Not to mention it's so fun to see how much the kids have grown and changed over just 12 months.  Here's one sneak peek for you, Kerri!

 

And with that, I'm out of here.  Have a fabulous week!
 
 

 

Photo Session Special AND 10 Tips for Great Family Pictures

Check out that headline!  If you are into family pictures - this post is definitely for you.

First, I am going to offer family sessions again this year!  I had a ton of fun last fall so I thought why not do it again?  

I am offering photo session plus at least 35 images - all individually edited - for just $200!  That's a pretty sweet offer, if I do say so myself.  I have a long list of fun locations and am willing to meet you all over the city.  I've already got the girls's soccer schedules so if you're interested, just shoot me an email or a text and I'll get you on the schedule.  

Now, for the good stuff...(all the pictures you are about to see are from last year and didn't everyone look fabulous?!)

My Ten Tips for Better Family Pictures:

1.  I am bossy.  There.  I said it.  I've been shooting pictures since 2009 so I know a few things about the process - which is why I'm bossy.  However, I definitely like to throw a lot of humor into the mix as well.  If families are having fun and laughing, I get awesome pictures!  And they walk away with a smile on their face.  Win - win.  

 

2.  Coordinate your colors - don't try to be too matchy-matchy. " You've got to coordinate.  Coordinate."  (Name that movie!)  I like to start with a plaid shirt for someone and then pull colors out of the plaid.  Also, think layers - scarves, cardigans, jackets, tights, etc.  If it's chilly enough, layers look awesome in pictures!

 

3.  Make sure your kids like their clothes.  If they don't like their outfit, they can be miserable.  (I speak from experience with my own daughters.)  Trust me on this one.

 

4.  Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable clothes.  It's kind of like #3 above.  But if someone is not comfortable, that will come across in the pictures.

 

5.  Location.  Pick a place where you will be happy and comfortable.  For some, it's an urban setting.  For others, it's a park.  Maybe it's the field behind your house?  Just make sure you feel good about the location because that will come through the pictures.

 

6.  I always say "act like you like each other."  I mean, I KNOW you like each other - but act like it!  What I mean is, smush together!  The photos that look the best have everyone touching somehow.  Trust me.

 

7.  Have a drink before you leave.  You know what I'm talking about.  A drink.  I've even had moms or dads bring a roadie.  (You remember what a roadie is, right?  That's what Solo cups are for!)  I know it sounds funny, but if a drink helps loosen you up - who am I to judge?!

 

8.  Don't worry about your kids behaving.  Really.  I've seen it all.  I have four kids, remember?  Sometimes I will leave the parents in the dust or kick them to the curb (or another street), but it's all good.  Kids are usually less stressed when their parents aren't right there - watching or hovering.  I've got it!

 

9.  Trust me.  (Or your photographer.)  I actually know what I'm doing.  If something sounds strange, just go with it.  It might end up being your favorite image!

 

10.  Have fun!  Try not to stress about what is happening.  I've got it.  I've never walked away from a session without a bunch of good shots.  Ever.  Just relax and enjoy the process.  Truly.   

 

Phew!  If you stuck with me, thank you and I hope you were able to get something out of those tips.  Let me know if you have a good tip I may have missed!

Six on Sunday

Howdy!  I'm just going to dive right in tonight...

1.  I ran the Gobbler Grind this morning with a bunch of friends.  The run itself was miserable and 17 minutes slower than my April half marathon, but brunch afterwards totally made up for that!  And it was a really special half for my friend, Carmen.  It was her 30th half marathon - and it was also her first half years ago.  How cool is that?!

Don't let that picture fool you (I'm the front right - wearing orange) - I look like I'm bending down so I don't block the back row, right?  Wrong!  I could barely stand straight I felt so crappy.  I was the least prepared for this race I've ever been (trying to ward off my hamstring/glute injury by not training) and also, I had used my inhaler twice in the past 12 hours because I'm so allergic to my sister's cat.  Neither of those issues bode well for running 13.1 miles.  Ahhh well, such is life, right?

I have to say the saving grace was the beautiful, albeit hot, weather.  It started out in the upper 30s and when we finished it was mid-50s.  I got HOT!  But the trees and the trails were gorgeous so not all was lost.

2.  Last night my family and I headed out to my sister's house.  I shot their family pictures at Lake Lenexa and we stayed for dinner and a rousing match of laser tag.  Check out our backdrop for pictures:

Not too shabby, eh?!  

