Sophia

Has it really been two weeks since my last blog post? *shakes head sadly* I've got quite a few sessions to share with you, and so what better day to start than a rainy Saturday.

Sophia came in for some senior pictures, and Beth captured some fabulous images of her.
Below are some of Sophia's favorites...


This one is my favorite:






Though I do really love this one too with the creek in the background...





Happy Saturday!
~jess

Great Way to Start A Day - With A Song!!

It is no secret that we are waiting for Iris Marlene - our newest granddaughter - to arrive. Jaime, because she has horrible pregnancies and cannot wait to feel normal again. Matt, her husband, because he wants his wife to feel better. And me, because I am fascinated with these creatures I can call my grandchildren. They come into the world as new little people who are some their parents but mostly their own new little self.

The one person who remains unaffected is Thomas, Jaime and Matt's little guy. He has no clue what will be coming his way next week. His little joyful self is blissfully unaware. Not that he will mind. Knowing Thomas, he will see this baby when Iris arrives home and squeal with joy that another little person has arrived to keep him company. He thinks life is a party created just for his amusement.

So this blog is dedicated to Thomas. Each day he lives life with delight loving all that comes his way. Each day starts much the same - quiet time with a bottle and then- SPONGE BOB!! Several months ago, when he was small enough that we felt he wouldn't notice much, he started dancing to the Sponge Bob theme song. He could really care less about the show itself but that theme song starts off his daily routine of FUN.

Thomas - Never lose the joy of simple, silly songs... for you, Internet friends, please enjoy the start of Thomas' days!

Grandbaby day!

Last year my two grandchildren were born 5 days apart. Almost 1, last week they met up for the first time in a few months. Now bigger, it was fun to see them interact as little people.


Thomas met Layla as she settled in - welcoming her to his house!

Together they explored the toy bin...

then waited to go to the Park!

Layla got new sunglasses from her cousin as an early birthday gift.

She looks COOL! - and we are set to go.

Lindsay gathers up the two bundles of energy!

Life just seemed amazing that morning - pushing my two grandbabies on the park swings!

Time for a quick hug...

and a slide down with Moe then off we go to eat!

Layla and Thomas in deep conversation!

He thinks he said something funny - not sure Layla agrees! Or maybe she just wants lunch!

Such a happy day to spend with Lindsay & Layla ... and Jaime and Thomas.

Days like this don't come along often enough - I will treasure this one till we all have a chance to get together again!

Jordan

Last year, Jordan came to the studio with his family for some family portraits. Jordan is now in his senior year of high school, so this time around the session was all about him. He brought a basketball to use during his Studio Session, and Beth got some great indoor and outdoor shots of him.










This one is my favorite:





We're taking off early today for the Labor Day weekend. Hope you all have a fantastic holiday and happy Friday!

~jess

Wine ... because you can

To those of our friends who know Jess and I, you understand that we have been visited in the month of August with what we are calling "bad August Mojo." Oh sure we have laughed about all of the crazy things that have filled this month BUT - we are also planning a end of the month purging. September winds will come bringing a cool change of the air and the awesome colors that come with those cooler temps.

In honor of the end of this August, I thought that our Internet friends should hear about a great find discovered yesterday. Jonathan and I have taken to exploring very recently. So where do you look for a cool place to ride? Trust your Garmin - that little gadget that tells you how to get places also comes with options such as "What if we have a Sunday to ourselves and we want to go someplace?" rides.

It lured us to a trail that is in the northeast of Atlanta - pushing us along as we watched our little screen car wind around the same roads we were on. The top was down and the hair was blowing. To make it even better, we sang to John Denver. Ok - Jonathan sang - he knows more of the words. I chimed in loudly when I felt the need or softly if there was a love ballad.

Ellijay ... Jasper... Dalton all "okay" but not the ride we expected - we thought our little Garmin had let us down. On we pushed and came into Cohutta - a place that unfolded into green and lush and rolling land. A beautiful reminder that Atlanta has not yet sprawled too far. As we were winding through this beauty a sign popped up for "Cohutta Springs Winery." I know what you are thinking - a winery in North Georgia?? but - what the heck - we drove in to try it out.

We met Paige as she was reading on the front porch of a beautiful log cabin structure. Inside we went with her to taste their wines. They use all their own or local grown fruit and have created a wonderful array of wines. There was sweet for me... and dry for Jonathan. Adam, Paige's husband chimed in and we spent a delightful time trying different flavors - walking away with some VERY interesting choices!

As you walk out of the store, the whole valley lays in front of you. To have met wonderful people who have put their heart into a new venture... to be able to see the beauty of what is called the Fairy Valley, we left with joy knowing we had found that unique someplace where a happy memory will always live.

If you get up their way, please visit with Adam and Paige. Their website is:http://www.cohuttasprimgswinery.com. The drive there will put you in a wonderful mood and then the company and the wine will make the rest of your day HAPPY!

Thinking you might like to see some of what we found so delightful, I took some pictures to display what we brought home to enjoy.

Great choices to share with friends this fall!

mmmmm.... a sweet white wine that tastes of strawberries...

Crabapple Cinn - a blend that is just waiting for cooler temperatures and a fire!

This "Jacks Red" is awesome for me - a sweet red wine for dessert!

A cabernet to enjoy with dinner!

To Jess whose Sunday in Atlanta was a torrential downpour... we promise to share the great wines we found with you! To Adam and Paige we wish you great success and hope to send many friends your way!