Valentine's

I had my heart set on a Valentine's Day shoot this year, if only because we never got around to it last year. Harper had school off Friday so I got the kids dressed and we headed out. Of course, by the time we left the house the lovely morning haze had burned off and it was too bright out for the kinds of photos I wanted. And also the kids were already tired of having their pictures taken before we even started, of course.

I got these two exceedingly marginal photos...

... before this started happening.

So we went home and did this for a while.

Notably, the kids were significantly more cooperative for round two.

 

 

Also, I have to say that, contrary to the evidence presented herein, I am nuts about my kids. I am so proud of how they have grown to be such loving siblings (usually). 

Happy Valentine's Day, from the Booker Pack!!!  

Iko!

Will's in a Iko Iko kind of mood these days. I mean, all day, EVERY day. He demanded we film him singing about a dozen times tonight. (Warning: this may be the cutest thing you'll ever see.)

"The 'jock-a-mo fee-no ai ne-ne' part is my favorite part."

Winter Recital

The Bookers have had a rough past couple of weeks. Like, unbelievably rough.  All I want is to close the curtains and hide away with my family in our little home.

Little by little I've been joining the real world again, though. Today was Harper's first violin performance. I'm so glad I braved the outside to attend the recital. 

Brad wasn't able to join us (who has a recital at 1:00 pm on a week day?) so I videoed it for him. I could not be more proud of our little Vivaldi.  

Halloween 2016

Birthday Bash

We celebrated Harper's sixth birthday party today. It was Minecraft-themed, as that is her current obsession. This year we tried to keep it simple with just a few close friends. I baked a couple of small chocolate cakes, stuck some Minecraft toys on top and called it a day. Then we let the good times roll at Water Works Park.   

Our party goers.

I think I get this same picture every year: Fiona and Zoe helping Harper blow her candles out. This year it was all staged because the wind was blowing too hard for candles.

Harper was onto us.

This was some sort of zombie run. Obviously.

Elijah has become quite the athlete recently.

He's the only kid who Brad knows who will watch football with him,

so he has an open invitation to hang out at our house.

Mimi was in excellent spirits... 

... unlike Birdie, who kept her unbroken streak of crying every time I look at her in tact.

Declan is Harper's new friend from school...

... as is Armando (whom Harper refers to as her "hugging friend"). 

I like to call this one "Collusion."

Serious business.

End of the day.

Thanks to all our dear friends who made it out for a very special SIX year old birthday!   

Birthday Girl

Today our sweet Harper turns six years old. Tomorrow there will be cake and friends, but today we are enjoying her wacky, exuberant little self. 

Happy birthday, darling Harper. You are the heart of our family.

Last Day/First Vacation

Hurricane Hermine produced an serendipitous five day weekend, which we are still enjoying. It was also Harper's first school break, so we're making the most of it. Yay for days off!

This morning I took the kids to my favorite alley (with the gorgeous painted fence) to get a five minute photo session in. Our favorite neighbor, Shane, popped in for a couple of shots, which worked out perfectly since he has kind of been our third kid recently. 

I hope everyone had a great few days off!