The Johnson Family

The Johnson family. Jo Jo to the left, daddy John, momma Lora and son Jaime. Lora has been one of my friends since our older boys (16-ish) have been babies! What a beautiful family. AND all INCREDIBLE cooks. Thanks guys for your graciousness and hospitality. The LORD bless your home and marriage and parenting!!! LOVE you ALL!!!!

My friend Jo Jo

Couldn't Jo Jo play Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer in a remake? Common somebody ....do you agree with me?

Jo Jo Johnson

During our walk in the wash :P

Jo Jo Johnson

Here's my new buddy Jo Jo! Oh my, I would totally LOVE to hang out with this spunky little boy. We had family portraits first with momma Lora (one of my BFF!!!), daddy John and big brother Jaime (one of my son Ryan's BFF!!!)

Anyhow, after all the serious stuff for Christmas cards, I asked Jo Jo to come outside with me to go take some pictures. I felt like we turned the pages of Tom Sawyer or....maybe more like Huck Finn. We were both barefoot, with a chill in the air and the sun starting to set, I knew we were in for an adventure. Jo Jo went running down his yard toward a gate and said, "follow me!" Off we went in through a gate and up a path near a wash. Jo Jo immediately went into the wash...so I followed him. He talked and opened up and showed me the ropes of his "backyard." He seemed really familiar with the tunnels and dogs barking. Even running back up the embankment toward the dogs as he ran his hand along the fence as the dogs jumped wildly at him. YES, he was teasing them. He climbed up a bridge and crossed dangerously high above another bridge crossing. He told me we had to be careful because sometimes they release LOTS of water. I can imagine Jo Jo living out in the country climbing trees, catching frogs, snakes, worms, fish. I LOVE this kid! More to come of Jo Jo.

The Cox Family

Today I had so much fun photographing the Cox Family in their home in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Little Philip is 6 years old and big brother James (who had to run off to work at one of my FAVORITE stores....Fresh n Easy!) and I finally got to meet my beautiful friend Valerie's hubby Nigel. Ya gotta LOVE the English accent! What a warm and lovely home they have. Ready for the Christmas season, Valerie had her Christmas tree decorated in gold, warm red and peacock blue (with peacock feathers). The most unique tree I have ever seen.

P.S. VAL...you are GORGEOUS!!!!

The Elisaldez Family

What a joy it was to photograph the Elisaldez family at Heritage Park last week. So many beautiful images to last and keep a lifetime...and to pass on for generations! These are just a few portraits that I have started with. More to come....enjoy :D