Nicole

It was a misty, foggy November morning, but we didn't let that stop us. We were three ladies out on the town, loose in the city...and one of us was wearing a prom dress. We were bound to have a great time, and oh, did we ever. Nicole wanted an urban setting for her senior photos, and we found some pretty cool, unique backdrops between the misty Ohio Street Beach and park, Michigan Ave., and the W hotel lobby. I love all of her cool wardrobe choices and the variety that they allowed to tell her senior story. I also love the shots she took with her mom, Shelly. Ladies, that was SUCH a good time! Thanks for everything...and Nicole, enjoy the rest of your senior year!

8 months

It feels like only yesterday that I was taking Susan's maternity photos on a beautiful November afternoon. And then, this past weekend, Mike and I spent the afternoon cuddling our dear friends' beautiful 8-month-old son. How time flies. Drew is awesome. Alert and curious, he's thrilled with his new ability to crawl and has the cutest little breathy laugh ever. Thanks for a great afternoon, Jeff and Susan! Enjoy Drew's first Thanksgiving and we will see you guys soon.

Introducing Ernie

My sister and I have the habit of naming everything. It started with stuffies when we were little girls, and morphed into plants, cars, purses etc. as we grew older. Nothing's exempt...not even Christmas trees.

This past weekend, Mike and I took Becky to buy her first "tree in a bucket" to decorate her apartment for the holidays. We were surprised (but only a little) when she chose the scrawniest Charlie Brown tree at Target. "But he has a NAME!," she said, pointing to the label on the box, 'Ernie Pine.' "We HAVE to buy him!" Thus, Ernie, the newest member of the Soares family, was born.

We had a blast, Beck, decorating with you and snapping a few pictures of you and Haley for your holiday cards. It just wouldn't be Christmas without dressing your poor little dog up as an elf!

Triple threat

Mike and I had such a great time running around with these three cuties on Sunday morning. Big brother, Beau, showed his little twin sibs, Gianna and John Paul, how to get ready for the holidays. Grandma and Grandpa were even in town to help ring in the holiday cheer! Thanks for a great time, Andrea and Robbie.