“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” – Anthony Brandtthose little gummy smiles get me every time!nothing better than little baby toes!

Okaaaay so I know it’s not summer yet, but since my weddings kick off in the next couple of weeks and go well into the summer I thought I’d share this now in hopes of checking all of these off at some point over the next few months! Spring and summer are definitely crazy busy work-wise, so I should probably go ahead and block off a few days for some of these now, right? :)

There are a few things that help make summer complete in my world. Concerts, young life camp, and baseball games are all on that list! Last weekend I went to my first O’s game of the year with some great friends, and it was a great way to kick off the season. Here in Virginia, winter definitely overstayed its welcome, and I’m more than ready for warmer (and longer) days, sunshine, and more baseball! :)

here are a few iphone photos from this weekend:It was a GORGEOUS afternoon at Camden Yards, and we had the best view, but our seats just so happened to be in the most shaded, darkest section of the whole stadium, sooo it was a little chilly where we were sitting! The poor girl in shorts and a tshirt in front of us turned BLUE by the 3rd inning!Toward the end of the game we opted for the official 7th inning seat change, and headed to the outfield where the seats were in the sun, and we all said how it literally felt like two totally different days going from the shade/wind into the sun. I believe Scott phrased it best, “it’s like we went from Minnesota to the TROPICS!” :) Seriously look at the photo below, and you see that entire row of sections that arrow is pointing to?! Look how much darker it is than ANY of the other seats in the whole stadium! We decided they woulda been the perfect seats if it had been raining, or crazy hot, or just about in ANY other weather besides sunny and 60 degrees :)  So here’s the bucket list for this summer! Who wants to tag along?! :)

– A few more baseball games– gotta cheer on the Nat’s and the O’s a few more times this season (especially since the O’s lost this weekend!)

– Spend an afternoon at Pippin Hill Farm Vineyard– this is one of my FAVORITE places I’ve been to in Charlottesville! I didn’t make it there at all last summer, but this year it’s on my list to go sit on their patio with some wine and cheese for one afternoon and enjoy the mountains :)

– See The Lion King when it comes to the Kennedy Center– I’ve always had a soft spot for theater, and this shows is one of the best!

– Go to one summer concert– Jiffy Lube Live usually has a big handful of country concerts throughout the summer, but this year their lineup is pretty thin, and I have weddings scheduled for the few concerts that are coming. So we’ll see if this one happens!

– Shoot a portrait session in a lavender field– I’ve always wanted to do portraits in a pretty lavender field, and this year I’m making it happen! Katie and I already have plans in the works, and you know when she and I team up for photos the results are gonna be good! :)

– Spend a day at the beach– I’m not too much of a beach bum, but it just seems wrong to not see the ocean at some point during the summer!

– Young Life Camp– summer really doesn’t seem complete without at least one day here! Thankfully it looks like I’ll get to go be the official camp photographer again this year for YoungLives week at Rockbridge! Who wants to come serve with me?! It’s seriously the best time, and you will fall in love with these babies over the week!! You can read and overview and see lots of cute photos from last year HERE!

SO! Who wants to come with me for any/all of those?! :) What’s on your summer bucket list?! Anything else I should add to mine? :)

“A shaft of sunlight at the end of a dark afternoon, a note of music, and the way the back of a baby’s neck smells if it’s mother keeps it tidy,” answered Henry.
 “Correct,” said Stuart. “Those are the important things.”
― E.B. White, Stuart Little

Many, many babies in Nicole’s family have been rocked in this bassinet over the years, and now it’s Eva’s turn:
this truck was Dan’s when he was younger, and now he’s graciously sharing it with Miss Eva :) she had so many beautiful blankets made just for her, and we tried to work in as many of them as possible:this girl was born to be a Skins fan :)she just might be the only girl to have a Redskins themed nursery! it’s a good look for her ;) … i mean. the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, huh? :) love how they’re making the same face!

Nicole has been one of my very best friends for the past 16 years, and it was such an honor to be the one to take Eva’s first official photos! You can go back and see photos from her birth day HERE. Congratulations, wonderfriend! You sure do make pretty babies! :)
xoxo, jessie

“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness, and sweet sleep blesses the child who lies therein.”
– Victor Hugomeet big brother, Benjamin! isn’t he the cutest?!Ben was showing off his shell and rock collection :)They have the most beautiful back yard and Ben made sure to tell me all about the different plants they were growing! Taking care of them all with his dad is one of his favorite hobbies :)

“She’s somebody’s hero
A hero to her baby with a skinned up knee
A little kiss is all she needs
The keeper of the cheerios
The voice that brings Snow White to life
Bedtime stories every night
And that smile lets her know
She’s somebody’s hero”
– Jamie O’Neal
I’m always so thankful when clients invite me into their homes to document their favorite parts of home. there’s that look Kamdyn has been giving me since day 1 :) The face that says “put that camera DOWN so we can play!!” You can go back and see Kalli’s 4 month session, newborn session, and their maternity session as well!

Happy Wednesday :)