Grandad's 96th Birthday

I'm a little late in getting this out. Grandad's birthday was May 2nd and 

we got to surprise him with a little get together the following Saturday.

We went to a local favorite place called The Banana Peel to celebrate

this special occasion. 

Here the great Grandboys sit and chat with Grandad. 

Looks like he's giving some great advise.

Grandad's cake was made by a local bakery. I'll have to

find out again the name of it but it was yummy. We all loved

how they decorated the cake keeping in mind that Grandad was a

 farmer of corn and a hunter most of his life. 

All the Johnson men/boys with Grandad. 

Jake and Ryan goof off in the parking lot while we continue to visit.

The guys and the gals with G'dad.

Trent and Renee say their goodbyes as we all have 

a few hours drive to get back home. G'dad is always so 

sweet.

G'dad and the boys with Tip. Tip was G'dad's hunting companion

but now Tip is enjoying retirement with the PA Johnsons.

Pops and G'dad looking and pointing at something but

I have no idea what it was about. Probably reminiscing about something

that used to be "over there". That's just my guess.

I Love this one of the great Grandboys with G'dad. One last hug. 

For this visit.

Christopher {Grad 2012}

For many of us high school brings fond memories. These are some of the best years of our lives even if they are mixed with a few unpleasant highlights. We start off as the newbie freshman, a little apprehensive of what lies ahead but we're comforted by the familiar faces of our middle school buddies, realizing were not COMPLETELY alone. Throughout the years of our up and downs we've made some strong connections with friends and have even favorited a few teachers. Seems like forever before we can escape this "prison" as we sometimes refer to it. But before we know it, it's here. The end of all our childhood schooling K~12. Graduation has finally arrived and we celebrate once again with mixed emotions. Sad to be seperated from our school family and a little nervous and excited for a new chapter. The world is now our playground.

 I like how Dr. Seuss sums it up, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

Chris in his own words "Graduation is a bittersweet thing. Although the
best I'd say is the promise of the future. A new horizon that only
I can explore. True independence to find out who I'm supposed to become.
That's truly exciting!" 

"I'm most looking forward to the complete independence

that college offers. This is the true push out of the safety

nest I've been in the past 18 years. I really want to be

on my own so that I can truly be myself and hopefully add to who I am."

"Of course I could speak about the financial aspects and how

I've always been way too spoiled. But above money, my parents 

actually physically have been there for me. Pushing me

when I loathed it the most but needed it or just checking

in on me everyday and everything in between. When I think

ahead to college I realize I won't have that comfort or reassurance

of their presence and care, something I've had daily for the last

18 years of my life. It's love and dedication that goes unsaid, 

but which internally I've cherished. So I guess, just a 

thank you isn't enough, but THANK YOUFOR BEING IN MY LIFE!"

Summer {Maternity}~And Baby Bump Will Make Two

Summer is such a pretty momma!

Mark acted as if getting his picture taken really wasn't his

favorite thing to do and maybe it's not but he sure doesn't

seem to be minding it here :) These two are such

a cute couple and already wonderful parents to little Fletcher!

Awww, little Fletcher, SO STINKIN CUTE! He liked playing a little 

game of  'running through the tall grass' with me. I'd pick him up, run him

back to his parents and then with a big fat smile on his face he'd 

come running back out again. 

Summer grew up on the grounds where we took her 

photos and where her parents still live. GORGEOUS property!

She makes it even lovelier. 

It's another boy! Being a mother of three boys myself,

I know she'll love having two, most of the time :)

Tom & Cindy Engaged

I totally LOVE IT when the couples I photograph can get into 

character and just have fun with their "true colors".  

Tom and Cindy have a passion for dance (like we couldn't tell) and it

 was this common interest that first brought these two together. 

As you can see they've got quite the moves!

There is nothing sweeter than being able to dance through life with the one you love!

Honestly, there was never a dull moment during this session full of 

goofyness and laughter so I was glad to capture a few frames 

of them being sweet and somewhat serious. 

Tom is a biology professor and can often be found wading around in ponds 

searching for his next test subject or in this instance his "Princess Frog". 

Cindy, a professional ballet dancer and teacher 

will no doubt show Tom a few dance moves of her own. 

 Congrats to the both of you! I can't wait to be a part of and 

capture your special day!

Julian

Spring is a reminder to us all of new life, vibrant colors, and a sign that warmth is right around the corner. This little dude was the perfect addition to the scene. Happy go lucky and full of energy! This shoot was actually a surprise birthday gift for mom and no doubt she will treasure this sweet little face forever. 

My Shoot With Norma Jeane

It was a gorgeous, sunny, fall day during the Thanksgiving holiday in the magnificent city of Chicago. Wow! That was a long sentence. I'm pretty sure it's not a proper one either. Where's Jake when I need him?! Whatever! I'm not a writer, I'm a lover...oh wait, that's a different saying...

As we walk Michigan Ave. I'm reminded of why I love this city so much and how much I really do miss it. Chicago lacks for nothing in the way of things to do, eat, and see. One of the highlights are the unique pieces of art that gets displayed in different parts of the city. Right where "The American Gothic" by Steward Johnson was once displayed is now his work of Marilyn Monroe. The official image was taken by Bernard of Hollywood in 1955 for the movie The Seven Year Itch. He was the photographer who discovered this now famous american icon that still lives on.

As I recorded my version of the statue amongst the other tourists, Troy tells me he's been listening to the comments of the passerby's who can't help but to notice the enormous piece of...ART...where most stop to get their picture taken next to it. When I shoot, I tend to block everything out other than what I'm focusing on. So I start listening.....

"How come you don't wear a dress like that?!"

"You want to take a picture of her underwear?! Don't worry, you can't see anything!"

"I don't know why they put that up, it's tacky!"

"I was already under there!"
"Oh, she is wearing underwear!"~ what Troy heard from a couple of asian ladies

"Is that Madonna?"~ what Troy heard from a group of teens

"Granny panties confirmed."~what Troy heard from a group of Twenty-Somethings. 

"This is embarrassing!!!"~Ryan Johnson (My Son)

Oklahoma & Twisters

Isn't it on everyones bucket list to chase tornadoes?! OK, maybe not but it's definitely been on mine. Being able to experience such an adventure didn't satisfy my curiosity but only gave me a little taste of something that keeps me wanting more. I have a friend who knows a friend....and that's how it all got started.