because if you need to doubt that, I’ll have to yell it . . . BECAUSE IT WAS SO FUN FOR ME. I think that must show;o)

An honest high. The light, the land, the color, the anthro, the lovely people . . . loveliness always shines through brightly.

(and a baby on the way!!!! Always good news.)

oh how I love this age! Barely crawling, but not running away yet! Social, and smiley, and sweet but still a baby. Her brother was just as sweet, he just made me work harder;o) We hunted for bugs outside while his sister took a break. And, he really liked throwing rocks at me?? Good thing I can duck & focus at the same time? New skill. Didn’t know I was so good at it! Whatever works for a smile sometimes. (they were tiny rocks. very tiny)

If you’re in Houston or The Woodlands . . . you know why I’m signing off quickly! This weather is amazing. It’s not usually so enjoyable outdoors here. So, we are soaking up every minute we can.

Go enjoy it!!

BUT, the “go big” part of me just can’t help but take advantage of the gorgeous fields that God has blessed us with for a few short weeks in the spring for a spectacular back drop.

That is why I’m starting with this image of my friend Holly’s little boy. It just strikes me as special for some very specific reasons.

She will tell you, “he has the heart of a soldier.”

I went to her blog to try & find pictures of the birthday party she threw for him this year to show you just how patriotic he is & found this post & this, the most adorable and heartfelt little boy party I’ve ever seen.

Anyway, my point is. I would never in a million years invisioned this shot. This is absolutely all boy & absolutely all DREW. He was so happy running through the field with this flag (which we actually took to be the flag on a little row boat). I will also add that I got called on a comment recently about “girls rocking bluebonnet pictures” & “what boys don’t??” . . . well. They do now;o)

Would he have ever posed in those bluebonnets with his little brother for that perfect shot. Um, not in a million years (not a real smile anyway). But this is my  absolute favorite part of my job. Jumping into their world. Meeting them where they are. This was the last session of the day. I was dog tired. This left me energized & happy.

Just after this he grabbed his gun & started “shooting” me. What’s a girl with a loaded camera to do??

I shot right back. Not sure who won, probably depends on which side you talk to.

This is why meaningful is relative to each person according to their tastes, likes, dislikes, personal experiences, nostalgic memories and the unique composition of their lives.

Would I want a picture of my girls running with a flag through a field of wildflowers?? nah. Wouldn’t mean as much to me.

Did I want my friend Holly to have one. yes.

And, this is Drew. He is wise beyond his years. I think he is an incredibly cool kid. (which means his parents are quite special for making him that way;o))

much, much more to come. All equally very different than this!

Then we resumed where we left off with his big sisters! One of the advantages of being one of my good friends & living just across the greenbelt. That should be enough to raise our property value right there??! right? come on.

I remember our first year to do bluebonnet pictures & special mess #2 was not even sitting up & her sister was only two. Then the next year, she was barely standing . . . I found those pictures here. Last year we didn’t do any bluebonnet pictures because it was a scary age as far as behavior goes for us AND there were no bluebonnets!! But this happened! anyway!

And, now . . . at 3 and 5 years old . . . it wasn’t so bad – they didn’t do a single thing I wanted them to, but we came out ok don’t ya think?! I’m so happy to have these. Wildflower pictures are a special tradition if you grow up in Texas. I can remember my dad hauling us out to the side of the road & taking pictures . . . the best part of below . . . was when my 5 year old said as we left, “Mommy, that was a fun surprise! You are the best mommy ever!” I’m putting that here because I almost didn’t even remember our day trip that I linked above until I saw that slideshow! The whole day came flooding back to my foggy brain. Even though I remember being annoyed they wouldn’t do what I wanted them to that day either – I cried and smiled and watch every single image fade by. Now, I love them & can’t believe I never printed any of those!! For shame. I’m on it.

Pictures are important because memories of your childhood are important. Make it a special day with your kiddo & come out & see me this week!!

It’s a beautiful drive & this would be a fabulous Mother’s Day gift;o)

I would imagine it’s tough being the little sister. And, yes . . . her big sister is sitting on her head & enjoying every second while her mom stands there & takes a picture. This is how you get the super-star parent of the year award.

I’m  SOOOOOO happy we have wildflowers this year in Texas and sooooo HAPPY WE HAVE LAND TO do bluebonnet sessions on this year!!!!! yippee!!

Here’s the deal – the light is tricky & once it’s gone – well, it’s gone. So there is a small window each day we can shoot. Because of that – there will only be 2 family sessions & they are already booked. They have been reserved for 2 years in fact! no lie! There is only 1 30 minute window each day that is suitable for families & I won’t be taking my couch this year & I’m not sitting families on the ground. There are still plenty of spots for kids & babies & mommies! Keep reading . . .

We will plan to do these THIS WEEK!! Friday & Saturday (weather permitting). Here’s what I have & I expect it will be booked in the next 24 hours if not sooner – so don’t wait if you want to do this. I am not calling these mini-sessions because there is nothing mini about the way I approach them. These are full sessions & I will shoot that way. We will just have limited time.

- 6 sessions for babies (sitting up to barely walking)

- 3 sessions for kids any age (walking & following some directions but under

- 2 sessions for maternity  - this would be super awesome!!

- 2 sessions for mommy & me – DO IT!!

- I’d love to do 1 1st birthday session with my aqua high chair & balloons if that works out well for anyone?!??

Cost: $200 for a 30 minute session, full digital collections will be offered following sessions & will start at $350 (full digital collections generally start at $1295)

Time: I will assign times based on the age/light/etc – but you will need to be available Friday from 3:00-7:30, Saturday from 8:00am-10:30 or Saturday from 4:00-7:30. Our location is at FM 1488 & 290 on private property. This is 45 minutes from The Woodlands. A very easy straight shot down FM 1488.

How to book: email me now with your name, (allison@feather-nest.com), include the ages of kids and who you would like to have in the session. This will be first come, first serve (with existing clients getting first dibs). I’ll start a waiting list once these spots are filled because there were last minute cancellations last time we did this. I will get back to everyone by Wednesday at the latest with the schedule and more details.

What to expect: you can expect 15-30 images as seen here. The bed will be available for girls & a variety of chairs & a small boat will be available for boys. 40-50% off a la carte art books will be offered as add-ons to digital collections.

See you soon!!!

sneeze, cough, repeat. repeat. repeat.

I HATE BEING SICK. It does not work well with my schedule.

This session was so long ago now, that I’ll be seeing their lovely little faces again this week!! (considering I can quit sneezing for a minute)

I’m pretty sure they have both grown like weeds since they were here last. That’s what I heard anyway. I bet he’ll be walking so soon – yikes. And how many teeth will she be missing now??