family at the holidays

My life has been void of a large family for many years now.  Most family gatherings only involve my parents, my two brothers, a sister-in-law, and a niece (9) and nephew (11).  The holidays just tend to be really quiet in the Miller household.  I miss the hustle and bustle of the Christmas of my youth, when there were grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, gingerbread houses, card games, and holiday dancing.

But at the Kinnaird house... 

One of my best friends, Bet, and her family have been so gracious to invite me to family get-togethers and treat me like one of their own.  I love spending time with all of them because 1. there are so many of them 2. there are a bunch of little kids 3. there is so much noise and action going on and 4. everyone is full of joy and love.

portraits: week 14

Brittany and Darren Jennings are one of my favorite couples to be around. I have known Brittany for a long time and I couldn't have been more excited for her when she got engaged to Darren.  Who could ask for a better guy for their friend to marry?  Brittany is beautiful, artistic, and big-hearted.  Darren is a hilarious, solid, and quality man. They were married this past summer and these are some of their engagement photos I was privileged to take.  Darren and Brittany kind of have that folksy and quirky vibe, so I tried to capture that the best I could.

first snow

Last week Ike said "that you know when you're old when you see snow and your response is 'DANG IT!'" Well, I guess I am not old because when I see snow I gaze in wonderment for a few minutes and then jump up and down yelling "Its snowing! Its snowing!" 

 

 

This year it began snowing while we, "the children of Aaron," were shopping for Lester, our Angel Tree kid.  We were excited.  Merriment ensued.

portraits: week 13

Santa Baby...
Its Christmas time, which means its also time for Christmas card photo-ops.  Jordan and AJ asked me to come take some photos of their family Christmas-style.  My favorite ones were of their little baby Jesse with his santa hat on.  He didn't cry or fuss or go to sleep while I was taking his picture...he was a perfect baby model (now, later when we were trying to take family photos, this was not the case).

Lucy and Me

I am so blessed this year to be an auntie, twice-over.  I don't get to see my newest little one very often because she lives in Bowling Green.  She changes so much in between visits - it makes me understand how precious time is with children. 

portraits: week 12

Mr. Doyle...
I think that it may be extreme to call Zack Doyle my most ridiculous friend, considering my group of friends...but I actually think he may win (even over Ike and Jared).  My response to him on a regular basis is "are you serious?"  Really, is he serious?  Most of the time that answer is "yes."  His animations and impressions are spot-on.  He is in the top echelon of storytellers.  His gestures are over-the-top.  His reactions are extreme.  And on top of all that, he is just a really solid, caring, patient, and smart guy.  I don't know what my past year-and-a-half teaching at my school would be like if he wasn't there sharing the experience with me.  I mean, us "specials"  have to stick together don't we?