Brooklyn was on the news last night showing off her skills in the ISR program (www.infantswim.com), which teaches children as young as 6 months survival swim techniques that could save their life. We are huge advocates of this program, as Abbie also went through it when she was young. We first learned about it from a friend of ours when we saw their 18 month old swim like a fish across their entire pool. While we were excited about the potential of having a fun day of swimming without having to hold Abbie the entire time, we were also intrigued by the lifesaving skills she could learn in the program. Young children first learn to roll to their back if they are ever caught in the water, and later learn the swim-float-swim technique to safely bring them to the side of the pool or the steps to safety.

As you heard on the TV, the cost is quite pricey, but we feel that it is the best investment we have ever made for our children. I have never seen a swimming program that has so quickly and so efficiently taught a young child the skills they need to survive in this situation. Not only do they learn to swim in their suits, but during the last week of lessons, they swim in summer clothes, pajamas, and full winter clothes with shoes, simulating the situations that they could ACTUALLY get into in the real world. The peace of mind of this program makes it worth every single penny. For more information, please email Darla Sandy at d.sandy@infantswim.com. Darla teaches lessons in Gilbert, Arizona, but could recommend an instructor in your area. She teaches ISR instructors around the world as well if you are interested in becoming an instructor.

Looking for something fun to give as a gift, but have no ideas? How about a portrait session? I just got my brand new shipment of gift certificates in, which are redeemable for a free portrait session of your recipient’s choice. Give that special someone something they will remember!

Email me for more info!

* LABOR DAY SPECIAL: THIS weekend, gift certificates can be purchased at $25 off the regular price, which makes them $125!

Here are a few quick ones from recent sessions (youngest to oldest!):

Remember that there are a few more days in August if you would like to get your mini session in while the rates (and temperatures) are hot!

When I’m not photographing, I also work designing for Spilled Milk Designs. If you are a photographer in need of a website, check them out! I also have been working on a new site for myself, which I am putting a deadline on myself of October 1st for releasing!!! (We’ll see if that deadline sticks…but I am excited to show you what I am working on!)

What: 1/2 Hour Mini Sessions for $75
(includes ONE digital file emailed to you, option to purchase a disk from the session)
Who: Groups up to 5 people
Where: Your choice of one of 4 locations in Gilbert, Arizona
When: During the month of August, in the evening time
Why: Because it’s really freaking hot

Email me for information or to book your August mini session today!

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with some photos of little Charlotte, who we’ve been cuddling over here for almost a month now!

Starting next week, I will be back to work for portrait sessions. If you or your family would like to schedule a session, please email me. I will begin shooting weddings again in October. If you would like to schedule a meeting with me to discuss your upcoming 2010 or 2011 wedding, please email me as well! Thank you!

Also, I have to give a HUGE thank you to my friend, Jamie Burnett for this ADORABLE onesie that has been hanging over my computer for months…

And also my friends, Jason and Anna Ball for THIS adorably HILARIOUS onesie!!! And don’t forget to check out their blog for some super cute (if I do say so myself) pregnancy and hospital pics of yours truly!

She wasn’t too fond of the camera at first!!!

This was a gift from Grandma-handmade-wow!

Ahhhh…finally a smile!

And Kristin, I don’t know how you’re still so cheerful with 4 kids under 6!

Since I’m about ready to have a baby, I’ve been getting these sessions done quick! This session was from yesterday. Now, I can’t guarantee I can get them done in 1 day, but my goal is to get any session I take before the baby DONE and out the door before he/she comes. So if you still want a session before I take leave, just let me know!!!

Gabriella’s sparkly new heart is ready for her, and she is off to have her transplant surgery! I know this is bittersweet news, as Gabriella receives her new heart, another child has lost his/her time here on earth. What a miraculous and amazing gift for one family to give another. I know that both families could use your prayers at this time!

Follow updates on Twitter by following GabriellasHeart

Without further adieu, I give you Jasper, the adorable, animated little bundle of awesomeness that Jen and Nathan procreated (I sure hope that is the right word). I must say his faux hawk even rivals that of my husband. (Speaking of my husband…we just recently figured out that Dan and Nathan went to high school together…in Simi Valley…how’s that for craziness?)

THE BEST FACE EVER.

THE BEST FACE EVER TIMES 3.

Naked time. In the Bumbo.

Such a cute family

Thanks, guys! It was good to see you!

These two are some of my faves from the session, hands down!

I love this shot of Benson:

Check out this smile!

And of course, we had to revisit the bench of our first session:

Oh, and while we are on the subject of COLOR, I ALWAYS recommend wearing it for your sessions. See how VIBRANT and BOLD they are? SO much better than black, white, navy blue, brown…you catch my drift. Oh, and I am very anti-matchy-matchy despite the title of this post. The word of the day is COORDINATE. Take different shades of a color in different styles of clothing, or different patterns, or even better, mix several colors and patterns (time to retire the polos). Have a little fun with what you wear and bring out your individual personalities!!! You will love them so much more and they will be much more YOU!