Liza

Meet Liza.  She is currently my roommate/ pseudo little sister at the moment!  She's great and quite the sport as we ventured out for a sunrise shoot one morning...6am!

Clarke Family

Meet the Clarke family.  I first heard from them a few months back.  It was their mother's birthday and they wanted to give her something special.  They decided on a photo shoot, and I'm glad they did.  I enjoyed meeting the Clarke's as they are such a warm and friendly family.  From the moment we met, they didn't skip a beat in bringing me in on the family jokes.  Interestingly enough, one of the sisters lived right up the road from me in Kenya!  Small world!  The weather was amazing and made for a perfect Saturday Afternoon.  Happy Birthday, Mrs. Clarke! 

Lucy Jane

If you've been following my blog, I'm sure you will recognize this sweet little one, Lucy Jane.  My favorite photo I took of her back in the fall was this: 

This child has so much joy, she can't help but smile all the time!   Last week I asked Casey and Ashley if I could take some more photos of Lucy since she is a bit older.  I had a wonderful time being back at their home and sharing an afternoon together.  After the shoot we went to lunch.  Let me tell you, Lucy had the entire restaurant captivated.  I'm not exaggerating...at one point, I looked at the tables surrounding us, and every person at every table was staring at Lucy.  I don't know what it is about this little one, but she is special.  Enjoy these new photos of her.  Hopefully her joy will spill over to you.  I know I can't help but smile when I look at these!

the Tudors

Meet my dear friend, Catherine Tudor:

I first met Catherine on move-in day, freshman year of college.  We lived down the hall from each other.  Both having a love for the Lord, coffee, running....and much more, we soon became great friends.  We ended up living together throughout the rest of our time at JMU.  When I was moving to Richmond for my month-long internship, Catherine offered me to stay with her.  It was such an amazing time for us to reconnect after not seeing much of each other during the two years I was overseas.  Our friendship has continued to grow over the years and I am so grateful to have her in my life.  She is an encouragement to me and my faith and continues to sharpen me as we walk through life together. Beautiful Catherine, thanks for the warm welcome to Richmond...I'm glad to be here with you!  It was great spending time with your family and capturing the joy you find in each other!

Annnd this would be Catherine's significant other.  He's alright...I think she might keep him around ;)

Parker Ladies

Upon moving to Richmond, I was reunited with a friend from college, Becca Parker.  I doubt I've ever told her this and she may not remember, but she played a roll in how I ended up overseas in Africa.  She and I both served together in college organization called 'Justice Team.'  We both have similar passions for Justice issues around the world and it was an honor to serve with her.  She often challenged my view of the world, justice, and missions.  One day we had lunch together and I shared with her  how much I love Africa and missions and how I wanted to go back to Africa during the summer.  She asked me if I ever considered doing longer-term missions.  We discussed how its difficult to really get to know a country and the people within in s short time.  We discussed what it would be like to truly LIVE out missions for longer periods of time.  What it would be like to be living among the people, suffering with them, and celebrating with them.  Now,  three years since that conversation, I can say that I have lived among the people of Kenya...and am forever thankful that I did.  Thank you, Becca, for that conversation and for challenging me! For Christmas, Becca and her three sisters wanted to give some portraits to their parents.  We had an amazing time gallivanting the country and exploring the land.  I've enjoyed getting reunited with Becca and getting to know her family!  Merry Christmas, Parkers!