Tag Archives: lifestyle family photography

Family Photography Chicago | Ups and Downs of a Yoga Mom

I was so pleased to get the opportunity to do some Chicago family photography with Beth and her family. I LOVE reading her blog, “Ups and Downs of a Yoga Mom” on Chicago Now. Beth is also the author of a fascinating blog called Modern Day MS about living with multiple sclerosis.

Beth writes about parenting, yoga, living with ms and everything in between. I often find myself reading her blog thinking, “That’s exactly how I feel!”

I knew I would enjoy spending time with her family when the kids and I were discussing their favorite books within the first five minutes of meeting them.

Beth’s home exudes a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. I guess all that yoga works!

What are your favorite family rituals? Wouldn’t it be fun to have a book of those memories to look back on for years?

Still not sure this kind of photography is for you? You can check out some other Chicago family photography I have done here and here.

Having Fun – Chicago IL

When I first arrived at the house, “D” wanted to finish up his book while “A “was ready to head outside and play on their fantastic backyard swing. I’ve always wanted to have a swing like that in our yard, but my poor kids are saddled with a non-handy set of parents so it’s never happened …

Dan then pulled out his guitar for a little impromptu backyard music session. How lucky are these kids to be growing up with such a musical parent?!

Dinner Time

When it was time for dinner, it was a true family affair. Everyone pitched in. From cutting and chopping, mixing and grilling, everyone had a role.

And the best part is Beth sent me home with some of her AMAZING Thai Cashew Chopped Salad with Ginger Peanut Sauce. See the recipe here. It was as colorful as it was tasty!

I was so impressed watching Beth teaching her kids knife skills during dinner prep. I feel like I am always in a hurry trying to get dinner on the table, so I never make the time to help them learn how to use a knife properly. Sadly my oldest daughter is 12-years-old and I still haven’t taught her how to cut an onion. Time to fix that parenting fail!

Family Game Night

After a delicious barbecue, it was time for a little family game night and hanging out.

Yoga Mom

Then Beth showed me some of her awesome yoga moves. She is a yoga teacher and quite impressive! And then “A” helped out by climbing on her back! (Don’t all kids and pets like to “help” like that whenever we are stretching on the floor or doing yoga? My dog is always trying to jump on me when I do sit-ups on the ground…)

Deerfield IL | Get Mom in the Photo!

With Mother’s Day rapidly approaching, I am reminded of how often Mom’s are behind the camera instead of in the photo. For most of us, the visual history of our children looks like they were raised by a single dad!

Why not change that for Mother’s Day! Give Mom a gift certificate for a family photojournalism session! Let me capture your memories with mom IN the photo! I can document you doing your favorite Saturday morning rituals (pancakes anyone?), enjoying a beautiful Chicago Spring afternoon, or anything you like to do as a family!

For an example of a family photojournalism shoot, look here.

Purchase a gift certificate for a sitting and schedule the shoot before June 29, 2015, and receive a free 8×10 ($67 value).

Contact me through the “Inquire” button and we will make it happen!

Beautiful Moms and their Kiddos

Brunch at Kevin’s Place | Family Photography Chicago

Our family has many little rituals that make up our day. And while I know I will always have my memories, I like to document our stories with photos so I can look back and see the sweet little moments that make up our lives.

One of our favorite weekend traditions is having brunch at Kevin’s Place in Deerfield. We started going here years ago because I heard it was a good place to take kids. No one would give you a funny look if your children laughed too loud, ate with their fingers, or even melted into the dreaded tantrum. Now that my children can safely make it through a meal without these issues, it’s still one of our favorite places.

Lynn, Matt and Freddie always greet us with a smile. Matt always inquires about what we have been up to lately and tells me of his latest adventures. And the best part, he always tells me I look pretty. Now, this may not sound like much, but from a lady in her 40’s, I don’t hear this from anyone but my husband these days …

When Kevin comes to the table to get our order, he usually sits down and digs in for a good pre-ordering chat. The girls can’t wait to share with him. From dance performances, to plays, to school achievements, he gets to hear it all. They love to talk to him because he listens so intently. He focuses on each child and always gives the best reactions.

Thank you Kevin, for being a bright spot in our crazy, busy lives. You slow us down and remind us that good food, good friends, and connecting with each other is what life is all about.

Having a Chicago Adventure with the Girls| Family Photography

I love being on holiday break with my kids. During regular school time, it just doesn’t feel like we have time to breathe. I feel like we are constantly rushing to school, hurrying to after school activities, shoehorning in homework time, and then jamming in dinner before showers and bedtime.

I am cherishing lazy mornings and afternoon adventures.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law and I decided to take my girls and nieces to downtown Chicago.

The girls loved riding on the train, chitty-chatting, taking pictures of each other and playing games on their itouchs. This was a big improvement on the two-hour drive we took to the city last week. (Why do I always forget that a little rain can add an hour to our drive in a flash?!)

We started our afternoon in the city by collecting a dizzying array of colorful food a the French Market at Ogilvie Train Station. We then went to visit Daddy at his high-rise office and ate our wacky smorgasbord in one of his conference rooms. (Anyone care for a crepe? Or a Vietnamese spring roll? How about a lobster roll or butternut squash soup? And don’t forget the French macarons for dessert! )

Next was a quick hello to Auntie Amy before wandering the halls of the Art Institute.

And then back on the train for more silliness and selflies.

We had a glorious day of exploring different tastes, beautiful art, lots of hugs, and almost no bickering. A glorious day!

Deerfield Christmas Tree Shopping

I love the holiday season, but no matter how much I try to stay organized, it always seems so hectic. Between band and choral concerts, cookie baking, decorating and shopping for the holidays, there never seems to be enough time. I really wanted to go to a tree farm this year and cut down our own tree. It sounds like one of those idyllic, Norman Rockwell-style days – taking a hay ride through the forest, picking the perfect tree, sipping steaming hot chocolate by a bonfire while we wait for the tree to be prepared to put on top of the car… Alas, there just wasn’t enough time this year for that leisurely day. So, between photo shoots, tennis classes, Sunday school and a family dinner with cousins, we headed to our Deerfield Home Depot and picked our favorite conifer. A little less romantic than I envisioned, but still so much fun to spend an afternoon with my family. As usual, I love to document these little moments with my family. I cherish my photos of our little adventures together.

Do you have a holiday ritual you would like me to document? Baking cookies? Decorating the tree? I love doing storytelling sessions with families. Please contact me if you are interested in preserving your memories.