Dad's 60th Birthday!!!

Whoo!!!  It sure has been awhile.  I don't know about you, but the holidays were crazy and life hasn't really slowed down for me since then.

Before I update more katiejames images and news, I need to tell you about my last week.  My dad turned 60 and he, my mom, and some of their friends all met in Nashville to celebrate him.  My house was homebase, and we all really had a blast.

I recently joined Pinterest (I stayed away for a long time, but just couldn't resist the temptation anymore) and found the most amazing idea....so I stole it.  I contacted (with Mom's help) a bunch of Dad's friends and acquaintances from his high school days through today.  I told them that I was putting together "60 Years of Memories" for Dad, and I'd love their recollections.

It turned out awesome, and it was such a fun surprise and gift for Dad!!  I think I enjoyed reading the memories as they came in as much as Dad did.

My Dad is one of the most amazing men I have had the pleasure of knowing.  As we became adults, he  mastered the art of transforming into our friend and not just our parent.  He is full of fun, integrity, honesty, and he has been a living example all my life of the love of Christ.  I love you, Dad!!

The Rose's

It's amazing how much a baby grows in 2 years!!  I first took pics of baby Ryan in 2009 - you can see his first blog post here.

Ryan has grown up to me just an adorable little boy.  He was so much fun - we were on some land just outside of Keokuk and he had a blast running around, throwing sticks, finding nuts - all things that little boys love to do.  :-)  He's also one of the cutest little Hawkeyes fans I've ever seen!!

It was also awesome seeing Heather and Josh again.  They are great with Ryan and I already can't wait until next time!

DJ, Leecie & Fam

While in Keokuk, I got to see, hang out with, and take pics of another cousin of mine by marriage.  DJ's mom, Linda married my Uncle Steve quite a few years ago...to be honest, I have no idea how long it's been now, but it's been awhile!  ;-)

DJ has two kids, Natalie and Jacob and he's married the wonderful Leecie, who also has two kids, Dylon and Hallee!!  Up until our family portrait session I had not got to hang out with Leecie, Dylon, or Hallee much - let's just say I can't wait until the next time I get to see this part of my extended family.  I had a blast and I think DJ did an awesome job picking out a wife!!  Natalie and Jacob are awesome and growing up so fast (Natalie, did I ever tell you I was at the hospital when you were born????  Hard to believe you're already in 8th grade!!!).

Looking forward to the next time I can see all of you!!

Zack, Amy, & Blaker

I grew up living about 30 minutes away from my cousins.  There were two of us (my brother and I), and four of them.   The 6 of us were so close growing up - we went to the same church, and at least every other Sunday we all ate Sunday Dinner at Nana and Papa's.  I hate to guess how often we spent the night at each other's houses!!

We have all grown up, and we live all over - Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa - but when we have the opportunity to get together it just feels right.  It feels like we still live close together - though we'd probably have way too much fun if we did! ;-)  I love that my family is like that!!!

While in Keokuk, I got to shoot Zack's family (Zack is the youngest of the 6 of us - I'm the oldest).  Zack is married to the wonderful Amy (Zack married himself a winner.  The complement each other perfectly, and I LOVE seeing them together!) and they have a son name Blake.  Blake is awesome, hilarious, and adorable at the same time.

Sure do love you guys!!

Blake playing indians with his cousin

Another Indian cousin ;-)

Blake showing me his bull ridin' moves!

The Lane Frost wave

The Murray's and the Palmer's

I think I've said this before, but one of my favorite things about being a family portrait photographer is getting to see the same people every year.  It is SO fun to see how each family grows and changes.

The first time I shot these families, Melissa and Cory were pregnant, then I got to shoot Bailey as a baby, and this year as a toddler!!

I also had a personal first on this photoshoot - Snaps, Bailey's pony came to the park for pictures!!  Bailey loves her pony and it was so fun to take photographs of the two of them - not to mention the rest of the fam (David, Teresa and Andrew!!).