Santa Cruz

These pictures really make me miss the days that my husband and I lived a 1/2 mile from the beach.  We would walk down in the evenings with our surfboards for an after-work surf session.  Many of those nights would end in the water at sunset as dolphins and sea lions would get friendly near the shoreline.  It was bliss.

I love any chance I get to go to the beach.  I especially love taking pictures on the beach, so this session was a treat for me.

Kids are so happy and free as they play on the beach!  The smiles are so much more genuine when they are truly having fun.

Mia

Mia is 8 years old.

She belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, children at the age of 8 are given the choice to be baptized.

Mia has decided to be baptized and is so excited.  

Her white dress is a symbol of purity to represent her spiritual cleanliness after baptism.

She is the sweetest, most polite girl.  Not to mention an absolutely gorgeous 8 year old!

Lady-killers

Have you ever seen such beautiful skin and gorgeous eyes?

Just look at these two future lady-killers!

I have grown quite accustomed to doing everything short of a circus act to entertain young children, so when these two showed up it took me a minute to realize that I wouldn't have to pull out my usual bag of tricks. 

When I said smile, they did.  

When I asked them to crouch down or stand up straight, they did.

When I told them to laugh at my jokes, they did.

And I didn't even give them candy at the end.  rip off.

after baby

Surprise...it was a BOY!

Meet baby Anders.  He's such a precious little bundle.

Most of these pictures were taken in the staircase/hallway of Jessica's home with a sick big brother, an adoring older sister, and two exhausted parents.  

Congratulations to this new family of FIVE!