Cousins

Warning: this video will give you crazy-lady raccoon eyes

I knew when I became a parent --and even when I became a auntie-- I was setting myself up for a lifetime of teary-eyed major milestones. I knew that a first birthday, a first doctor's visit, a first day of school would all have me instantly turned into a weeping ball of mess. Sorry, kids, but yes, I will be the one in the audience blubbering like a crazy lady with mascara raccoon eyes as you walk across the stage at your high school graduation, and at your prom, your first broken heart, the first time you strike out... but I digress...

What I was not prepared for was the middle-of-the-day, I-just-thought-of-my-kids-and-now-I-can't-keep-it-together cries. It happens ALL. THE. TIME. 

...and just happened again when I watched this video of these six crazy little munchkins.

The other night we got all the cousins together and watched them laugh and run and play. THEY NEVER STOPPED SMILING. It was a beautiful thing to witness their pure joy and genuine love for each other. And even though they have their own unique personalities -- some bigger personalities than others! -- they seemed to seamlessly mesh together as one really amazing bunch of kids. It's my hope for them that no matter if they live next door, across town or across the state, they will always feel "at home" when they are together just like they did the other night. 

Damn it, I'm crying again!

 

Hautops #1, 2, and 3

A love like none other

If you are lucky, you have a set of friends like these two.  Gorgeous, well educated, and completely cool.  They are the kind of people that show up with just the right appetizer to your party....and it's homemade.  We've known them dating, engaged, married, and now as about-to-be-parents!!  I am so excited to watch their family grow with the addition of a baby girl this September.  There is no way to accurately describe the love a child brings; it's like none other. 

Kristin and Dustin, get ready to laugh, cry, and everything in between!  You guys are made for parenthood.  This is one lucky little girl and I can't wait to meet her!

xoxo~Vicki  "Hautop #3"

 



Miss Logan's 1st Birthday!

It was about 1 year ago this month that I decided to take this whole photography "thing" a bit more seriously.  Having settled into my stay-at-home Mommy role, I found myself searching for what it really was that excited me.  Beyond the hubs, the kids, the doggie.   I'm sure you all have asked yourself that same question.  Around that same time my BFF was due with her second baby girl.  Perfect timing to help me answer the million dollar question!  So there I was 9 days after Logan was born,with camera in hand.  I gave it the 'ol college try and LOVED every minute.  Here I am about 4,000 images later taking Miss Logan's picture again.  So blessed to have a network of friends willing to let me snap a few pics!  As for that million dollar question, well it's about halfway answered.  Dang, these life decisions take a while!  :)

Logan, you are the sweetest little thing.  I hope you have THE best birthday ever!  xoxo, Vicki



A collection...from Hautop #3

You may have picked up on this already, but we have 3 contributors to this blog.  Our strategy behind this setup is to offer a wide variety of topics and ultimately keep our readers entertained.  That being said, we hope this doesn't lead to mass confusion. :)    Still working on how we will self-identify.  I figure any way you shake it, I'm Hautop #3.  

Tonight I'd like to share with you a collection of my most favorite photographs taken over the past year.  I've always had a love of photography.  I can remember as a child using my Grandparents Polaroid camera to snap photos non-stop.  Using every last bit of film they had, lining up all the photos, and waiting patiently for them to develop.  I've always had a camera nearby.  I find it fascinating that you can freeze a moment in time forever.  So starting around this time last year I decided to take my hobby a bit more seriously.  I found a fabulous mentor, filled a notebook full of his instruction, and gained great respect for what it means to capture an image.

Without further ado, I give you my favorites!  ~VICKI

And.....Action!

Welcome back world to the land of Hautop.  We're here with 3 lovely ladies who have all missed you so very much.  It's been some time since we last spoke.  We've had a number of things going on....changing jobs, busy kids, moving cities.  The list goes on.  But today is the day we make our comeback! 

You'll see a variety of posts on this blog.  With 3 spicy personalities, you are sure to be entertained.  So sit back,  grab your favorite beverage, and join us as we take you through the eyes of our lenses!

Don't you just love bold colors.  Oh and cute kids!