Kids Were Here: January Edition

So, I totally did not keep up with the whole "kids were here" thing toward the end of the year.  But believe me when I say that there were some totally epic messes around these parts, especially after Christmas.  We did, however, manage to get things almost back to normal around here.

I decided last week that I would resume this little monthly series in the hopes that one day I can put together a book for my each of my children.  Then one day when they have children of their own, I'd love to give it to them to help remind them that we all start out small.  And we all make messes.  We are human, after all.  None of us are perfect.  And when they are about to lose their sanity to the chaos that is parenting, and all the stuff that comes with kids, they will be able to look at the book and remember what it was like when they were the ones who made the messes.

Project 52: Week 1

My goal for the year has been determined.  I'm going to (successfully) complete a 52 week project.  My goal is simply to take one photo a week of my children with my big camera to document this year.  About half way through 2013 I decided I wanted to try with a photo project but never got around to it.  I'm not going to follow any sort of theme, just document what inspires me.  For my first week, here's my little one.

Oh Keira.  You are so gentle.  So affectionate.  So sensitive.  Your eyes say so much.  I love you little girl.

Happy New Year!!!

We are totally excited for what 2014 will bring!  Not sure it can get much better than last year, but hey, let's aim high!  Happy New Year from me and my family.

Engaged!

So this shoot was special to me...my sister-in-law got engaged a few months back to a great guy and as a gift, I wanted to shoot some engagement photos for them.  We had so much fun, we went up to the family cabin, stomped around in the leaves, enjoyed the sun, pulled out the old truck and took some awesome photos.  Samantha, we couldn't be happier for you and Wes.  Seriously, you two are so perfect for one another.  We love you!

Fall Family Photos // Kirkland Family Photographer

Last weekend was great, the weather was amazing and to top it all off, I got to photograph this family.  I can't believe it had been eight, yes EIGHT, years since I have seen them.  Last time we were in the same room was back in 2005 when my husband and I got married.  Which is crazy to think it has been that long since Billy (the dad in these photos) and my husband used to be roommates in college.  Crazy!  Anyway, here they are and looking totally adorable.  So good to see you guys!

Mini Style: Nine Ways to Wear Chambray for Fall

I typically don't do any posts related to style, mainly because I work in a corporate office M-F and my typical attire is slacks and cardigans. However, my oldest has collected quite the fun fall wardrobe so we decided to do a little fashion show and style her new chambray shirt 9 different ways. We had tons and tons of outfits to choose from, but this is all we actually got on her, you know how little kids get after changing their clothes 9 times. So, there may be more of these in the future, maybe not. We'll see!

The chambray shirt is from Old Navy.

Disneyland!

Ok so it might be 2 years late, but better late than never.  This is from the trip we took to Disneyland for my daughter's 4th birthday.  And I can say, my husband has been so incredibly busy with actual work which why this took a back seat for a while.  But I am so happy that it is finished!  1 down, 2 more to go?

Aila's 4th Birthday from Gray Fam on Vimeo.