Hero Comes Home

Today's post was a no-brainer.  All I've been able to think of since yesterday was the special moments I got to witness as a soldier came home to his 4 month old baby, beautiful wife, Mother and twin brother.  We were lucky enough to be a part of the homecoming of many soldiers in Davenport, IA.

As a man in uniform announced the homecoming of a group of soldiers, the entire auditorium of people rose to feet, and the room filled with clapping, whistling, screaming and love.  I instantly got goosebumps and a feeling of pure pride.  I had only met one of these soldiers, but I felt like I knew and loved all of them.  I couldn't help but think about all the freedom these men risked their lives for, and all the families I was surrounded by that had gone to bed at night wondering where their son was, or if their husband survived an attack.  It was a room full of heros, uniformed or not.

We donated our travel and time for this event.  It is the kind of thing that makes me inspired, and makes me think 'This is why I do what I do."  When I found out that our client's husband was coming home, we couldn't help but offer.  Yes, we spent money on gas, and yes, we spent a few hours, but what we got in return was better than money.

I thought I'd share a few images from this Family's first session with us, 3 days before Daddy headed overseas.  Riley was just about a week old, and I was SO happy to be able to give them this gift, as Daddy wouldn't see his baby girl for 4 months after.

This last image just breaks my heart; it's like she knew her Daddy was leaving, and he knew how much he'd miss her.

Shortly after Daddy left, there was a suicide bomber on his FOB leaving casualties.  No names were given out, and no one knew who had survived, and who had not.  My husband and I sat at home in awe of the strength of this family.  It was a few days until they found out that their son, husband, brother was okay.  I jumped out of my chair and ran to tell Tyler the second I found out he was alright.  These are the things families with men/women in the military go through all the time.  This event made me realize just how strong those families are, and how important they are to our country as well.

Now here are some images from the first time this soldier saw his baby daughter after four long months of fighting for his life and the life of everyone we know.  

The first time he held her, seconds after seeing his wife and daughter for the first time.

Sharing his perfect little girl with friends.  He was so proud, pointing her out to everyone.

So proud.

The first time he saw his baby smile.

Taking a family photo, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

So happy to finally see her Daddy.

This was a once in a life-time experience for us.  It meant so much to me, personally, and taught me so much about life, love, sacrifice and strength.  Thank you so much for letting us be a part of it, and your lives.  This is a perfect example of the type of relationships we like to have with our clients.  We don't just want you to stop by and get your picture taken, we want to hear about, photograph and tell the story of your life.

I'll leave you with the facebook post we read this morning after Daddy's first day with his baby girl.

"It's like they have been best friends forever. She laughs and laughs, he gets way more smiles than I do :)"

-Jess

Mr. Blue Eyes

Today's blog, I just wanted to share some of the images from today's session.  Landon is seriously handsome, and I can't help but smile every time I look at him!

For his session we did a few quick 'nudy' ones, that will no doubt be bribe material when he's 18.  Then we stuck on the bow tie made by ribbonRiot just for his session and put him in a bucket.  He may be in a different bucket each time he comes to see us, but he just has a blast in them!  And THEN, Mom gave him the cake she got him, and let him go to town!  He wasn't too into the whole cake thing, but boy was he cute for the 5-7 minutes he chowed down.  He left a messy back drop and a smile on my face.  Great session.  :)

Okay really, does it get much cuter than tiny feet and bottom?

Bow Tie by ribbonRiot (www.facebook.com/ribbonriot)

Thanks to Landon's Mommy and Grandma for sharing him with us today.  Turning 1 is the BEST, I'm so glad we could be a part of it!

-Jess

Pig Tails & Puddles

While I have not complained about the crazy Iowa heat yet this summer, I have been patiently waiting for a change in the weather.  I'm not sure if it's the bag of peanut butter M&Ms I ate on Wednesday night, or the 104 heat index, but I can't seem to do ANYTHING without developing a severe case of swamp ass (that's the medical term of your bottom sweating so bad your pants become swamp-like.)  I've been waiting for a good breeze, some 'light showers', I'd even be open to a quick winter storm.  And although I've been a sweaty mess for the past few weeks, what better reason for it to rain than to have puddles to play in, really?

Today we had an adorable session with our tiny friend Lauren, then we were lucky enough to get her family pictures done in-between rain...  While getting ready to take her family photos, I had decided that after their session I'd take Riot out to do some hard-core puddle jumping.  So at just before noon, it was go time.

Fresh Diaper - Check.
Pig Tails - Check.
Sweet Frog Rain Boots - Check.
Puddle Jumping Skills and Coordination - Check!

So we made our way outside and showed those puddles who was boss.

So that was our Puddle Jumping experience today.  I can't believe I haven't done it yet, but next time we go swimming I'll be sure to photograph it.  Thanks everyone who stops by our blog and checks out our random posts.  I hope you all enjoy it, and please let me know if there is something you'd like blogged - about photography or anything else.  :)

-Jess & Riot