Cotton candy + Dryer Lint = Bad mix up

I guess I've had the fair on my brain the last few days. I had an amazing time going with my best friend, her hubby and my family. I really felt like the kids truly enjoyed themselves...this time. The last time I had them at the fair was when Thirty9 was hotter than a fudge bar and we played at the 3rivers stage. My kiddos were mere babies and they cried and fussed with my friends a.k.a. "the sitters," while I rocked it on stage. Though Thirty9 is no more, I thought maybe I would try taking them again...We had a blast! I easily spent too much money on vikings, funnel cakes, rides that made me about pass out ect. ect. AND Cotton Candy. I LOVE cotton candy. I don't know what it is, but when I put the sugary cloud in my mouth and it starts to dissipate, happy feelings emerge. Maybe it's the coming sugar coma that I'm thrilled about??? I dunno. But I think I have a thing for cotton candy. So much so...that I, slick Ali, about stuck a nice wad of dryer lint in my mouth yesterday. I caught it right as it touched my lips. Whew...I don't know why but it happened. C'mon ya'll have probably done something like that too....whatever. Anyhoo, so lesson learned. Don't reminisce about the fun happenings at the fair while folding laundry.

Something else sugary sweet coming up....stay tuned :)

Justin {senior}

Justin's mom told me that he loved being in front of the camera. While I heard her statement, I didn't really realize that he LOVED being in front of the camera. He was so much fun to shoot! He cracked me up with his numerous faces and eyebrow lifts. I couldn't stop laughing! We started out at a few new locations and then he took me to the golf course. What a thrilling ride. On the golf cart that is. I think I about flew out of my seat...seriously we had some F-U-N! Thanks Justin for the adventure...hope you love your sneak peeks :)

One of Justin's silly faces :)

Brooke {senior}

Princess Barbie Special Edition.

This is the phrase that I came up with to describe Brooke in her wonderfully poofy prom dress she won at modeling contest in Utah. She has a gorgeous smile to match her gorgeous heart. I think we laughed pretty much the whole time during her session! At our meet and greet she was totally prepared with notes of what she liked and outfits she had in mind...I was so stoked that she had a vision for her pictures. I LOVED all of it! She totally surprised me with this fantastic red dress...ok...I heart this red dress. I am so glad she brought it because I think it was my fave of the day :)

It still seems surreal that I get to meet so many wonderful people doing what I enjoy. A year ago I wasn't sure where my crazy idea of starting my own business would take me. I love meeting all these seniors! Every one of them (and my other clients) have enriched my life in their own unique way. For this I am ever thankful.

{Lady in Red}

I hope everyone stayed cool today.  My goodness it was hot.  I didn't even bother putting on my face (make-up) today because it would have just melted right off.  Speaking of hot...I had a smokin' session today with an amazing senior.  Can we say fun?!?! 

  More from this lady in red soon :)

Sarah {senior}

I find it so funny that before the meet and greet, Sarah spotted me out twice :)  Once at Fudruckers...I'm sure she saw me happily stuffing my face with their amazing french fries.  Extra Seasoning.  I gotta keep that water-retaining figure ya know ;)  The other time was at belly dance.  It was performance week for the intermediate class and my teacher welcomed us to watch.  She danced beautifully!!!  It was totally inspiring.  So anyhoo, I love it that she came up and said "hello" to me those times.  She has such a contagious smile!

We got rained on, but that didn't bother her one bit.  A total champ.  We hopped on over to an inside location that I know of for a while until it cleared up.  While I was ranting about the weather, my husband and Sarah were cool as cucumbers.  Dave exclaimed, "It'll break up.  See?  Here's the edge..."  Then it would rain more.  But Sarah stuck it out with me and I'm so glad she did.  It did break up and her pictures turned out amazing!  Thank you Sarah for being such a good sport!  Enjoy your vacation and soak up some extra sun love for me :)

This awesome shot was snagged by Dave...he's gettin' pretty good 'eh?

I was all like, "Marilyn Monroe!  Marilyn Monroe!"  :)

The Groshelles {family}

To say that this family session was the best thing that happened to me last Saturday is an understatement.  I honestly had a pretty poopy day.  But I decided that it wasn't going to get the best of me.  I wiped away the tears and moved forward.  I'm so glad I did b/c I had so much fun with this family!!!  For about two hours I soaked up this family's love and forgot about my selfish self.  

Geoff and Trish, ya'll are awesome!!!  Trish...your home is beautiful...  Geoff...your yard is beautiful...But most of all...your hearts are beautiful.  Thank you for letting me peak into them.  I sincerely needed it that day...

We started the session at their home.  They have this great swing...look at little Eli climbin' the tree!!!

I think this might be one of my faves...sis is tryin' to steal a kiss from her brother too :)

I love getting mom and dad alone for a bit

HOT MAMMA!

Prayer + Patience = baby *j*

She scooped him up in her arms...safe, content and secure.  He yawned that wonderful baby yawn.  She glowed.  This was the answer to her prayer...her desire that spawned more than a year ago... 

I have known Keith and Michelle for almost the same amount of time I've lived in Great Falls.  Michelle is a keeper.  You know what I mean?  A friend that I could call for anything.  A friend that, even though I may not have talked to for a month, can call and pick up where we left off...like no time went by at all.  So when I found out that her family had been chosen.  Nay, destined to adopt baby *j*, I was ecstatic!!!  This family and baby *j* are perfect for each other!  He even has red hair like his big brother :)  

Michelle, you deserve this more than anyone I know.  You are beautiful and you glow when you're around him.  He is the perfect addition to your family and is truly blessed to be able to call you "Mommy."

She has lady bug tattoos to represent her children and is adding a 3rd

Look!  baby*j* is pointing to where he wants his :)

Has anyone seen these before?  Too funny and awesome!

They're called pee pee tee pees...would've been nice it

I had these when my boys were infants...

I think this is my favorite of the family pics...I tried something different and focused on their feet.  I love the softness of the image to match the intimacy of the moment

 Speaking of feet...