Elf on the Shelf

We adopted our Elf on the Shelf "Tickles" 2 Christmases ago when my daughter was only 2 years old, and she has been such a fun addition to our family. Since it's almost time for her to make her annual appearance (on December 1st), I figured I would share a little bit of what she was up to last year!

She started out simple - sitting on the shoulders of the angel that tops Anna's little tree - a prime spot for scouting out naughty and nice behavior. . .

And hanging out on the Christmas tree. . .


Then she started to get a little more creative (and mischievous). Playing with the Little People castle and carriage. . .

Getting a little lovey dovey. . .

Messily wrapping presents (this one was a new ornament for my daughter's tree). . .

Embracing her inner Picasso with a little elf self portrait. . .

Catching up on her holiday reading. . .

Getting a little homesick for the cold North Pole temperatures (it's HOT in Texas, even in December!). . .

Taking a little break from all of her hard work (don't worry, my daughter didn't see this one!). . .

Starring as the Sugarplum Fairy in her very own production of The Nutcracker. . .

Sneaking a sample of the test batch we made of the cookie mix Anna gave as teachers gifts. . .

Fishin' for our pet fish "Memo" (my daughter couldn't say "Nemo"). . .

Plotting to steal Santa's job. . .

And satisfying her sweet tooth on our gingerbread house. . .

My daughter loves Tickles so much and was so sad last year when it was time for her to go back to the North Pole. I'm not sure who is more excited about her return in a couple of days - her or me!

Can't wait to share her new adventures!

Sneak Peek: Marroquin Family

I've known this family for a long time. Daddy was one of my first friends in Houston when I moved here after college. And that handsome little guy in the back? I held him in the hospital when he was born! My my, how time flies.

We were supposed to do a family shoot last year, but it never worked out, so I am so glad that we were able to do it this year. Love you guys!

Enjoy your sneak peek!

Sneak Peek: Emma & Noah

You may not believe it by looking at these images, but this smiley little guy took a good while to warm up to me and my camera. Once the switch flipped though, you could not have wiped that adorable grin off his face if you tried! Gorgeous big sister was the perfect model with those piercing green eyes and that beautiful smile!

Enjoy your sneak peek, "B" family!

Sneak Peek: Alex & Abby

It's no secret to anyone that knows me that I have an insane weakness for Matilda Jane Clothing. It makes up a huge chunk of my own daughter's wardrobe, and there is just no denying that it photographs beautifully! If you've never heard of MJC before, definitely check it out, but try not to blame me for the effect it might have on your pocketbook - so addictive!

Anyway, these two little cuties showed up looking perfectly coordinated in their MJC and just shined inside and out!

Enjoy your sneak peek, "S" family!

Sneak Peek: Caroline & Carter

This cute little guy was just as energetic as he is cute, and he really kept us on our toes! Beautiful big sister did such a great job of keeping up with him and doing everything we asked to that we could steal a few gems like these . . .

Enjoy your sneak peek, "T" Family!

Sneak Peek: Cotton Candy Princess

You may remember beautiful Miss Ava from her newborn session back in April. . .

Well, here she is now! Same beautiful face, same pink flower, and a brand new set of pearls. . .

Mommy wanted to capture a few images of her with this flower in her hair again when we did their family session recently, but we didn't get to it before Ava decided it was bedtime. So we did this quick backyard session, and I think Ava kind of liked being on her own "turf" this time. . .

I could just eat her up with those wonderfully squishy cheeks!

Sneak Peek: Rizzutto Family (And a Little Anouncement!)

When I first began this adventure of starting my own photography business, I really had no interest in photographing families. I was so accustomed to taking pictures of children, that I really thought that was where I needed to focus. And I do still really really love doing that very much!

But I've come to realize that as a parent (and even moreso as a photographer), I more often than not find myself *behind* the lens instead of in front of it. My daughter would often look at pictures of something fun my family did and ask me why I wasn't there. So sure, I have a lot of great memories of my kids, but it sure is nice to be a part of them sometimes, too!

Which brings me to this. . .

This is my beautiful friend and her gorgeous family, who so sweetly agreed to be my guinea pigs and let me try my hand on a family session! They did so great, even despite some unexpected challenges presented by our location that day ;)

Mommy and her sweet little princess.

Daddy and his adorable little man.

Handsome big brother (Watch it girls. . .my Anna has dibs on this one - even if she doesn't know it yet!)

So while I'm definitely going to continue doing Sweet Pea {newborn} and Sweet Heart {babies & children} sessions, I'm happy to share that shortly, I will be adding family sessions to the menu for Sweet Everythings Photography! Let me know if you're interested so that I can add you to my list to be notified once I have all of the details finalized and am officially putting these sessions on the books!

Thanks again, Rizzutto family! I love you and hope you enjoy your sneak peek!