It's a big deal around here.

I thought I'd celebrate the occasion by joining the masses with a first-day-of-school-portrait-shot-on-the-front-steps sort of photo.  While the little guy napped, my big girl and I sat on the front steps and celebrated her girly side.  She's spunky and adventurous and likes to get dirty and be loud and messy, but she also falls head over heels for all things pink and frilly.  Today was a day to celebrate that side of her.

I asked her if she wanted her hair braided or in a bun.  She said, "A honey bun pwease, Mumma.  A big one!"  So, I shoved a sock inside her teeny little bun and made it...a big one.  Honey not included.

Also, the sunglasses?  Her idea.

This next one... it's my absolute favorite.   I know it looks incredibly posed but it is 100% candid (I can't pose my kids... I mean it... I'll prove it in a minute).  And I can't tell if I like it in color or in the dramatic black and white best.  What's your choice?

She was really, really, REALLY excited.

And, just to prove my point, this is what I get when I say, "Put your hands on your hips. Can you smile and look at Mumma?"  This is her picture smile.  So, I never, ever ask her to smile for photos.  As cute as that weird little face is, it's not what I am going for.  Hahaha.  I like real photos - of kids being themselves - and that goes for my own kids too, not just my clients. 

Lastly, I just love this shot I grabbed of her twirling around the kitchen.  She twirled into some streaming sunlight and, though it's blurry, it's totally her.

I can't handle the fact that she is going to dance class.  She's young for it, and the jury is still out as to whether she'll make it the entire year, but it sure is fun in this moment right here, right now.

-Kerry:)