I am not a party-thrower.
I love attending parties. When someone else is in charge of setting up and cleaning up.
So the fact that I threw a party for a handful of friends just days before school went back into session was huge.
And guess what? I survived. And we had fun.
We got our craft on.

Note: Build-A-Bear Workshop® is is now partnering with Michaels Stores to feature their brand new line of crafts called Build-A-Bear Craftshop™ which will be introduced in all Michaels Stores in September. The new and unique Build-A-Bear …

It feels like ages ago that I took the picture that was to become my trademark Better in Bulk image.
I wish I could take credit for the vision, but I have to admit that it was my friend, Liz, who came up with the idea of displaying the vintage candy jars with all of the candies representing my kids in them. And of course she had the vintage candy jars. She also had two gorgeous vintage cameras, and I thought it would be appropriate to stick a camera in the …

I’m blogging now from the Hilton in New York City, where I’ve already exhausted myself had SO much fun meeting my blogging friends.
The bloggers here in New York City are different than I was expecting. Wetter, in fact.

Actually, we are all wet and sweaty from the extreme heat and humidity here today. Hot doesn’t even begin to describe New York City today (and I’m an East Coaster, used to a humid climate).
The atmosphere at BlogHer so far has been very positive and excited. Not like this guy:

And I’ve only just …

This week’s set of favorite shots is from Saturday’s very HOT (107 degrees!) but very fun and relaxing wedding reception. The groom is a personal favorite of CandyMan and mine, and the bride just happens to be Reese’s counselor at camp. In short, we love these guys and their family. Despite the heat, we enjoyed the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, good food, dancing, and a boat ride (AJ’s first!). But most of all, we enjoyed a few hours with friends (we were even willing to put up with a …

It’s HOT here. Saturday is supposed to be record-breaking temps in the 100s. If it weren’t for the activity we have with other kids at church in the morning, and the wedding reception of the century in the afternoon, I’d just spend the entire day at the pool, sipping ice cold soda. (Disclaimer–the reception really isn’t the event of the century….I just really like the bride and groom. They’re favorites of mine, and I wouldn’t miss their party for all the air conditioning in the world).
Speaking of the pool, I …

Last night, I had in my mind that today was going to be Thursday, so I apologize for those of you waiting for GMYBS to be up. I’m blaming it all on the Summer. Thanks for reminding me, Allison!
This week, I caught a few pictures of my kids at the pool. If you haven’t heard me mention this before, I’ll mention it again: I adore my underwater camera. While it doesn’t take the greatest photos, the underwater shots can’t be duplicated any other way. And I certainly don’t want to …

Yes, a wedding is definitely a cause to celebrate. But so is finishing editing the 2000 pictures you took at a wedding. Being the photographer at a wedding is one of the most intimate and wonderful experiences. I feel like I am reliving a little bit of my own wedding day each time I spend the day with newlyweds. And, correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe that they photographer spends more time with the couple on the wedding day than any other person. I love it.
These …

Last week, I was with my mom and sister and all five of my kids, enjoying the luxury of eating out every night and waking up in a hotel room every morning.
Last week, I was riding on a historic train, looking out at some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and floating down the Lazy River on an inner tube.

Last week, I hardly blogged, I hardly worked, and I spent all day with my family.

Last week, I caught some amazing pictures, but even more importantly I captured some …

On our short drive to my sister’s new house near Hershey, AJ asked if Pennsylvania is where pencils are made. It has been a fun, entertaining, and incredibly hot few days here in PA. Spending hours at a time in a car together and having multiple people sharing a bedroom is a never ending supply for entertaining stories.
On Wednesday, temperature mid-90s with high humidity, we set out for a morning stroll through the Hershey Gardens. Despite the heat, we were able to enjoy ourselves, especially during our walk through the …

I have a friend who has a little girl. This little girl likes to stick her tongue out and wrinkle her nose and eat wooden blocks. And she is absolutely adorable.
I had so much fun taking her pictures this week. Maybe because of her milky skin or her dark, clear blue eyes. Or maybe it was because of her expressions. Whatever it was, I love the pictures, and I can’t wait til I can show you the rest.
PS–today is my baby sister’s birthday. Happy birthday, Amanda!! I love you!!

Now it’s …