And to make it even better - our cousin Vicki was in town and drove out to Aimee's house to hang with us for the evening. It was so fun to get to see her!  I stole Vicki's picture off Facebook:

The evening was capped off with a Husker win and I haven't seen the hubby that excited all season - such a great finish to a great evening!  Loved it.  (Well, I didn't love being allergic to Aimee's cat because that makes my lungs hurt and I become wheezy.  Gross.)  But still a great time!

3.  Speaking of wins - how about them Royals!?  Remember last Sunday I posted early because we were getting ready to head to our neighbor's driveway to watch the game?  Yep - this is what it looked like.  So awesome!

I am just sad I didn't wake the big girls up to watch the finish.  But, hindsight is 20/20, right?  

We celebrated with 800,000 of our closest friends on Tuesday!  (I totally stole this photo off Facebook to show my friends and family what it was really like here in KC.)

But seriously, school was cancelled, the hubby and I each took an emergency vacation day, and we headed downtown.  What should have taken us 30 minutes ended up taking an hour, but honestly, that was nothing compared to what some people went through.  (The interstate looked like a parking lot because people seriously parked their cars in the middle of the street and walked to the rally/parade.)  We ended up parking about a mile and a half away from the parade and walking down.  We met our friends and hung with them for the day - and we didn't lose each other once!  

The kids were TROOPERS!  For real - there was no whining or complaining.  Here was our view while waiting for the parade:

It was nuts but seriously awesome.  We didn't have any trouble at all and people were nice and just so excited to be there.  The big girls "got it" but I don't think the little girls really, truly understood what a big deal this was for Kansas City.  My hope is that attending the parade will take on more significance as they get older and realize how cool this was for our city.  

The players were so classy - they all wore T-shirts that said "Thank you Kansas City".  It's hard to adequately describe the feeling.  I think we were all just so darn proud of this team and our city.  It was really a special (though exhausting - not gonna lie) day.

4.  We were able to celebrate another winning team again on Friday night!  #2's soccer team won their division for soccer this past fall and were recognized at the Comets game.  

Obviously not all the girls were able to make it but we still had fun.  It's fun to see the girls interact with each other outside of just playing soccer.  Plus, I love all the parents on the team - everyone is no-drama, down-to-earth and just plain nice.  That is priceless.

5.  I almost forgot to show you my goods from my day thrift shopping with my friend, Christi.  We headed down to the West Bottoms early (arrived at 9:15am) and did some damage.  But mostly - we just had a blast!  Here are my treasures:

The vintage sled is for Christmas/winter decor on my front porch.  The stool is going to be a plant stand in my bathroom (needs to be cleaned up) and the watering can will be put to good use next summer.

Here's a close-up of the smaller stuff:

• Fluted milk glass pedestal (for my nightstand)
• Fluted milk glass candy dish (it was just too cute and cheap to pass up)
• Glass jar with a lid (for my bathroom china cabinet)
• Set of 3 brass candlesticks (I already have a set of 6 of these but you can never have too many)
• 2 Readers Digest books (Christmas-y covers will be great for staging the house this season)
• Milk glass Goblet (I'm going to use it as a planter)
• Brass owl (just so darn cute!)

Luckily, the weather Friday was almost perfect and we were able to eat outside.  We both love the Crave food truck and totally indulged.  So good!

6.  I took pictures of my girls yesterday - in 25 minutes.  Seriously, so fast!  But I think we got a good one for a Christmas card so it was worth it.  Here's an outtake:

Aren't they so cute?  Man, I love those girls!

And there you have it.  I'm headed to bed.  Have a great week!

Six on Sunday

Hello!  I'm sitting here - with a glass of wine - after a crazy full weekend.  I debated blogging but thought I better do it since I will not be here next Sunday.  Because I will be in PARIS.  As in FRANCE.  No, I'm not excited or anything.  Ha!  Let's get the show on the road, shall we?

1.  Last week sucked.  ROYALLY.  And it was only four days.  Enough said.  

2.  This week will fly by since I have SO MUCH TO DO!  For reals, though.  

I need to do the laundry as it was sorely neglected this past weekend and has since piled up.  And up.  And up.  I have to get caught up at work (300+ emails need attention), figure out what, exactly, to pack, and try to finish a play kitchen the Littles and I started this weekend.  All in the next four days.  We'll see how successful I am in my pursuits.  Wish me luck!

