What a great way to start the new year! Mom decided to hold off on her annual family shoot until her eldest son, Jansen, was home from college (we were, however, lucky enough to see little Jasper at the end of 2014 for his 1 year shoot-click here to see his previous shoot). We couldn’t believe how much the kids grew over the past year (click HERE to see their previous shoot)! Despite being away for a semester, Jansen (the unofficial “Pack Leader”) seemed to fall right into place with his siblings. I think the thing I love most about this family, is their cohesiveness. Jansen, Jalen and my “little ham” Jorel all took turns being the big brother or sister for little Jasper. It was eye-opening (and heart-warming) to see Jorel play this role, because in our previous shoots, he was always the “baby”.  Loved seeing all of the family candids, most of which involved trying to get Jasper to laugh  🙂  It certainly worked! Jalen, you are a natural born caregiver…so gentle and sweet.  Thanks for always being so wonderful to us, Mom and Dad. We always look forward to seeing your smiles!  Here’s your sneak peek:

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Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season  🙂  The dust is just starting to settle, and we are jumping into 2015 with open minds, warm hearts and happy dreams. Our Christmas was filled with family and friends; we are truly blessed.  I was fortunate enough this past December, to finally be able to pursue my love for photography. For the past 9 years, we’ve been “Weekend Warriors”. Edson and I both have had full-time jobs and multiple additional part-time jobs, in addition to doing our photography. We do most of our shoots on the weekend, and I spend most nights (from 9 to 2) post processing the images. I vowed not to work on photos on weekdays while Bradley was awake, because I wanted to spend time with him, so I started after we put him to bed. I would fall asleep around 2:30, then wake up at 5:30 for work the next day.  Needless to say, I was tired  🙂  I had to take a look at what I was doing to myself after my blood pressure sky rocketed up to 189/113 in November. I started the new year with a new plan and a new life.  I made the difficult decision to leave my full-time job and focus on my family, health and photography. So far, so good…blood pressure was 107/79 this morning  🙂  I am looking forward to more quality family time, more post processing time, more sleep (and hopefully, a cleaner house)!  I am very thankful for the support from my family…thank you for letting this tired old gal dream!

Here’s photos from our Christmas card this past year…yes, we actually got it out on time!

Wishing you and your families the best in 2015!

Hugs  🙂  Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!

It was a beautiful day! There was a slight breeze, the sky was clear, and the sun was shining. It was the perfect day for Bree’s first birthday party! The theme of the party was “Candy Land”, and the favors, centerpieces, desserts, cake and colorful room decor made for a very festive occasion. Loved the game board flooring leading up to the entrance of the room! Each candy favor was individually skewered, and the topiaries were mouthwatering treats for guests. The hand decorated marshmallow krispie treat lollipops were amazing! I’m still in awe of Bree’s family…so together and calm during the entirety of the party. Children enjoyed romping through a HUGE bouncy house, complete with “toddler” section for the little ones. Happy kids indulged in balloon making, face/body paining, glitter tattoo, and popcorn/shave ice. We enjoyed seeing both sides of the family…including doting grandmas that loved Bree and big brother, Brody, to pieces  🙂 (Click HERE to see Brody’s first birthday party.) As the party came to a close, we enjoyed our family time out by the water. Nearly four hours into the party, she was still toddling/running across the grass! Thanks for including us in your very special day, Mom and Dad! We hope that Bree had a wonderful birthday  🙂   Here’s your sneak peek:

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It’s our last scheduled studio shoot for 2014 (we have a one-year old birthday party post coming up), and what a wonderful way to end our year…with a newborn shoot!  We met little A and his big brother, B (2 years), this past Sunday.  B brought his construction equipment, and impressed us with his extensive knowledge of all-things truck/digger related. We were digging holes and hauling rocks clear across our flooring! Baby A looked so handsome in his fashionable hats, and readily fell to sleep for us (thanks to that paci!).  When we were done with the shoot, I told mom that his paci was “gold”. As soon as we popped it in his mouth, he calmed right down and fell asleep!  Thank you for bringing all of your props, Mom and Dad! We have lots of “Lion” photos for you to choose from in your gallery.  We enjoyed our morning with all of you, it was wonderful to meet you all! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Here’s your sneak peek:

