2009 Family Portraits- for real this time

I know that blaring flash is slightly distracting in this picture, but you get the point.

Here is my favorite, and the one Jeff has up in his office.

" the sweet one"

"the silly one"

"the PRINCESS"

our family

I'm finally putting these up here for my sweet friend Kelsey, who was the delightful photographer. She did a fantastic job on this shoot, in fact, almost every person who comes into my house asks who did the pictures... She really captured the essence of my kids through some of these, which is what I love. Forget those silly, school pictures with a "gray cloud swirly" background. None of those for me, please! I prefer them a little more creative, a little more real, a little more interesting, and frankly, a little more smiley. The only other pictures, besides candids, this year that have got a real smile out of Brooklyn have been the swim team pictures. Go figure, she's in the pool, what kid wouldn't be smiley?! Thanks Kelsey, I love them! (and Congratulations!)

Family Portrait-2009

Since I haven't posted our family photos up here recently, I am putting this very accurate portrait up. Lily drew this. I will translate this picture for you: our family is full of love- you can see that by the hearts above our heads.

My favorite part of this, besides Jeff and Tyler's hair is the special addition of our sweet rat Tickle, who Lily has become EXTREMELY attached to. They are BFF's! Actually, not just Lily, we all love her and are happy to have her in our home.

It's great to be 8!

Ok, so I've been a little busy lately... but how can I not record one of the most important things my daughter will ever do?!!!

Brooklyn was baptized on May 9, 2009. It was such a joyous occasion!!! All friends and family, even those who live in California, came to celebrate with us. My parents from Austin came, and Jeff's parents from California came, and they brought along our adorable neice Maddie!!! It was her first time in Texas, it was such a treat to be with her!

I am so proud of Brooklyn, and this monumental age that she has reached! Brooklyn is a strong, independent, intelligent girl and she is definitely ready for this! My Mom and Dad gave her some special CD's with the music of Janice Kapp Perry, Mom has recently become friends with her (Sister Perry), which adds a special touch to her already moving music. Jeff's mom made a darling picture for Brooklyn, with each letter of her name beginning a quality.

Benevolent

Righteous

Open Hearted

Obedient

Kind

Loving

Yoked with Christ

Naturally Sweet

I loved this because it defines her in many different ways. Even if the bottom one makes her sound like a peach, I can definitely say they all are qualities that Brooklyn posseses! Especially the bottom one! :) It was a sweet day, with moments that touched my heart so profoundly I will never forget!!! This isn't a typical birthday post, and I hope I will find the time to do that later... and her birthday party post, and the picture that got her in the Houston Chronicle... well, at least on their website!