3.  My mom came up this weekend to catch a few soccer games.  Five, to be exact!  Yep - she successfully watched each of her grandkids play soccer. (Only five games since #1 no longer plays soccer.)  Luckily for her (and us) it was a fabulous weekend to watch soccer.  It wasn't hot but it was warm enough.  I loved it!  

#2 played under the lights Friday night which is always fun.  (However, I forgot to sneak in my red wine and I missed it.  Like, seriously missed it.  Refer to #1 above.)  #4 played Saturday morning and again this afternoon.  And #3 played this afternoon.  My mom saw my niece and nephew play yesterday.  Yep - lots of soccer and it was all good.

#2's team managed a shut-out Friday night (and again today) so they talked the parents into Orange Leaf after the game Friday.  I'm not kidding you - their whole after game "pep talk" with the coach revolved around Orange Leaf or Sonic?  So funny!

I'd be lying if I said I minded.  Because, duh!  Orange Leaf.  YUM!

4.  Several months ago the littles told me I could sell their play kitchen.  Then, about a month after I sold it, they asked me why I sold it?  Uhhh, WTH?  I said, "You told me I could sell it!"  To which they replied, "Well, we still played with it."  Ugh.  

So, I took matters into my own hands.  We are building our own play kitchen.  I am trying to spend as little money as possible.  (It's like my own little game.)  I bought this entertainment center for $20.  THAT is in my budget.

When the hubby helped me unload it I heard him mutter under his breath, "Sometimes I hate Craigslist." I must say, I vehemently disagree with that statement.  Craigslist is my crack!  It's awesome!

Anyway, the littles have not been so excited since...EVER.  They sanded, cleaned, and primed this whole beast with their neighborhood friend and their cousin.  I told the four of them if they argued one time, they would be done painting.  They played for two hours with hardly a peep.  They were so proud of themselves and rightly so!

Today I worked on cutting out holes for the sink (a stainless steel bowl), and faucet (the original faucet from our claw foot tub - another Craigslist purchase), and a "window" in the back of the piece I cut to cover up the old TV opening.  I also cut a back for the other openings.  The girls helped me nail the backs to the piece tonight.  They are just so excited for this thing it's too cute to put into words.  I'll put together a post when I finish.  So far, besides the unit itself, I've only spent $5 on the bowl.  I have re-used or found the rest in our garage.  How awesome is that!

5.  To get ready for Paris I made doubles of three meals last week so I could freeze them:  lazagna, chicken enchiladas, and spaghetti.  We also have hamburgers in the freezer.  Originally, I wasn't going to make anything and let the hubby fend for himself.  Then I started to feel guilty.  And now I can leave on a clearer conscious.  So that's good.  Plus, there are a couple meals that he can make that are his favorites and #2 is dying to cook for the family one night.  They will be just fine.

I also wrote out the schedule for the entire week.  All the activities, times, and who drives.  While I was writing it all down I realized it will be a REALLY busy week for just one parent.  Thank goodness he is laid back because he'll come out of this practically unscathed.

6.  I had a family photoshoot session today.  I had never met this family and they were so much fun!  Seriously, the cutest kids and most laidback, easy-going parents.  That, and we were all slightly late due to finding parking spots (River Market.  Sunday morning.  Yep.) - it was a match made in heaven!

I haven't had time to properly cull through the pics and edit them, so these were just a few that jumped out at me:

 

Looking fabulous:

 

And letting off a little steam:

Awesome, right?!

Phew!  I made it.  Six.  Sunday night.  Done.

Have a fabulous week and I'll see you in a few!

 

 

Six on Sunday

So it's only 6:40pm and yet it feels like midnight.  This time change thing blows.

1.  We had a fabulous Halloween!  The girls all trick-or-treated with various friends.  The weather was do-able.  Certainly not warm, but everyone lasted and no one came home crying.  I enjoyed an hour or so to myself, drinking red wine.  Ahhhh...so nice.

Going left to right:  The Incredibles, Robin, a peacock, and a goth witch.  (#4's favorite color is black and she didn't want the cute witch costume.  Oh no.  She wanted the all black witch costume.)

We carved pumpkins over three nights - Wed, Thurs, and Fri.  I think they all turned out pretty great.

After trick-or-treating we had a few neighbors over and had a great time.  I love our neighborhood!

2.  I think I am done (for now) with hanging frames for my gallery wall.  They aren't all filled with artwork yet, but it's a good start.  I wanted to do something to try to take away attention from the TV.

