Tulip Festival: Skagit Valley

We went to the tulip festival last weekend up in Skagit Valley with my parents.  The kids had such an amazing time.  It was the 2nd time I've taken the kids up there and we have gotten lucky both times that it didn't rain.  Not that we weren't prepared.  Rain boots, umbrellas, rain jackets...food.  Lots of food.

After marching around in the mud for over an hour we decided to head to La Conner for lunch.  We ate at Seeds, which had a really long wait (like over an hour?) but it was totally worth it.  Their clam chowder was ahhh-mazing.  Even typing this right now makes me want to go get a bowl.  And maybe I will.  I mean, it's only 10:40 at night.  The perfect bedtime snack....That's what I'll keep telling myself.

What to Wear?

Now that spring is officially here, it is time to bring some color to your family photos! This month, think fun, bold and bright. The important thing to remember when dressing your family for photos is that you want to coordinate, but not match to a "T." Colors that compliment each other are important, but the most important thing to remember is to show your personality!

Are you interested in any of these looks? Check the links below for information on where to buy!

Mom
blazer // top // pants // heels

Dad
vest & shirt // pants // shoes

Girl
top // sweater // shorts // shoes // headband

Boy
shirt // pants // shoes

xo,
Melissa

Spring!

Spring has finally hit Seattle!  To celebrate the girls and I went out for a little exploring at the nearby park.  Such a beautiful day, I wish we could have stayed out longer.  Oh well - forecast calls for SUN!!!

Kids Were Here

So I stumbled upon a wonderful blog not too long ago.  It's called "Kids Were Here."  It's a group of photographers who have come together and post images of spaces where their kids were, the little messes they've left behind.  No kids can be in the photos.  I love it.

As a mom of two little ones there are constantly small little messes being created around our house.  A few years ago they kind of bothered me, but I've gotten used to them.  Now, I can even appreciate them a bit, for in a few years, the little toys will be gone and will be replaced with something entirely different.  This little project has reminded me to stop, look around and even appreciate the little things my kids do as they are learning this world.

These curls // Lifestyle Photography

This little girl...and her curls.  Couldn't be any more adorable.  And active.  She was so active.  I've never seen a little 2 year old climb like she does.  My 2 year old barely likes to even climb up on the couch, so watching her climb in and out of her crib was hysterical.  It reminded me of my oldest.

But anyway, in typical Seattle fashion we were rained out so we went indoors.  And I'm glad we did.  Her mama, an old friend of mine, is preggers with number 2 and I can't wait to see what they have!  They aren't going to find out until baby is born, and you can guarantee I'm gonna be there with my camera!

Life // Not Always Pretty

This is what my life looks like on any given weekday.  Unmade bed, about 3 loads of laundry, two kids who desperately need a bath.  It's not always pretty, but I love it.  And I want to remember it.  These days will be gone sooner than I think and I won't have little kids who need me to bathe them.  They'll be grown much faster than I want.  Here's to soaking it all in, including the mess.

What to wear?

So...You're thinking you might want to do a photo session with your family this spring. But what do you wear? There are so many cute options out there right now, the possibilities are endless!

Here are a few tips:
1. Start with the hardest person to dress then on to the easiest.
2. Incorporate color, but not too much. Have a couple of main colors, then a fun accent to mix it up.
3. Layers! They always look great in photos and add such amazing texture.
4. Most importantly, be comfortable! If you feel uncomfortable, that will always translate into your photos, so dress for comfort.

Here's an idea:

If you love any of these, good news....they are actually in stores right now!

Where to buy:
Mom // bangle, skirt, blouse, shoe

Dad // shirt, pant

Girl // sweater, top, pant, shoe

Boy // shirt, pant, shoe

Hope you found this helpful and inspirational!