If at first you do not succeed....

Being an on location, natural light photographer has it's challenges.  Especially when you live in Oklahoma and you never know what the weather is going to do from one moment to the next.  It took us a few tries to get this session worked out, between scheduling conflicts and a random dust storm.  However, I'm really happy that Mother Nature stepped in.  I met Tabitha and her boys at an old ice house that her friends own and the lighting and space could not have been more perfect!  I may have to do some sweet talking to make the location a regular, even! :D

If the relationship of father to son could really be reduced to biology, the whole earth would blaze with the glory of fathers and sons.

Talking boys into striking a pose is often quite difficult, they generally only do it for the woman in their life mostly.  Wether it be their wife or mother, they will give in just long enough to capture one or two good photos before they are done with you.  That is definitely a challenge when you're the one on the other side of the camera, pushing the button and trying very hard to capture them in just the right moment so that their mom/wife will have something to fill a frame on their wall.  Luck was on my side with Jessica's boys! :D

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet.

Letting little people have creative liberties with paint always leads to fun pictures!  Of course, we snapped a very quick shot before he got a hold of Mom's belly button.  I'm sure he was just practicing for when his baby sister is ready to be painted too :D

Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas

I have to admit, I miss being a child.  What better reason is there to wear a tutu just because you want to without anyone thinking twice about it?!  Miss Josie certainly rocked it too!  I just adore all 3 of these little ones and I had a blast with them again, of course :)

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.

I just adore Miss Britni, so it was quite a pleasure to meet some more members of her sweet family!  We had the challenge of finding an inside location since her little people were in tow and it was a bit chilly for the normal places.  Interestingly enough, we wound up shooting inside the Bass Pro Shop!  I think the images will have a very warm lodge-y feel and I can't wait to see how they all turn out!

[P]atriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime

The phrase "frenzied outbursts of emotion"doesn't even begin to explain what it's like for those of us on this side of deployment.  A whole year worth of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special events and everything in between that are missed.  It goes without saying that when the day comes when Dad comes home, "excitement" is an understatement!  I have to say, it's just as exciting for me.  Even when the soldier coming home isn't mine, but one from my husband's unit that didn't get to come home with everyone else because of medical issues.

boy (boi) n. a male child, lad, youth, not yet a man, often a magnet to dirt, toys and adventure.

I think this one came out pretty cute, in spite of not being able to talk Nate into turning more toward the camera.  He just didn't understand why he couldn't watch Mommy and Daddy kiss!  I had a blast playing with Nicole and her family, even though it was quite windy and a bit chilly that day :)