Last week, my oldest daughter, Kaiya (who will be turning 6 this month!) had her first ballet recital.  Her teacher recommended using the dress rehearsal for the photo opportunity that it was, so that we could just sit back and enjoy the “real” performance.  I am SO glad I listened to her advice, as the lighting was truly magical during the rehearsal, and all those little ballerinas were too cute for words.  Needless to say, I was the mamarazzi all the way.  And I’m thankful I was – check out these gems!  And in case it isn’t obvious (based on the number of pictures of her), Kaiya is the one with the red bow in her hair:)

The rocky beach in Dana Point is one of our favourite places to go when we visit my husband’s parents.  This is where Hyatt’s family has had many family photos taken over the years, this is where Hyatt proposed, and this is where and this is now where our children love to play and explore the tide pools.  I love this shot I captured of Kaiya as she took in the view.  One thing I find I have a tendency towards is filling the frame.  I’m a portrait photographer, so many of my pictures are really about the faces.  So what I particularly appreciate about this photo is that it is one that I stepped back and took in the surroundings.  The place as well as the person.