Thankful for...

With so much focus already on Christmas, did you even know that Thanksgiving was happening so soon? I might be one of the few people in the U.S. who truly enjoy and look forward to being with family for Thanksgiving. It's always crazy and exhausting, but I treasure it as well. We goof off a LOT and are VERY competitive, with our games of choice being Phase 10 and that runaway train game (in English, we call it Mexican Train game, but my sweet cousin cannot remember the name). We form most of our catch phrases during this time (wow- I didn't know the iphone was so square), and I end up with some pretty great photobooks to show off our memories.

This year we celebrated a little early for two reason: 1. so that my amazing, smart, wonderful, and beautiful sister could be with all of us;  and 2. to have a major surprise party for my amazing, smart, wonderful, beautiful and wise mom! 

So, on Saturday (I'm so proud of myself for getting the photos together the very next day. unheard of in my life right now!), we journeyed to the French Quarter. Not an easy task for 11 people when the FQ is crowded as much as Disney World is on Christmas. So, here are my favorite moments from a trip to the Quarter. 

 Defeated, but not sad. They wanted to get beignets, but the line was around the building.

 Where else can you walk around the streets and get to have amazing live performances like in New Orleans? This city moves to the rhythm of its musicians.

 Lunch was at one of my favorite places in the Quarter- Oceana's. Everything has so much rich flavor with the perfect amount of spices. We sat in the courtyard, which was perfect so that we could be loud. Also, so that the kids could run off a little energy. Everything I've tried at this restaurant has been perfect- from the crawfish pies to st. james crepe to shrimp po-boys to salads.

 Me and some crazy guy. I don't know how he keeps showing up in my photos. LOL

 My sweet Iz! I want chairs like these so badly. I had a blast using them as a photo prop (see below)!

 Iz and MB (pronounced: MmmmBah)

 Els-belles

 I cannot wait for these to cuties to be grown up and talking about these special memories!

I hope y'all are thankful for family this year!

The start of my abandoned love

Well, my family only lasted in Belle Chasse, LA for 6 months. We had hopes that maybe it would be the town that we could settle in. But, no. Maybe we're just not use to how clean a city can be.
My favorite day there was spent just driving up and down Belle Chasse highway, exploring the area. I love adventure days with the family. No agenda, but we always discover the greatest things (at least, in my eyes!). We (my husband, kids and I) came across a great little house that was falling in on itself. I battled all the wasps and bees in order to snag some photos. What most impressed me was the beautiful rose tree that was in full bloom on the side of the house. I always have to spend some time just staring at places like this. I have to imagine what it once was and who lived there. I just have to know all about it!

So, I present my very first part in my Abandoned Love series. Can you figure out the inspiration for the name of this series? Check through the photos, and then if you find it, post the answer on my Sugarberry photography facebook page. www.facebook.com/Sugarberryphotography

Soft and Sweet Vintage

My girls are completely camera obsessed. Which is great for me because I'm in love with taking photos! So, my husband and I took time to take the girls to City Park, which is a beautiful part of New Orleans that has NOMA, Storyland, and many beautiful parks. 

    Shooting children can come with...exhaustion is the safest word. Don't most parents dread the photo shoot? I think that's why I've learned so much from years of it with my own kids. I wanted it to be a great experience for our family. For my first tip, I always pack plenty of food and water. They like to run like a prisoner escaping to freedom, so naturally their little selves stop after 20 minutes with 'mom! I'm hungry!'. (In which my response is, 'and I'm mommy. Nice to meet you, hungry.')

   I also like to check my expectations. Sometimes the best photos come out of unexpected looks and actions, and then we get to capture the real them! It's also good to keep the length of the shoot around 30 minutes. After that, they do not want to cooperate. 

    

So, here's my favorite moments behind the shoot. From I have no idea where, my daughters picked up this pose where they stick their belly way out (and with my youngest, it's so so funny. Nickname #1 for her is Squishy.) and their hips the opposite way. If you could hear my sigh, it'd say 'oh my word they are growing up too fast.' My oldest is starting to take direction really well (head down. eyes up. look left.), and she also likes to come up great poses. I love it! 

My younger daughter just wanted a million pictures of her running or jumping. Nickname #2 for her is Granny. (Any child that thinks it's fun to suck her teeth earns that name.) During one of her ventures, she somehow managed to get her dress stuck in the back of her underwear...this is so typical Izzy. LOL I love her. 

We found a tiny little cobblestone bridge, so they played princesses. Tip #? (I'm not keeping count.) for the uncooperative girl, let them play their favorite princess. For whatever reason, they act more 'proper' (and this word is always spoken with a British accent) when playing different roles. And I actually got a 'thank you, mommy, for letting me play my favorite princess' after we finished. I think we call this a success!