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I loved this idea to celebrate Rachel’s college graduation! I mean she bought the cap and gown and never got to use it so why not put it on and get a photographer to take all your “post” graduation family photos. My heart goes out to the high school and college grads who never got to walk or properly celebrate their graduations this last spring.
I thought I would try something new and do a personal share of our recent family trip to Winter Park, Colorado. Colorado is one of our favorite places but for some reason we are never able to make it out as often as we would like. It was good to see family and get a breath of fresh mountain air. We’ve been stuck at home social distancing and quarantining much like everyone else so it felt great to take some time to get away, as well as spend some quality time as a family of three before we become a family of four.
I had great intentions of taking a million photos while we were there but once again I find myself forgetting to stop and take pictures on our family vacations. I suppose that could be considered a good thing but I know some day I will regret it!
If you’re ever in the area and need a fantastic place to stay we highly recommend this Hideaway Condo in Winter Park. Mandy and Jonathan were great hosts and we loved their place!
Our little man enjoyed participating in a few minute to win it activities Josiah’s aunt had set up for all the kids. (In case you are wondering why they are throwing cheetos at Josiah’s head.) After a couple failed attempts at finding a trail that was easy enough to do with a toddler we finally found one that he could easily walk with us. The Fraser Creekside Trail we did earlier in the morning and he was able to walk the short loop along with us. And of course since it was next creek it only stands to reason that we spent the majority of the time throwing rocks in the water instead of actually hiking.
While we weren’t able to walk much of the Monarch Lake Trail we did find a great spot near the lake to sit and eat a snack. It was a beautiful view of the lake!
I completely forgot to take my camera with us when we rode to Georgetown loop so the next few photos are taken with our phones. We stopped in Georgetown to make our little boy’s dreams of riding on a steam train come true. We had a blast getting to experience this with him! He sat enthralled the entire ride.
Once again it pays to be up early! We got to the Garden of the Gods right around opening time and were able to find a good parking spot close to the easy (stroller-accessible) trail. There were already quite a few people there but by the time we left the parking lots were packed and there was a line of cars waiting to get in to the area. There are so many trails and hiking possibilities within Garden of the Gods! We kept to the easy paved trail so we could use our stroller and let our son walk around a little. (You will notice his new toy train he acquired in Georgetown in all the pictures.)
While we were out on vacation at the lake a few weeks ago I was able to squeeze in a super mini session with these two. I’m excited to see these two become parents. They have been incredible to watch interact with my son in the last year or two. One thing I never expected once becoming a parent was how much I would enjoy watching the relationships my son has with my friends or family members develop and grow. I love that they have such a fun relationship with him and I can’t wait to meet their little one and spoil him/her. I’m also incredibly excited that our kiddos will only be about a month and a half apart!
Originally when Alissa reached out to me we discussed options and plans for her maternity session back in the spring. However, our lives took a little but of an unexpected turn and we had to put a pin in those plans due to the coronavirus. We finally decided to cancel their maternity session and make plans for an in-home newborn session hoping things would look a little different. I am so glad we bumped their original plans and were able to do these family/newborn photos in their home! I was able to meet their precious little girl and their adorably protective pup. This little girl was awake for the first part of her newborn session and we were able to get some adorable photos of her precious smiles and bright eyes as she looked up and her loving parents. She was a champ! After take a little break to let mom soothe and hold her she slowly started to close her eyes and fall asleep while holding on to her daddy’s hand…PRECIOUS!
Once again I am honored and humbled to be asked to document and capture these fleeting moments in the early stages of their young family.
I was so excited when Josh reached out to me about doing newborn photos. Josh + Alyssa are dear friends of ours from our college days at Mid-America Nazarene University. Fun fact Josh and my husband are actually childhood best friends from western Kansas! We went on a double with them for their very first date years ago (more like 12 years ago…what?!) and now here we are watching them become parents to this incredibly lucky and adorable baby boy.
I love how tasteful and simply they’ve decorated this starry night nursery for a baby boy. The statement piece in the room is the navy blue dresser and changing table Josh built himself! I love the gold handles they chose. (Insert heart eyes.)
