Family photos

We had family photos taken in early December. I had tried so hard to be ahead of the game last year, for Christmas cards, gifts, etc. We had been scheduled to have them taken in October, but inclement weather postponed that shoot. We soon discovered we'd be unable to reschedule with that photographer, so she referred us to another photographer. We quickly found out that his rates weren't the same as our original photographer, so we scrapped that plan in favor of staying within our budget.

Enter Ashlie, of Ashlie Fulmer Photography - a friend of a coworker of mine who donates half of her session fees to various adoption groups. She and her husband adopted an adorable little boy from Ethiopia last year, and she continues to help provide funds for something she is extremely passionate about.

Ashlie met with us on an overcast, chilly Saturday morning. She suggested a beautiful location, and we had a great time with her. The only little snag is that Elle had decided that she didn't want to sit still. Anywhere. This relatively new walking thing is apparently the bomb and must be done constantly. So if we tried to take a photo with Elle where she wasn't allowed to be walking, it was instant disaster. Most of my favorite photos involve what look like stoic looks from Elle (it is actually her "I'm tolerating this" look) or a randomly caught smile - or (if you look closely) the sign of Baby Girl on the move.

She had just kissed me on the lips, and I was cracking up.

Christmas card photo

Foot poised to walk ...

This is what happened if we tried to stop the walking by picking her up ...

Love her face in this one :)