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Little Brooklyn slept like a champ during her family photos. Most babies are restless throughout the family portion of their sessions because they are hungry, tired, and desperately want their mommies  🙂  Brooklyn was cool as a cucumber during her sibling photos, even opening her round little eyes to peer out at all of us. Big brother, Elijah (age 2), and big sister, Lexi (age 5), were incredibly gentle with their new little sister. Lexi was a very mature 5 year old. I remember her being equally easy to work with during her brother’s newborn shoot 2 years ago (click HERE to see Elijah’s newborn shoot). Elijah flashed his adorable little smile and immediately won us all over.  This was the same smile he famously sported during his own newborn shoot (he was the envy of many moms, all asking if I had photoshopped in those smiles…nope…all natural!). Brooklyn is so lucky to have her big brother and sister! Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making the trip out to see us! You are both amazing parents, and we were honored to take Brooklyn’s photos. She was absolutely precious. Congratulations to all of you  🙂  Here’s your sneak peek:

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Little Kaila was our youngest newborn to date…3 days old!  Mom and Dad were such troupers for keeping their shoot date (their shoot was their first morning home from the hospital)! Baby Kaila may have been only 3 days old, but she was incredibly mature. Her skin was absolutely perfect. She even gave us a few smiles  🙂  Her cheeks were so pinch-able, and her lips were pouty and red. She was beautiful…just like a baby Snow White! Mom and Dad, we’ll have to give you a “paci” photo as a memento of our shoot…it worked like a charm! Thanks again for making it out to see us so early on as new parents, and for sharing your little angel!  Here’s your sneak peek:

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It was definitely a hairspray kind of day at the beach. Thank you, Mom, for bringing your hairspray! The wind didn’t seem to bother Elle and Rob, however, as they ran back and forth across the sand. I’m not sure if it is a “twin” thing, but this brother and sister duo loved to hold hands. Each took turns leading the other through the woods and across the beach. I usually have to ask one sibling to hold the other sibling’s hand, but these two actually preferred to hold hands throughout the shoot. Adorable. I felt like I was photographing two little dolls, they were so cute! Loved the little outfits too…Mom and Dad, you are always so prepared for our shoots. Click HERE to see Elle and Rob’s 2013 shoot…with equally adorable outfits! Thank you  🙂  Here’s your sneak peek:

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She was the friendliest little girl I’ve ever met. As soon as the car door opened, she hopped out and asked me, “Hi!  Do you have a kid?” Kaycie’s eyes scanned the playground, looking for a new friend.  Over the course of our photo shoot, I learned all about her dogs (“Buster is the naughty one, Callie is always good”), school (“I have lots of best friends, some are girls and some are boys, but they’re all my friends”), and even the hairspray she was wearing for the shoot (“You have to smell this hairspray, it smells great!”).  Kaycie gave me a ton of smiles…such a happy little girl!  Toward the end of our shoot, she even called out to another little girl at the park and asked, “Do you want to be my new best friend?”  The other little girl was more than happy to oblige.  Callie and Buster, Kaycie’s fur-siblings were extremely easy to work with, and Mom and Dad were patient and simply amazing  🙂  Thanks for a fun day at the park!  It was great to see you all again!  Click HERE to see Kaycie’s last shoot with us. Here’s your sneak peek:

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I prayed for nice weather on our way over to Cash’s shoot. As we neared the beach, the sky grew darker and darker, and I held my breath. Drops hit our windshield, and I cringed. This was a rainout makeup shoot for Cash and his family, and I NEEDED the skies to clear. We started off our shoot with overcast, grey skies. Despite the bleak situation overhead, it was great to see Cash again! It’s been a couple of years since we last saw him (he couldn’t even sit up at our last shoot), but he had the same amazing eyes that he stunned us with the first time around. Click HERE to see Cash’s previous shoot. As our shoot progressed, the skies slowly started clearing, and we had some blue in the sky for the last third of our shoot (thank goodness!).  Loved the relationship between Cash’s big brother, Ezrah (16 years), and their Dad. I felt like I was photographing two friends, not just family members. Thank you, Cash, for being so easy to work with, and for just being a little boy!  Loved that playful smile  🙂 Mom, Dad, Ezrah and Cash, thank you so very much for driving out…we had a great afternoon.

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So many smiles!  As I perused through their images, I found that Maile and Maverick’s smiles were contagious 🙂  I just loved seeing all of that character come through in their little faces! It’s been a year since we saw Maile and Mav for a shoot, and they’ve grown so much since then. Click HERE to see their 2013 shoot. A year ago, Mav was just toddling along…struggling to keep up with his big sister. This time around, we could barely keep up with him! Maile and Mav took directions so well (of course, Mom’s “secret weapon” certainly didn’t hurt!).  I had such a hard time picking the photos for this post, because I saw so many smiles that I fell in love with.  Thanks for coming out, Mom and Dad…we had a great time (and a great dinner)!  Here’s your sneak peek: