The Davison Kids

These are the Davison kids and I known them since the youngest was 3... which makes me feel phenomenally old. I got a call from Megan (in the middle in the above photo) and she wanted to do pictures of all the kids as a gift for their parents for Christmas. We had to get everything done in a day. The photos were taken, edited and printed all within 12 hours, but we got it done!!! :)

I have so many, many memories of these kids. Tyler was in the JH youth program we volunteered in and was always hysterical, though I may remember a few times he made some of the girls cry. His whit was a little sharper than his age showed. He is very creative and fun and was a total sport for these pictures.

Megan, or Nutmeg, as she wanted be called when she was 8 years old is also very creative. She now has a booming cliental as a nail technician at The Retreat in Corvallis. Megan was always kind and exuberant. Megan also has a bit of a sharp whit to her. (I wonder where they get that... Randy??). Megan did an amazing job of organizing her siblings for this shoot and sat by me through the entire editing process, printing and following through with getting the frames. Well done Nutmeg!!

Carly. Carly, Carly, Carly. Carly has energy. Lots of it. Lots and lots of it. She would RUN across the church sanctuary every Sunday to welcome our arrival. I also remember these words spoken over and over again when were at their home in the evening. "Carly, go to bed. Carly, go to bed. CARLY! GO TO BED!!!!" Carly has a catching laugh and will make you smile even when you don't want to. She is quite a softball player and can sing VERY well!!

All talented kids. I am blessed to have watched them grow up. Thank you for letting me document this time of your lives. I love all you guys!!

My Friends the Gurney's

I have been waiting to have the chance to write about this awesome family, the Gurney family. Hands down this is the most fun, most generous family I have EVER had the privilege of knowing. I met Leann through a play group. We hit it off and have had fun cycling together (when I get my booty out of bed), vacationing together, crying to each other about the woes of parenting, drinking wine, laughing, teasing and enjoying one another's company.

The adjective I would most use to describe this family is generous.

They have blessed our lives in so many ways with their spirit of giving. Leann has blessed me with her thoughtfulness when I have been sick with

gatorade and a People magazine and when I don't

think I can take another day of whining children just blesses me by listening. She blesses me with coffee, hand-me-down shoes, trips away, cabinets in our garage, dinners all together gabbing about the Beavers, a great shoulder to lean on, good conversation and an amazing friend.

AND Leann is soooo funny! I have always thought that no one could compete with my husband's sharp whit, but I think Leann could take him! She is smart, sassy and fun! I just adore her. Michael is kind and funny and makes me feel comfortable. AND the BEST thing about shooting this family (in the non-lethal way of cou

rse) is that they KNOW h

ow to play together.

There are times I ask families to play together and they don't know what to do. But not this family. It is so impressive. Michael and Leann you inspire me to do better with my kids. To enjoy them more. To let them play in puddles. To take them as they are, right now, loving life as only a child can. Thank you for your perspective. Mostly thank you for friendship. I love you all!

And oh, how beautiful is this family! Mama Pajama!