A Year-in-the-Life: Chloe’s 1st Birthday Party!

Wow, time really does just fly by, doesn’t it?!  It seems like it wasn’t that long ago Justin & Gretchen were getting married!  Since then they’ve gotten pregnant, had a baby girl, had lots of photo shoots of little Chloe growing up, and now she’s officially a year old!!!  To celebrate, they threw her a party complete with cake smashed in the face and lots of laughs – and once again I got to be there to document the fun!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

So big!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

First of all, the 3 pigtails she’s got going on are adorable.  Secondly, look at how sweet that face is!  And third, I think it’s hilarious how much she loved that card (more than the present even)!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Blowing kisses!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

not quite walking…  I love Gretchen’s hand in the lower left of this shot.  Giving her a chance to stay up by herself, but definitely ready to catch her at the first sign of falling.

Chloe's First Birthday Party

1st Birthday Princess :)

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Chloe's First Birthday Party

What’s this deliciousness?!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Once you have cake all over you, your best bet is to just wash off in the pool!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Dads always know how to make their girls laugh!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

And every little girl needs a fabulous & adoring AUNT!!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Chloe's First Birthday Party

trying to walk some more…. I love the toes, the little thighs, the shadows (especially the hand reaching out to grab)!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

You’re too cute, Chloe!

Chloe's First Birthday Party

Gretchen & Justin (and Chloe) – thank you!  You guys are the best!  It’s been SO fun to document this crazy & wonderful year for you!!!!  It’s hard to believe it’s over already, and I won’t be coming by your house in a couple months for another shoot ;)  But, I’m excited to stay connected with you and see how your family continues to grow and change over the years!

To view more of my favorites from this shoot check out the album on Facebook!

The big 3-Oh!

Yesterday was my birthday – my 30th to be precise! I’m still freaking out a little bit about turning 30, but I am definitely excited about the year ahead. I feel like this is going to be a big year for me, and I can’t wait to see what God does in my life this year!!

I had a pretty low-key day, but the highlight was definitely my birthday lunch…

Here are my niece & nephews in the back of the Suburban on our way to the best birthday lunch spot in the land.

(Tristan-4, Caeden-15 mos, Reilly-3)

That’s right, we went to McDonald’s! 2 plain cheeseburgers, fries & a coke please!



It was a fun lunch, and the kids colored me tons of pictures and gave me lots of hugs and kisses – so it was a great birthday!

Thanks to all of my friends and family to sent emails, e-cards, facebook messages, real cards, and who called to sing to me. I love you and am blessed to have you in my life!