Easter, e-mail, randoms and photography Q&A

Ok, let’s start with this. How ADORABLE is this little darling? The outfit? Oh my goodness it makes me happy…just sweet and timeless. The bracelet!

And the adorable little flowery basket. Sigh…

I took that shot on Easter – we had a wonderful dinner at our friend Mick’s house in Grant Park with a bunch of other friends.

In sharp contrast to that timeless innocence, here’s my lovely daughter with her adorable Easter Basket a Smithwick’s box someone handed her, about to have red wine poured on her head by the aforementioned Mr. Mick (no, that didn’t happen – but it looks funny, eh?).

Speaking of Mick. I think someone forgot to tell him the Easter Egg hunt was for CHILDREN.

Look at that glee. They must not do this in Ireland. And he’s working in Northern Canada these days, where it’s like -5,000 degrees. So he needs candy for sure.

Here’s another cutie – with a more appropriate candy-gathering container than Ava’s.

Mmmm….Peanut Butter Cups. Mommy LOVES Peanut Butter Cups…

BACK OFF, Mommy!

Note: No clue whose foot is running by in the bottom corner. Maybe it’s Mick again.

Was Aidan there? Yes. Here he is (with a little help from Mick again – geez, I think he should just schedule a session, don’t you?) making sure Ava doesn’t get a head start on the candy hunt.

I believe he headed inside for a game of Checkers after this…

In RANDOM news:

• I cleared out my e-mail the other day. I had 4,300 e-mails in my in-box. It took awhile.

• I’m so happy to read that my favorite show Friday Night Lights was renewed. PHEW. I love that show.

• Whenever I watch Big Brother, I can hear my brain cells fleeing from my head screaming in horror.

• Now that they’ve added more classes, I was able to take RPM (spinning) class this morning. I’ve missed it. If you want an amazing cardio workout, take spinning.

• Aidan’s Straw Walk for Wellness was today. Even with Ava and I walking, his class did not collect the most straws. Aidan says it’s because they have the fewest kids in their class (true). His teacher got them Ice Cream at lunch, so it’s all good.

• We’ve booked our vacation to Disney this summer (note to clients: book early!). We took Aidan when he was 2 1/2, and now it’s Ava’s turn. Even knowing how exhausting it is, I’m so excited. My mom’s coming down for the 2nd half so Vic and I can go out without kids!! WOOO!!! so she can spend some quality time with the kiddos.

I’m planning another Photography Q & A in the next few days. If you have anything you’d like to ask – go ahead!

I get quite a few e-mails from people asking questions or looking for a mentor. And I’m SO flattered, truly, but I just honestly don’t have the time. I’m too busy with clients and posting important images of Ava holding empty beer boxes. So I’ll try to make up for it by posting things here as I get a chance to write them up. I will say there is no magic ticket when it comes to great images – no simple answer. Well, practice and time, maybe! I’ve been behind a camera for going on 15 years, and there’s no action or camera in the world that can be exchanged for that…but there is a lot you can do to improve – and make that practice more constructive. I’m here to help!