Don't Eat Pete!!

 If you are looking for the funnest, simplest family game ever, Don't Eat Pete is it. I remember playing it as a kid with my family, and loved it. Then about a week ago my brother came over with his family, and we played it. I just about died watching the kid's faces during the game.

My First Salem Senior Portraits!

Yes, I specialize in maternity, newborn and children's portraiture, and yes I still photograph high school seniors and families. I started my business photography families and high school seniors, and while I don't advertise for those sessions anymore, I still love them, especially when they involve big, beautiful tutus! I had alot of fun with Vanessa. We started out in the studio, and I love how they turned out! I was able to try out my new backdrops that I created.

Memorial Day in Salem

While I wouldn't yet consider it a family tradition, last Memorial Day we visited a military cemetery in Portland to leave flowers for some of Joe's family there. Then this Memorial Day we took the short walk to the Salem Pioneer Cemetery near our home. I love seeing all the American flags on display.

Dinner Time? Macaroni and Cheese, please.

Okay, so as part of my new blog, am I going to be sharing our family's favorite recipes. My girls LOVE macaroni and cheese, and kept begging me to make it. The only mac and cheese that I ever had growing up came from a box. But because the ingredient list is a mile long (really, shouldn't it just be mac....and cheese?) I refuse to make it for my kids. I know that it is crazy cheap, and you can probably get a year supply for free if you hit the right sale, and double coupon and all that, but tell me, what is that orange powder stuff you put in it? Exactly, nobody knows. So I tried my hand at making my own mac and cheese and it was a hit! So here it is:

Are we there yet??

There are some things that are universal to all mothers; you never get enough sleep, and you cringe every time your child says, "Are we there yet?" "No, sweetie, if we were there, I wouldn't still be driving, now would I?"Of course, all of this would be said in the sweetest tone I could muster, while gritting my teeth. Maybe it's my kids that don't get that logic, or maybe they just love driving their mother crazy (if they are anything like me, it would be the latter. I can almost hear my mom's voice saying, one day Annie, you are going to have a daughter just like you!). 
Well, right now I feel like the one who keeps saying, "Are we there yet?"

Kason and Hinton- Newborn Photography Salem, OR

As a family, we moved from Canby to Salem, Oregon at the end of 2010. A month after the move, I made the tough decision to close my studio and take a few months off. Well it's been a few months now, and while I my studio has been closed, I have been working hard revamping my whole new studio with new props, and backdrops, along with some great new products and a new website! While I am not quite done (though I should be fully up and running this coming week!!!!) I was able to do my first newborn session at my new place here in Salem. These boys are incredibly handsome, and I am so glad their mom was able to bring them in, so I could try out my new space. In a few days, I will be officially open, and ready for more kids and babies!

Salem Oregon Newborn, Childrens, Child, Maternity Photography, Photographer

Teddy & Linnea

I have photographed both of these kids since they were babies, always at my studio. It was fun this time to do the session at their home! I loved that we were able to incorporate their beautiful bedrooms in some of the shots.