Some of my most vivid childhood memories are from Easter mornings.  The three of us girls always woke up to see what special Easter treats were waiting for us on the coffee table.  Little gifts from Grandma & Papa and Grandma & Granddad delighted us to no end.  I remember getting excited over things like raisin packs, bubbles, and art sets.  Following the surprise presents, Dad would always encourage us to look for eggs hidden around the house. 

Today was Easter - and the three sisters are all adults.  No egg hunts, no gifts, and no plastic Easter basket "grass".  But you know what?  It was as special as ever.  I attended a special Sunrise Service with my Dad early in the morning.  What an incredible way to remember what today is all about.  As the sun began painting bright gold patches behind the translucent silver clouds, we sang about Christ "bursting forth in glorious day" - emerging from the tomb.  Risen.  Huddling together with my Dad, singing and listening and remembering... I thought of what gifts are like now that I'm grown up.  Where I used to anticipate Birthdays, Christmas, and Easter simply because I would be getting presents, I now anticipate seeing those I love and creating new memories with the people I care about.

The simplicity of spending time with my family, eating a delicious home-made meal, enjoying nature, and contemplating the deep, deep love of Christ are the precious gifts I received today.

Here are a few shots of our amazing lunch that my dear Mom prepared... and a couple of my sisters who are the light of my life.

If anyone on this earth is a dog person, I am. 

I'm sure you've picked up on that if you follow my blog at all.

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I got an email from Marie asking if I could take portraits of her puppy, Cavin.  What you probably can't imagine is how hard in love I fell with this sweet little dog the moment I first saw him.

He. is. adorable. (!!!)

Cavin is a beautiful little Bolognese Bichon.  And, yes, I want one in every color!  My favorite thing about this breed is the lamb-like fur.  Too cute.

Wow!  I've really missed writing this week.  Life has been so busy... finally today I have a little time to sit down and do the things I've been (reluctantly) putting off.

I'm working on photos from this week for the next couple of hours... and I just wanted to leave you with one until I see you again. 

I'm always surprised at which photos end up being my favorites.  This one from my time with Jackson & Carter wasn't even really part of our shoot.  We were all done and the brothers were just relaxing on the couch... I snapped a few shots and it wasn't until I was editing that I fell in love with this special little moment.
How sweet are their little feet??

I'll be back soon!

Love to you.

This morning I met beautiful Ashlyn and her two wonderful parents, Amber & Adrian, at the park.

It was such a special time -- to see this precious little girl being loved and adored by mommy & daddy.  She is really their treasure and their joy. 

Ashlyn is so beautiful (and with parents like Amber & Adrian, that's not a surprise!) - and her temperament is just so sweet and serene... I enjoyed every minute with this happy little family!

Today I found a lovely box on the counter when I came home... 

Jackson & Carter's Easter cards are here!