Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Bryce, Sabrina and Reid take The Drake

I was so excited to see three of my favorite kiddos last Saturday afternoon. Would you just look at how big Bryce, Sabrina and Reid are getting? The twins are walking! And Bryce cracked me up with his cute little, "Hi Jen!" We met at the Drake then risked the chill to spend a little time downtown. It was so great to catch up with your beautiful family again, Lindsay and Ryan. Enjoy the holidays!











Abbey, Charlie and Maeve

I loved these three! Abbey, Charlie and baby Maeve. Loved their smiles and their giggles and their energy. So cute. A fantastic way to spend last Friday afternoon.











Jen 3.0

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel today. Leaving my 20s behind and entering a new decade of life. If anything, I figured I would freak out. But I have to admit...I am strangely calm. (And, for anyone who knows me...that IS strange.) I am entering into my 30th year with no major regrets. (Not losing the 5-10 pounds I've been complaining about for the past 10 months, while scarfing nachos and pizza, doesn't count). Instead I feel a sense of accomplishment. I feel blessed and happy and content this morning. I didn't expect that exciting "fresh start" feeling, but here it is. Forcing me not to reminisce too much about the past, but also holding me back from wondering too much about the future. Perhaps it's a sign that I will finally feel more confident and comfortable in my 30s. That I will find the balance I've been searching for. To be able to live in the moment and enjoy the now. Maybe the next ten years will bring more answers than questions.

Those are my hopes for my 30s, anyway.

I've been admittedly negligent with my Gold Star posts for the past month or so (I blame this manic and merry holiday card season fully for that), but I thought I would check in today to give one big-old-fat Gold Star to my 20s. The decade that launched me from Denison into advertising into owning my own photography business. The years that allowed me and Mike to marry and build our own little family. To buy our first home. To travel the world. To move from Ohio to Michigan and to settle in Chicago, as we always dreamed of doing. What an amazing way to spend 10 years.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Association of Lloyd's Brokers

I rarely post photos from the corporate events I shoot...but I just couldn't resist sharing this one. Last week I had the pleasure of shooting for Lloyd's again, this time for one of their biggest luncheons of the year at the University Club downtown. Beautiful setting, excellent people.



Monday, November 7, 2011

Avery and Elena

It was a beautiful afternoon last Tuesday when I met up with Avery and Elena and their parents, Alexis and Jeff, for some fun in Lincoln Park. The girls had a blast playing hide and seek and racing with me. We checked out some pretty cool colored leaves and my favorite view of the city from the Nature Walk bridge. Then we wrapped up our time together on the carousel. I really enjoyed meeting your beautiful family, Alexis and Jeff. Thanks for a great time!











Saturday, November 5, 2011

Alex and Julia

How cute is this brother and sister duo? It didn't take much to get Alex to mug for my camera, and, as you can see, he has such a great smile. And Julia...what can I say? So cuddley and adorable. It was wonderful to meet you, Kim and Hans.










Emma

I had the best time last Saturday afternoon getting to know Emma and her parents Monica and Kelly in Lincoln Park. Emma had some oh-so-serious looks to give me as the rest of us cooed over how adorable she looked in her fun hats and headbands. Thanks for a great time!