We made our own orange slice garland this year and it was really so easy! This is not an in depth tutorial but I will explain what we did, if you would like to try it. I also took so many photos that they needed a place to live, so here we are!
 I used 8 oranges and made four strands of 6' garland. You may also use clementines, tangerines, whatever you want. I sliced the oranges pretty thin, about 1/4 - 1/8", blotted with paper towels, and placed on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.  We baked the slices at 250 degrees for 3 hours. I flipped them once and removed oranges as they browned a little. Then, we let them sit on baking racks for 3 days. Yes, for 3 whole days, the orange slices just sat out on the counter. I don't know if this is necessary everywhere, but the flesh may tear when you stitch the slices if there is still moisture and it was still humid in Orlando during November.
We strung the oranges about 6" apart on twine, using a yarn needle. I am fine with the slices sliding around a little so we only used one stitch through each slice. Just insert the threaded yarn needle near the rind, and again through the other side of the slice. The boys were able to stitch the oranges themselves. Tess needed some help but was also the most enthusiastic helper. 
Our garland is not perfect, but it looks festive and we decorated the whole house for Thanksgiving. These pretty little orange slices may even stick around through Christmas. Right now, I have them alongside some evergreen garland on the stairs and it looks cute. I might pull some off and attach to gifts when I start to wrap all of our packages! 
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Tea parties, jumping on beds, this whimsical family session was every little girl's dream! Sisters are forever friends and it was fun to see this sweet friendship beginning to blossom! ​

Baby Adrianna at one year. This is really such a sweet age. Crawls turn to wobbly steps and this new independence inspires exploring everywhere. I believe this is usually when parenting becomes an all day cardio event! I remember the curious pointing, everything going in their mouth and the most adorable belly laughs. Our tiny babies morphing into little humans! 

My favorite images are, quite often, those that happen during the in between moments. When children and families are interacting and connecting in a way that is truly them. During this session, the kids found an apple tree and were having the most fun picking the small apples and showing off their treasures. The sound of their laughter as the sun peeked out from between the tree branches, showering them all in golden light, was such a happy moment that I felt was just meant to be remembered. As I watched them playing together, I thought these are the images I will love. And as a mother, I would like to have remembered this part. When my kids were being kids and their little personalities were shining ever so brightly in that afternoon light. I just feel like there is such magic in the uniqueness of each and every family and I wanted to share that beauty as I saw it. 

​I want to remember it all. The curiosity, the faces they made, that wispy baby hair. These days when they are young. They are long, but the years somehow pass us by in a blink. The memories continue to build up as I try to grasp at them to hang on. Finding new ways to connect as they grow and no longer need to be held. Thinking about this as I snuggle my youngest baby, hoping she doesn't ever get bigger. Knowing that every child must grow up.

I met Stephanie + KC for maternity photos at their home, just a week before the arrival of their new baby girl. Stephanie is one stunning mama! This amazing view is what they look out at from their home, every day! 

I know we are all busy and sometimes just getting through the day. These moments, happening right before us, are worth documenting. This stage, whatever it is, is part of your story. Those times of togetherness. Seemingly ordinary, but so very meaningful. The way she clings to your hip and kisses your face. The knowing glances shared over all the silliness. The special, little details like tiny toes and tight, blonde curls. How he laughs hysterically, while snuggling in close. That growing bump, so full of new life. Through the chaos, we are all making memories each day, as a family. The smirks and laughs, pouts and cuddles, those special nuances that are unique to your family. I would love make these tangible treasures with you. Keepsakes of moments shared together, in beautiful light, that you will always have to look back on. 

This is the last installment from my time at The Magically Mundane Workshop with Daphne Mae Photography! Sausilito, California was absolutely beautiful and the families that we met were just so wonderful and I really dragged it out for as long as possible! Since these photos were taken, this adorable family welcomed a new baby boy!! I think it's fun to look back on that time of anticipation and to remember the hope and wonder of what was to come! 

We had such a full visit to Buffalo in July. We really enjoyed our time hanging out with friends and visiting family. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard someone in our family say they miss something about our  time in Buffalo, since we have been back in Orlando! There are just so many people we love and we come home with such great memories.
While we were in Buffalo, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet with the most wonderful families for summer photo sessions. I am super behind on blogging, but you have to start somewhere.. Below are a few of my favorites from this adorable family of three! 

I had the opportunity to do something really fun with some friends in the beauty industry last month! We partnered for a Mommy Makeover Giveaway in the Orlando area. One special momma received hair color, cut and style by Jessica Travis from The Hive Beauty Bar, glam makeup with Caroline Throneburg, Makeup Artist and a motherhood photo session with yours truly!  

Jennifer was our giveaway winner! She went for a bohemian 60's vibe, channelling Brigitte Bardot with her half up bouffant and gorgeous long waves. Her look was completed with beautiful makeup inspired by the Mad Men series and a floral, cutout maxi dress. Momma was beyond stunning!!
After being pampered, Jennifer and her son, Weston, met up with me for their photoshoot. Our outdoor plans got rained out so we relocated the shoot to Jennifer's new home, which was just perfect! Despite the hurricane like rain and complete darkness that Mother Nature conveniently provided, we found some light!
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​Jennifer and her little boy are really so wonderful. They have such a sweet, playful bond that was so much fun to be able to watch and photograph. I hope the memories that were made on this rainy afternoon are ones they will always treasure! 

A huge thank you to Jessica Travis and Caroline Throneburg for making this experience amazing!! 

Hair: Jessica Travis @thehivebeautybar
Makeup: Caroline Throneburg @carolinealice_mua

That coastline, the movement, the colors, this sweet family!! 

Below are a few of my favorites from Lauren + Vern's family session at The Magically Mundane Workshop with the ever talented Daphne Mae Photography in Sausalito, CA!