Run! Run, as fast as you can... You can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread man!

We are finally back home in Virginia and starting to unwind after a wonderful and much needed vacation to Texas. While I was able to convince Greg to unpack some of our things, I started the task of uploading pictures onto the computer. Some of the ones that caught my eye included the afternoon where Jake and his Nana made gingerbread cookies. I wasn't there during the actual "cooking" portion, but I was there to watch him decorate....and then later help eat haha!

Anyhow, Jake and Nana had a great time rolling out the dough and using the cookie cutter to make his cookies. Once they were done, and cooled, we used edible paints and marshmellows to decorate them. We had so much fun and unlike the ones I provide where our cookie dough comes out of a tub and we stick it on a cookie sheet to bake. Then POOF! 12 minutes later we have cookies, I know Jake is sure to remember this as one of his first real baking experiences and a wonderful time with his Nana.

I Guess its true what they say about Texas....

Everything is bigger and better! We are still enjoying the afterglow of our Christmas here in Texas. Jake's having a hard time trying to decide what toy to play with first---between his Mr. Potato Head and his Cars bathtime toys, he's in heaven! I'm going to be putting my "big" gift from my in-laws to use tomorrow. I am getting treated with a much needed mani/pedi/mini facial and best of all---eye brow wax!!! Greg and his dad got to see the last Texan's game of the season today and the fact that they won made it that much sweeter! We have been enjoying good times with family and friends, and I wouldn't trade these memories for anything. It's been good to see everyone again. Thankfully we still have a few more days here unlike Greg's dad who flies back to Russia tomorrow. Hopefully things will settle down for him at work and he can come back stateside again soon and stay longer than a week! Anyhow, we are doing very well in Texas but miss Virginia's chilly weather---something about 75 degree weather just doesn't scream December to me anymore hahah! Anyhow, we'll keep you updated and hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas!

CANS for comments!

I saw this idea on another photographer's blog and thought it was a wonderful idea. In order to do my part this year I am going to donate one canned good item to my local food bank for every comment that is left on my blog between December 20th and January 1st. There are so many hungry people throughout the nation, this is one way that I can give back something to help them. Please help me in raising awareness and provide some help by leaving a comment and bringing food to those that are in need this year!

Please take the time to send this out to family and friends as well. This work of heart is open to anyone world wide. Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful holiday!

The following is a list of items provided by the Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula:

Most Wanted
·
Peanut Butter

· Chunky Soups

· Canned Meats

· Canned Tuna

· Canned Vegetables

· Juice

· Cereal

· Macaroni and Cheese

· Pasta

· Pasta Sauces


Emergency Needs
·
Water

· Canned Juice

· Snack Foods

· Boxed Powdered Milk

· Canned Vegetables

· Canned Fruits

· Canned Meats

· Canned Soups

· peanut butter, jelly

· Cereal

Senior Citizens
·
Pudding cups

Fruit Cups or Jell-O cups
·
Crackers

· Sugar free snacks

· Small packets of dried milk

· Small cans of vegetables

· Peanut butter and jelly

· Canned soups

· High fiber cereal

· Canned tuna and chicken

· Dried fruit

Playing with my new baby!

No, I didn't have another child, although on camera this thing feels as heavy as one! I finally treated myself and upgraded to the 70-200 f/4 L lens that my heart has been yearning for for quite some time. I have to tell you, this lens is a dream! It is fast and tack sharp. I had the opportunity to put it to good use recently while checking out a few new locations for spring portraits. The Williamsons were so much fun to work with. Anna's three children have very different looks from skater/grunge, to classic and preppy. I wish I could pull them out every weekend and dress them up to shoot. As it was, I got to play two different days and two different locations! As I said though, this lens has bokeh like butter and is sharp sharp sharp! LOVE IT!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Before we head to Houston to celebrate a warm Christmas with family, I wanted to take the time to wish you all a happy holiday season. The transition to Newport News has been a long tedious journey, however, it has been met with wonderful experiences along the way.

Along with getting Erin Colleen Photography settled and going again, I have renewed my love of teaching. I am working at a wonderful school with amazing colleagues. My husband is working for a wonderful command, that is working to help him excel and progress with his career. My son is growing faster than I can capture with a camera and learning so much everyday.

I couldn't have asked for a better place to be in my life right now unless it included me about 50 lbs lighter and having just won the lottery hahaha! Either way, enjoy your family and friends. Be thankful for the things you have in your life, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star....

Well, not quite a star, but a GORGEOUS and bright moon! From what I understand this was supposed to be the brightest moon we've seen in about 40 years.... Im so glad I had the opportunity to go out and capture it. I have to say though, it took a lot of patience on my part dealing with the tripod!

My son calls it his moon. Every time we go outside at night he searches for it. He asks me, "Mommy, where's my moon?" When he sees it, he yells out "There! There, mommy! There's my moon!" Its amazing to see the excitement in his eyes each and every time he sees it. Almost as if he's being given a gift every evening. He never tires of reaching for it, trying to grab it from space. When I opened this shot up on my comptuer his eyes got so big and round. He pointed just as excitedly because "his moon" was on my computer. I think this will be one I print large for his room.... that way he doesn't have to wait until night time to see his moon. He can go into his room and see it whenever he wants.

It's a long way to Richmond....rollin' up on -95!

Okay so it's not really that far--about an hours drive or so, but it was SO totally worth it! I had the opportunity to get together with several photographers around the state and work with some gorgeous little models in training!

I want to first and foremost say a BIG HUGE GIGANTIC THANK YOU to everyone that came out! Erin, Dorie, Keri, Tana, Mimi, and the little ones Nicholas, Ryann, Matthew, and Sydney. Also Zach and James (I think) were some of the most patient men in the world for helping out. You all helped make my day perfect for coming out and sharing your expertise and advice.

It felt great to get out and shoot again despite the chilly weather. We were so lucky that the rain held off and I'm thankful the wind finally died down as we were getting started. I can't tell you again how quickly my heart sank when I realized we would be walking the stretch of road from our vehicles ----and how chilly my tootsies were in my flip flops!

Up and down only a couple of blocks of Cary Street and I had more than enough opportunities for shots. Gorgeous textured walls of buildings, unique and eclectic shops and storefronts to serve as great backdrops for the models. It was an amazing location, and I hope to find one similar a bit closer to home--we'll see.

I know some of you have been waiting to see some of these shots so here they are! Enjoy!!

~erin