Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day! I hope you had a chance to spend time or have a nice chat with the person in your life who you call "Mom". I had a great weekend in Maine with most of my family, for my brother Brian's graduation from UNE (next post!). We laughed, ate good food, met awesome new people, and laughed some more! Any time I spend with my family is bound to leave a smile on my face. :)

For Mother's Day today we all piled in the car (new car! Fondly named Mud Pie) and headed over to Maine Indoor Karting. That's right! We took our mom go-karting for Mother's Day. It was AWESOME! If you are ever in/near/or within 50 miles of Scarborough, ME, you should definitely take a detour and check this place out. The track is indoor, so bad weather (like today) has no effect on racing. They deck you out in all the racing finery (for safety and for show!) and after a safety video, you are let loose for 8 minutes of NASCAR style glory! I have always wanted to be a race car driver, which of course would go right alongside my career as a fighter pilot. 

Happy Mother's Day Mum! You are a constant joy in my every day:) You can take the place of many people in my life, but no one could ever take the place of you. I love you! xo Kathleen

(And not to boast, but I simply cannot let this one go...I totally took first place! Brian did have the best lap time though) xo K

Baby Madeleine

Soft, sweet, cuddly, beautiful babies: I am simply in my little own piece of heaven. And with several belly sessions lined up this summer, ultimately it means I will get to cuddle, hug, and photograph more babies soon! A couple weeks ago I happily made my way north on a gray afternoon to meet with baby Madeleine and her parents. I met Madeleine a mere few days after she was born when her father and mother were toting her about proudly to show her off. Being totally smitten, I immediately said, “We need to do photos” and the rest is history!

Al Capone was highly interested in me and my camera bag when I arrived. Just doing his duty as local gangster. Gotta keep the neighborhood safe and camera thugs under control!

btw, I love the tattoo on Whitney's wrist. "let is be" A simple reminder in a busy, crazy world.









Thank you Whitney and Alex for letting me into your home to capture Maddie in all her tiny baby glory! She is simply beautiful. Best of luck with everything in life! xo K

Chicago or Bust!

I've packed my hand sanitizer, echinacea, a face mask, water sanitizing tablets and some clothes. It's off to Chicago! And I'm flying. I am definitely looking for to a weekend with two of my closest girl friends (woohoo!), but not looking forward to venturing out of my safe little, germ free (okay, swine flu free) country home. But! You only live once, so off I go loaded with germ-fighting power! Have a great weekend everyone! xo K

This bouquet is by Michelle of Petals. I just love the color! It makes me think of lace and pretty ladies in fluffy dresses, strolling through victorian era gardens. What a vision! We are working with Michelle to build her portfolio and a new website! (Coming soon)

Britney and Uncle Ken's Birthday!

I love, love, LOVE getting together with my friends. We always have such a great time catching up and telling stories, laughing and eating. At the end of the night I no doubt leave with sore abs from laughing so much. My friends keep me young and happy! So on Saturday when Britney invited Devin and I to her and Uncle Ken's birthday dinner, I happily obliged. Unfortunately Devin was not able to make the trip, but I made sure to talk enough (and eat enough) for both of us! 

Enjoy a little peak at our evening. 

When I arrived I made sure to seek out my little friend Lila. We do not get to see each other nearly enough! But she always gifts me with a great (trixy looking) smile that just melts my heart.



Lila and her lovely mum Sarah. 

Salmon-check, tuna steak-check, steak steak-check, delicious homemade dinner spread-check! YUM!

Birthday kids Britney and Uncle Ken showing those candles who is in charge!



The cake was a three-layer chocolate cake with raspberry jam and chocolate chips in the center. Ah-MAZE-ing!

Ben, his nice Florida tan, and a big piece of cake!

Emily and Uncle Ken. Emily had just returned from a trip to Greece and showed us a cool souvenir: a Pythagorean Cup. I was enthralled! Talk about a cool invention. Wouldn't fly in America though...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRITNEY AND UNCLE KEN! Marian (and all who cooked), dinner was delish! Thank you for a great evening. xo K

Cat vs. Printer

I love animals. And not simply because they are cute, cuddly, and give me the undying affection that I crave, but because they have such fantastic personalities! All of my pets provide me with endless moments of laughter. And if you have not seen the new Disney movie "Earth" yet, I definitely reccomend it. Animals are just as funny in nature!

For now, enjoy this video that Devin shared with me. I am in stiches each time I watch it!

Happy Monday!

xo K

Almost 50, Certainly Fabulous

When Kathy initially contacted me for photos of her husbands surprise birthday party, I was excited. When she then gave me all the details about the extravagant birthday weekend she had planned (secretly), I was ecstatic! How fun! And I could not wait to be a part of it. 

Brad, the birthday boy (who is not really 50 until December), was whisked away on a weekend trip to The Woodstock Inn & Resort by his lovely wife. She told him that he would be coming face to face with someone important Friday evening. Who could it be? Well...Brad had NO idea! A running joke in his circle of family and friends is that Brad really enjoys seeing himself (in pictures or the mirror). Kathy took that joke and ran with it!

Kathy, Brad is truly blessed to have such an amazing woman by his side, making him smile, and keeping him young. From the arrival gifts to the departing brunch, the whole weekend was amazing! I'm sure you hear, but everyone kept saying what a great time they were having. And Brad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! From now and through the whole year, CELEBRATE!

Enjoy some of my favorites below from a fabulous weekend.  

FRIDAY Night Surprise Party

Kathy had large posters made with Brad's picture, that were displayed in The Main Dining Room.



Who was Brad coming face-to-face with? Himself of course! Kathy had masks made of Brad's face for everyone to hide behind during the surprise. It was a hoot seeing "Brad" all over the room!

SURPRISE!





All of Brad's friends collaborated to put together a slide show with music, photos and memories. It had everyone laughing!

Kathy got a standing ovation for all of her hard work that was put into a great weekend trip.

SATURDAY Day Activities

Saturday was gray, but that did not stop anyone from getting out and enjoying the Woodstock area. Group photo first!

The Quechee Gorge hiking crew.

Lunch break at The Farmers Diner!

Brad and his beautiful wife, Kathy.

After lunch we visited the different artisans around The Quechee Gorge Village.

And checked out the beautiful glass at Simon Pearce.



SATURDAY Night Dinner

Everyone wore their "festive" black to welcome Brad to his new age.



SUNDAY Morning Brunch

Sunday dawned sunny with blue skies. A perfect Vermont spring day!



Some early birds had to hit the road before breakfast.

Kathy had cards for everyone to write a note to Brad. The back reads: "Brought to you by YAAA. Youth Against Aging Alliance and the Committee to Keep Brad Young"

Did I mention the life size photo cutout of Brad? Check it out in the background here. It was present all weekend at the various events. As I was departing after brunch I heard discussion of how it will be passed around amongst the friends and photographed in various places. Was there mention of him perhaps modeling a bridal gown?? :)





And "Brad" is off for his first visit with friends! 
Thanks guys and gals for a great weekend!

xo K