Today our sweet boy Gabriel Eliah turned 3 years old, about 6:30 in the morning.  It’s so funny….my first born was born about 6:30 in the evening and my fourth was born about 6:30 in the morning.  Adin (kid #2) was born about 1:05 in the morning, and Riah (#3) was born at 1:05 in the afternoon.  I find this so interesting!

Anyhow, back to Gabe.  :)

We had a GORGEOUS day this past Sunday for his birthday party.  I feel like he has been saying every day for the last year, “I two- I free on June ninef.” Haaaa!!  He was so excited for his party.

So I got him this big bunch of balloons, and before the party I took him outside to get a couple shots with them before taking them apart to decorate.

***NOT A SMART IDEA.***

About 30 seconds into it, this photo below happened.  Notice his hands, and how they are missing balloon strings.  UP, UP, AND AWAY they went!

He started to hyperventilate, and so did I!  I had to put on happy face, and then all was OK.  :)  He was a bit traumatized until Aunt Ashley saved the day by running up to the store for more!

Gabe has a milk allergy, so here’s his dairy-free chocolate cake I tried out.  I wasn’t sure how it would taste, but it got excellent reviews online.  Turned out to be DELICIOUS!

When guests started to arrive, the kids busted out the slip-in-slide!!

He was completely different than he was at his second birthday party.  He was so excited and smiley this time, yet still shy when everyone sang to him.   :)

He was so sweet and thankful for his gifts.

When people started taking off, he went over to the “fruit bowl” and was digging out some more watermelon.  :)

His little tongue try, try, trying to say TH-R-EEEEEEE!

:)  We love our little sweetheart.  Can’t believe three years passed this quickly.

Of course I took REAL portraits of him- and they are beyond CUUUUUUTE.

Coming this week.  :)

Even though you get a whole week Gaber- happy REAL Birthday today baby boy!

This isn’t the first time this sweet girl below has been on our blog, but the third.  I first met and photographed Holly for her Senior photos two summers ago, and since then she has not only become a frequent babysitter for the “Z” kiddos, but also a sweet friend.  Besides her Senior photos, we also did a very special session you may recall, of Holly and her Mama after a victorious battle against breast cancer.

We did this session on Peri’s birthday.  :)

Seeing Peri looking so healthy and gorgeous, and Holly with her complete family, made us so very happy.

Holly also brought Patty (ok, Patrick) her boyfriend along for the shoot.

We did the session at their horse barn.  They had two horses, but sadly one past away just about a week before the session.  I’m sure Patch enjoyed the extra love and attention since they said he has been a bit lonely.

Big fan of this image below.

Peri, I love to see your smile….and “Mr. Ed’s” too.  :)

Scrumptious golden sunset light….

A couple of Holly and her beau….

Mike, Peri, Holly, and Patrick- Thanks for spending a ridiculously HOT and sweaty evening outside with us! (Wow, was it hot.)

Holly-Polly, thanks for another great shoot sweetie.  ;)

jess+brett