My friend, Chris, is an AMAZING photographer and when she suggested an “exchange” for Christmas pictures, I jumped at the chance! Not only did we get to have our first official photo shoot since Simon was born, but I got to, once again, photograph this DROP-DEAD beautiful family. I mean…seriously, I think Chris could wear a bag over her head and still give Heidi Klum a run for her money.




I met with the Yphantides this afternoon at their beautiful home. This family was so much fun and made my job so easy. In fact, this is the biggest post so far because I had so many great pictures of them to choose from! They are also excellent fake laughers and I’m not lying when I say I want my kids to be just like theirs when they are older because they were so sweet, funny and well-behaved.












This past Sunday I met up with the entire Nelson family at an Encinitas beach. We were lucky to have such beautifully clear skies, which made for a great day.









Chris and I work together during our “day jobs” and she is also an amazing photographer (our family has been lucky enough to be her models). I give the prize for “easiest shoot ever” to this family. They were so laid back and their kids were PERFECT!! Plus, it was a beautiful day after such a rainy week.








Jenni and CJ have five of the most beautiful kids on the planet! We went to Discovery Lake and played around and the twins had fun messing around with my camera. I think we might have some budding photographers on our hands!








And this one, just to show off each of their individual personalities…

Dana, Chris and Nate live on the most amazing piece of property in Valley Center. We had a great time exploring, cracking up and all in all, it got me really excited to have two boys! Dana and Nate leave in June to go to China for two years to teach English and Chris is off to college (his senior pictures will be posted soon!)






I love big families and the Nielsens are no exception. Since they were all in town, we got together for some family pictures. The Nielsens yard provided a great backdrop and at one point, the grandkids all piled onto the John Deere tractor with their “papa”.








These two little ones were full of energy and so much fun to shoot. They didn’t stay in one place for too long as is expected for a 3 year old and 1 and a half year old. I loved getting to know them and their mother, Aaron.







Annie was the most vivacious 3-year old. She had me running around chasing her and we had lots of fun. I was impressed at her sense of humor and check out that curly hair.







I had the pleasure of shooting my friend Jerusha’s family and her husband Jeramy’s parents, Spencer and Rona, also joined us. They were hilarious and there were many times I had to put down the camera and wipe away tears from laughing so hard.