3.  On the shower front, we didn't make as much headway as we hoped.  Therefore, we're going to have to do some work this week.  The hubby managed to frame in the large niche and put down the curb, but that was it.  This week we're going to do the pre-slope.  Once that's dry we can lay down the liner and put in the mortar bed which is what we'll tile over.  Such a process.  Sheesh!

4.  It was a fairly busy weekend.  #1 had a swim meet both days (which really halted work on the shower), Halloween was thrown in for good measure including a 5-girl sleepover, and I had 3 photoshoots!  We're lucky #2 didn't have any soccer games.

Speaking of photoshoots, here's a few sneak peeks.  

That sassy pose just kills me!  And yes, I also got one with her foot down.

 

And how cute is this next one - with the dog?  Totally the all-American family.

 

Next up...

This little red-head made me work for it!  I've forgotten all my one-year-old tricks now that my baby is 5.  And a half.  No matter - we got some good ones!

 

If you've been reading awhile, you might remember I photographed a wedding a few years ago.  Well, Darcy and Chris were the happy couple and as you can see above they expanded their family and they're going to add another one in Feb.  Isn't that cool?!  And don't you love his red hair?!  So cute.  

 

And these guys we've been friends with since we moved to KC some 18 years ago!  In fact, we had a photoshoot together a few years ago.  You can check them out here.  (That link just took me a good while to find because I thought I took their pics back in 2012.  Nope.  It was clear back in 2010!)

 

(I swear Christi's eyes are open.  When I open it in Bridge they're fine so I think the pixels are getting compressed a bit on my screen.)

I adored Sydney's animal print pants and have to hold myself back from getting them for my littles!

 

After my sessions were done I shot a few with my girls:

So sweet!

5.  Remember last Sunday how I was so excited not to cook this past week?  Well, it was nice but not as nice as I thought it would be.  Turns out the sides (veggies and fruits) take some time to prepare.  I'd like to try it again when I have time on a Sunday to prepare everything else.  I think that will make a big difference.

Speaking of preparing the veggies - I did that today.  The little girls helped which was actually really great!  We cut up green beans, broccoli, butternut squash, zucchini, green onions, and Romaine lettuce. It will really help my evenings.

So what are we eating?  We're trying some new recipes!  

• Tonight:  potato soup in the crockpot + apples + roasted zucchini + French bread for dipping

• Monday:  Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Smoky Roasted Chicpeas + Green Beans + Fruit  (I'm sure I'll make homemade mac-n-cheese for the littles)

• Tuesday: Crock pot Balsamic Beef Sandwiches with Blue Cheese and Crispy Shallot and Au Jus + Asparagis + Fruit 

• Wednesday:  Crunchy Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Breasts with Ranch Roasted Potatoes + Broccoli + Fruit

• Thursday:  Spaghetti and Meatball Soup + Caesar Salad + Fruit  (Last time I made this I think I shorted the meatballs - bad idea.  Also, this time I'm going to use smaller pasta like medium shells.  But the flavor was great and I really loved the chopped up veggies hidden in there.)

• Friday:  Pizza at my mom's house

6.  I'm thinking about updating my blog - both design and function.  I've started checking into it but sheesh - it's not cheap!  I'm going to have to mull it over.  But I've got years of archives and projects and no great way to search.  I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet.

Alrighty then!  That's all I've got for tonight.  Have a fantastic week!

 

 


 

 

Seven on Sunday

Hello!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Ours was very full.  I don't want to use the word "busy" because I feel like it has a negative connotation to it these days.  So I'm going with "full".  

1.  I have to start off this post by wishing my sister HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I hope she had a great dinner celebration last night because I know she studied most of the day today.  Her kids had a sleepover with our kids last night last so she and her main squeeze could celebrate in style - aka sushi!  However, being in school (for her Nurse Practitioner degree) put a little damper on her actual day today.  Can you imagine studying on your birthday?  Me, either!  At least the light is at the end of the tunnel - graduation in May.  And could I be any more proud?  I don't think so.

Here she is from last weekend with her boyfriend:

  

2.  Friday night started with homemade pizza which is always a hit.  However, #1 had swim at 6pm so she didn't get to eat until she got home.  #3 had soccer skills and just barely got it in given it downpoured about 15 minutes before she started!  

And what did I do?  Well, I sanded ceilings - the little girls room and walk-in closet.  It was so gross!

