Vera Michelle- her final week as a 3 year old

(her favorite dress from Wee Urban... she has 3 that she rotates and they wash really well!)

Kids in front of the Camera

Not all kids love being in front of the camera.  Some get shy or giggly making it hard to capture natural expressions.  Or for you photography mamas, do you want your kids to learn about photography and get excited about what you love?

Having children has definitely made me think outside the box when it comes to photography!  A good way to start is to ask your child or client to do the opposite of what you would normally recommend. Do you always pose them on their bellies with their hands propped under their chins?  Maybe have them lay on their back and wiggle their hands and toes in the air.  Sit in a chair upright? Kick those legs on the armrest or try upside down!  It may not be your favorite photo, but it will help to get you thinking creatively.  The kids will have a lot more fun, especially when it's something they typically aren't allowed to do in a posed family photo session :)

Try to put yourself in the mind of a toddler and what would make them laugh.  When I was photographing my daughter, I noticed the plant in front of her gave her a green mustache.  Of course when I told her this she couldn't stop laughing and I got some of the cutest expressions from her. (above photo).

Try handing over your phone and letting your child photograph their siblings.  Let them pose or get them to laugh in their own ways.  You might just learn a trick or two ;)

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Daddy Daughter Dance 2017

Vera giggled all day waiting for the Daddy Daughter Dance!  We had been out of town all week, so she had slept with her photo from last year's dance to help remind her that she could go on her date with daddy once we returned home.  She kept telling me, "I'm going to dance on the ground this time!" because last year she was a overwhelmed by all of the people and just wanted Patrick to hold her and dance.  I think she tried her dress on 10 times before the day of the dance just to make sure it twirled correctly.  When the day finally arrived, it took tons of distracting to keep her from getting her dress on at 8am and asking for lip gloss every hour!!

I snapped a few photos while she waited for daddy to get ready (the one above might be my favorite photo ever!) and it is very clear that little miss Vera felt like a princess.  I'm so thankful for a church that celebrates that sweet bond between a daddy and his daughter.  And I also never want to take for granted the blessing of this girl's daddy.  He loves her so well and is an example to her in so many ways as he shows his love to me and cares for our family.

JR took a couple photos of me and Bauer before we headed off on our Mommy Son date!  It was getting a little dark, but JR took some sweet photos.  After a quick dinner at Chick-fil-a, I took the boys to the Kohl's toy aisle (JR's request!) and then to Starbucks for a special treat.  JR brought his wallet and a Starbucks card to pay for my drink.  He didn't know that the card was empty- ha! - but the cashier was sweet to play along and secretly ask me to pay the remaining balance :)  It's nights like these I am reminded of how special that one-on-one time is with our children and the impact it makes in their little hearts.

Thankful for these Turkeys

 Bauer turned 8 months and his first tooth popped through!

 and JR, my growing photographer, took these last two... and told us how to pose!

A Chicken, Police Officer and a Cheeseburger

The kids sure enjoyed Halloween week!  Daddy was out of town & we were sad he couldn't join all of the fun. Thankfully Nana & Papa D. were in town over the weekend (watch my dad's sermon at Crossroads {here}) so the kids were able to dress up and "Trunk or Treat" at the Y!  Then the kids and I spent Halloween with friends and way too much candy. 

 Throughout the day, Vera had on several costumes and I told her whatever she was dressed in when we left the house was going to be her costume for the night :) So she went from a kitten to 3 different princesses with butterfly wings to a cheeseburger- haha! A cheeseburger who wanted sparkly blush on her cheeks.  The police officer added a Darth Vader mask later on, but Bauer was the cutest little chicken the whole night!

We have since hidden all of the candy and found all of Vera's secret stashes throughout the house... we think!

( and {here} is a photo of Bauer with his chicken buddies)

Children's Museum of Evansville - Family day at cMoe

The Children's Museum of Evansville is amazing.

I'm embarrassed to say this was our first time here!

 Thanks to some sweet friends sharing guest passes and Patrick having a day off of work- 

we were able to spend several hours at the museum as a family!  

There were plenty of activities for all 3 of our kids to enjoy, but I think Patrick had the most fun ;)

Here are a few photos and a little video I made of our day at cMoe...

 

  Family Day at cMoe from Savannah Garcia on Vimeo.

Colors of Fall

 After a classy trip to the Leitchfield, KY Walmart, the golden light and fall landscape were calling our names!  We found the most beautiful land & pulled off the side of the road.  We found hay bales, animal bones & an off-roading spot for the Bat-mobile.  JR had trouble choosing his favorite, but he hasn't stopped talking about his off-roading vehicle :)

Don't wait for matching outfits & a planned photoshoot... Pull over to the side of the road and Take the Pictures ;) They might just be your favorite!

3 crazies!

Vali- proud sister

The other night I was testing the light in our backyard for a photoshoot and had the sweetest little models :)  I love how Vali poses like a proud big sister.  I don't give her much attention (except maybe when she is in the way or stinky!!) but she is never jealous, just a chill observer of our chaos.  Thankfully the kids and Patrick spoil her & love on her plenty!

and maybe the spilled food and extra snacks helps too ;)

No Nap Nancy

 We call this little girl "No Nap Nancy" because she will play in her room for an hour each afternoon, but won't fall asleep.  Except for about once a month when I find her asleep somewhere looking absolutely precious.