Not so little memories~

Growing up.

Today was Kaylee's last day of kindergarten. She is officially going into first grade....where the heck does the time go? Such a bittersweet moment. I was looking at photos of her the other day from when she was 2 and 3 and I was amazed at how much she has changed and grown. Yesterday I sat down inside to watch her play outside the arcadia door with the water hose on our back porch. She was having such a great time all by herself.  As I sat and watched her I realized that this phase will pass as did all the others. What would life be like when she no longer plays by herself with such un-adultured joy? What will life be like when parents embarrass her? In a way I guess I dread the future, the loss of her childhood, I dread her growing up.

You see, those memories that I think are just little ones, really are big memories. I plan to enjoy each and every not so little memory with my not so baby girl....

1st Birthday~

Milestones~

Saturday, I did a session with the cutest little girl EVER, named Madelyn. Miss Madelyn turned is turning 1 year old. This is a huge milestone. Us mamas realize our little babies are growing up and there is no going back.

After this little cutie pie warmed up to me, we got some adorable cake smash shots and afterward, went out and took some family photos with dad Aaron and mom Holly. These two are such great people, I'm sure their little girl will be just as wonderful. Daddy better watch out for those boys when she becomes a teenager!

We had such a great time just hanging out and taking pictures, time flew by! So glad to meet Miss cutie Madelyn and her great parents!

Check out a few shots from the session below~

Shenanigans~

Independence.

I just wanted to share a little bit about my 9 month old daughter, Kennedy with you all. She is full shenanigans I tell you!

Miss Kennedy has become mobile. I don't know if thats a good or a bad thing. I mean, I'm excited that she is growing up and developing into a rambunctious little girl, but I'm sad that she is growing into an independent rambunctious little girl. 

She is into absolutely everything! And she's eating everything! You can't be in the same room with Kennedy when you have food, you'll have to share. Have you read that book "If You Give a Moose a Muffin"? Well, Kennedy is the moose.

Saturday Morning Fun~

I love Saturday mornings.  The sun rise, the lazy feeling of not having to work that day, the sheer joy that I get to spend time with my family.

This Saturday, I had so much fun with a little one-year old boy named Everett. We played, ran, jumped. He was so amazed with every little thing, especially the birds at Encanto Park. Every time he saw something interesting, he's say "ooh".  Sitting still was not an option. He was up and moving from the time his Aunt put him down.

I really did learn something from this vivacious little boy. We as adults forget the beauty of life and everything around us. Because of him, I am trying to remember the beauty of my surroundings and once in a blue moon, if something interests me, I might even say "ooh".

Live Life Hard.
Love Life Always.

The Forever Kind of Love~ Eric + Amanda

Sunday I had the honor of taking photos at my friend, Amanda and her hubby of 5 years, Eric's vow renewal ceremony. The ceremony took place at Rio Vista Park in the evening hours where the light was beautiful as the ceremony itself.

Eric + Amanda each wrote their own vows and renewed their commitment to one another after five years. These two are the most adorable couple, you can clearly see they are in it for the long haul. In a time where marriage is taken for granted and vows don't seem to mean much, I am glad these two plan
to go all the way and be committed to one another and their beautiful daughter Catalina.

I am so proud of these two, congrats Eric + Amanda!

{Family Ties}

Sunday,  I had the opportunity to do photos with a wonderful family. Luis, his beautiful wife and gorgeous children  had an awesome session!

We headed over to the park and there were so many low riders, I thought we were at a car show.

The teenagers were all so cooperative and respectful. The little ones were absolutely adorable!
I was honored to take photos for this great family~

Below a few photos are posted from the session.

Where the Heart Is.....

First and foremost I want to give a special thanks to Ashley Aniol aka Emmierae Photography! She was so amazing taking time out to help me edit my first newborn session and mentor me. She is an incredible photographer and all around great person If you get a chance stop by her site www.emmieraephotography.com.

Last month, I had the chance to do my first newborn shoot for my friend Lexy, who had just given birth to Xavier Almada. This sweet little baby boy has his mommy wrapped around his tiny little newborn finger.

It really was a treat and I am so glad Lexy entrusted me with the well being of her precious addition.
So along we went, set the space heater on 90 degrees and went to work. We weren't able to complete
all of the poses or use all of the props, but considering this was my first newborn session, I think they turned out well.

I have posted a few photos from the session below of this adorable little boy.

God Bless and be with the Almada Family as their lives change forever.

Blessings
Alicia
Adele Bella Photography