Since we are getting new carpet in the near future, we decided there is no time like the present!  So the hubby scraped and then patched in the ceiling and I sanded it.  (I tried patching it in with mud but I hated it and was so bad at it that the hubby just took over.  And I let him.)  

Don't be too jealous of our crazy Friday night!

3.  Saturday was full of soccer games - three, to be precise.  But first, I had to drop #1 off at swim practice which mean I was up at 6:30am.  On a Saturday.  So gross.

Then, #3 had a soccer game at 8:15am which is early for her.  But man, does she play tough.  And by tough, I mean pushing and shoving.  That kid is gonna get called by the ref any day!  But she had a great game and scored a goal.  She was pretty happy.

After her game we high-tailed it home so I could prime the ceilings.  As soon as that was done (and I had properly showered) #2 and I headed to her soccer game.  Meanwhile, the hubby took #4 to her soccer game.  (#3 chose to stay home with #1.)  

And can I just tell you - the soccer game I watched was the absolute best I have seen her team play.  It is finally all coming together for them.  They were passing, playing their positions, helping each other out, and just generally playing at 110% for the entire game.  It was such an awesome game to watch!  And the best part?  We had five goals and all of them were scored by a different girl.  That just goes to show you there is not one star player - but a real, true team.  So cool!

As for #4, she played with a smile the whole game!  Which is a relief because she told me she was only going to play a half.  That kid kills me!  But damn, is she cute?!

4.  That afternoon I managed to paint the ceilings with two coats of paint AND I managed to get up the first coat of paint on the walls.  I didn't even have to watch the Husker game because I could tell how we were doing just by listening to the hubby down in the family room!  (Yeah, he's LOUD.)  Phew!  

We ended the evening by the cousins coming over and playing with the girls and joining us for dinner.  

5.  I started the morning off today with a 6 mile run.  It was just too gorgeous not to enjoy.  And you know what?  The trails here are pretty great!

6.  I capped off the morning by painting the second of paint on the walls.  The best part?  #2 rolled while I cut in.  She was so awesome and cut the time by almost half!  Plus, it was so great to have company.  

This is definitely still an in-progress view but here is where the room is right now:

Forgive the pictures but the celiling fan/light is down and I was chasing the light with my iPhone.  Not a great combo.

It's sort of a high/low room.  High = Pottery Barn duvet and Low = Target sheets.  But I love it.  And the little girls are so excited.  

We still need pillow shams.  I have to paint and upholster the headboards I bought in July.  They also need new bed skirts.  But I'm calling it down until No-Spend September is over.  

7.  BONUS!  I had two photo sessions this week.  Here is a sneak peak from each one.

Loved this kid.  He was awesome. 

 

We've been family friends with these guys since our littlest girls were in the Infant room at daycare.  In case you are mathematically challenged (and I include myself in that bucket), that is five years!  Man, how time flies!

 

8.  BONUS AGAIN!  But not really.  Just wanted you to know I will be out of town next Sunday.  Well, technically I will be getting back into town.  But all this to say, don't count on a post next Sunday night.  It'll have to be another make up post.  

Have a great week, everyone!

 

More Family Pictures at Iron Woods Park

The hubby has been gone this week and I am beat!  Therefore this post will be short on words...

I have a few more sesisons to highlight and thought I should show my sister and her two kids tonight!

I have to say, they were AWESOME this year.  Man, what a difference a couple years makes:)  Last time I photographed these guys it was a lot of work and this time time it was just a lot of fun!  I got a ton of great images all in less than 45 minutes.  For real.  I am fast!

Here goes...enjoy!

My nephew is a ham.  He would look every which way but AT the camera.  But when I got him it was good.

Those brown eyes...so gorgeous.

My niece has grown into quite the mature, young lady recently.  

Grant and Sydney together...

I think my nephew looks like he's got something up his sleeve - rather mischeveous, huh?

 

And the family...I love the backlight in these two images.

And there you have it!  One more session knocked at Iron Woods Park.

 

Family Pictures at Iron Woods Park

These guys were great!  First, we met at Iron Woods Park which I love because it takes me less than 10 minutes to get there.  And second, they were so easy going and fun.  And the girls?!  Awesome.  

Katie and I have known each other since our girls were just infants.  In fact, I remember when Katie was pregnant with her youngest!  So it was really fun to get to be their family photographer.

And here they are...

Do you see the resemblance?  Mom and dad each have a "Mini-Me".  I loved it.

 

 

And I couldn't forget mom and dad!

I don't know why, but I really, really love the picture of the two of them!

 

And the last one for tonight:

Aren't they a cute family?!

 

Six on Sunday

Let's do this!

1.  We had a fantastic weekend.  We mixed in fun, family time, soccer, photography, and projects.  Now that is my kind of weekend - a little of everything.  Up first...soccer.  

#2 had a late soccer game Friday night under the lights.  And let me tell you, it was COLD - like 40* cold!  But I have to say, it was worth it because they won.  And honestly, I actually kind of enjoy those games.  (I know.  I'm crazy.)  

#3 and #4 had soccer games yesterday.  It was #4's last game of the season.  We bribed promised her McDonald's if she participated in her games.  And she did!  (I think we're going to skip the spring season.)  She is smiling in this picture 1) Because she knows she's done and 2) She knows she's headed to McDonalds.

#3 plays her last game next Saturday.  She's getting really fun to watch these days.  She is even starting to make passes!

2.  We're continuing to organize the house.  This weekend the hubby and I were ruthless.  We went through our closet and came up with two big laundry baskets full of clothes we don't wear anymore.  It made me feel a little guilty but most of the things that ended up in the pile were at least 5 years old.  And honestly, styles change.  But now I actually like walking into the closet!  It's organized and less cluttered.  Plus, I think I am bringing the hubby over to my side.  You see, I want to do custom built-ins for the closet this winter.  I have it all sketched out and I even measured our clothes to make sure everything will fit.  We make it work today but there really isn't any room for shoes and it could be SO MUCH BETTER.

I also cleaned the basement this week.  I took three garbage bags full of clothes and toys to Goodwill.  Plus, I organized all the doll clothes and the toys that remained.  It feels so nice and neat down there now.  I love it.  And I know the kids appreciate it because the little girls were down there all weekend!  That is totally just a bonus.

3.  The three big girls all had orthodontist appointments this week.  And big news!  #1 is going to get braces this coming Friday!  That means mom and dad are going to the poor house soon.  Because as soon as she is done, it will be time for #2 and so on and so forth.  Four kids in braces - I think we'll end up paying for an entire wing in their building!

4.  Last night we went to the Lousiburg Cider Mill and Pumpkin Patch.  (#1 did not join us because she had a better offer - to go to Worlds of Fun.)  As far as pumpkin patches go, it was not that great.  It was $8 each to get in and there was not a whole lot of stuff to do.  But the kids enjoyed it and that was all that mattered.  However, as far as cider goes, it was AWESOME.  Their cider donuts and hot apple cider were to die for!  I would totally make the drive out there just for that.  In a heartbeat.

Here's a picture I posted on Facebook.  They are all drinking their "beer"...

5.  The big girls and my niece did some shopping today at Old Navy.  I find I either have great luck or terrible luck there.  Today was good.  Great.  We all found tons of stuff!  We walked out of there with three huge bags stuffed with clothes.  But, when I got home I looked up our purchases online and realized they were having a 20% sale online only.  So what did I do?  Well, I re-ordered almost everything (minus the clothes #2 needs for her orchestra concert in two days) and saved a boatload of cash.  I have never done that before but it would have been crazy not to do it.  And you know what?  I'm not even going to feel guilty taking it all back.  Not one bit.  In fact, I am actually patting myself on the shoulder because I am not a smart shopper.  Except for today!

6.  I was busy out at Iron Woods Park this weekend.  (I love shooting out there.  They have great vingettes and it's only 8 minutes from home.)  I had three photo sessions.  Two teachers (they both taught #3 and #4 so I gave them sessions for teacher appreciation week last May) and my sister and her two kids.  Yesterday was a little chilly but not bad and today was simply gorgeous.  And all three sessions were just a breeze! 

Miss Demmi and her family:

My sister and her two kiddos:

Miss Laurie and her family:

Seriously, how cute are all those pictures?!  Love them all.

And that is it for tonight.  I'm headed downstairs to catch up on The Good Wife.  Have a great week!

 

Family Pictures...City Market KC, MO

I think this is the third time I've done their family pictures?!  The first time #3 wasn't even mobile!    

Fall 2011

And I know I did an April session back in 2010 - but I must not have blogged it?

Anyway, these boys keep me on my toes!  But man, they are sure cute!

And there you have it - the McDowell family.  So fun!