Our family grew from 5 to 7 but was delightful to watch them all interact and play.

Hope you enjoy Annette and thank you for entrusting us with their first ever sleepover.

Naturally I ran to grab my camera and take some pics for them.

Then of course before too long the girls caught wind of what was happening and came sashaying outside all dollyed up ready for their photos.

The girls are cousins too but are 5 years apart.  Ironically my middle son was born just 3 weeks earlier than his girl cousin making them equal cousins too but the whole girl/boy doesn’t gel so well.  Thankfully the 3 youngest get on like a house on fire and spent every waking moment playing together.

I had to throw in the last photo too … Sarah lost her first tooth while we were staying there.  Too cute!

OMGosh! I just love this video … and I love the value of being a WOMAN.  I hope it brightens your day and reminds you to say a prayer for the beautiful women that surround your life!

If you are a survivor of breast cancer, or going through breast cancer treatments, I would LOVE to take your photos to help document this time in your life.  The session will be free and you’ll receive a complimentary 10×10″ professional print (valued at $40).  Additional image prints available for purchase.   If you are not in the Adelaide area, there are MANY other photographers all over the world that can help you too.

Let me know, or if you know of anybody who might need my services. Please feel free pass this post on!

Together, I want to … “CELEBRATE WHO YOU ARE!”

Blessings
~ Cindy xo

P.S. Don’t forget to do your regular self checks, and if you are 40 or over, remember to get your mammogram done!

Myself & some other wonderful mums jumped at the chance to organise the decor & glam up the night.  We transformed a boring dull Year 10 classroom into a fiesta of sparkle & bling and a sea of silver & blue as chosen by the class.  It was labour intensive but “our kids were gonna have the best shebang in the history of Year 7 at Sunrise” … and that they did.

Our tiredness was swallowed up in an instant by the sheer delight on their faces that night as they entered the room for the first time and marveled at the transformation that had taken place .. and all for them!  All we could do was sit back & enjoy their delight, their smiles, their humour, their marvel & their comradeship.

It was a bittersweet night because they have all grown up together in the same intimate class mostly from grade 2, knowing that they would soon be apart.  Some are staying on for high school there and others, like Liam are moving out to a different high school.

I lavished the opportunity to photograph them all but like many of my shoots I can’t share here on the blog for privacy reasons … but here is one of my boy, oddly enough merely sitting for me as I setup but I love it – I love outtakes!

I know he reads my blog so .. “Congratulations of graduating to high school son … we’re sooo very proud of you babe!”

Mum & Dad
00xx

Some photos of the glammed up room above   |  View all the photos

I often reminisce about the joys of childhood running through the sprinklers with squeals of delight and spraying water over my friends as we basked in the glorious sun with such carefree spirits.   But sadly in my reminiscing I am also saddened.  Saddened for the fact that my children have rarely ever had the chance to experience that same innocent, carefree and sheer fun of being able to waterplay under the sprinklers & hoses.

With water restrictions tight here in Australia sprinklers are not allowed and very minimum hose use per week in an effort to ‘save our water’.  We really are the land of “droughts” & “flooding rains” and our weather is becoming more and more unpredictable.

So at the risk of being “told off” or worse “fined” I let the kids have some “waterplay” this weekend (as you can clearly see my lawns & plants need it!!!!) and sat back and watched with a sense of contentment & a smile in my heart as my two youngest kiddos squealed with delight dousing each other with water and enjoying the GOOD LIFE … under the sprinklers.

Today’s kids are robbed of so much … even the sheer joy of such innocent fun.  A time to reflect on our past and help them embrace their future.

This past Sunday was a wonderful time of celebrating 25 years of marriage … of life, love & fruitfulness of new generations and I was delighted to share in the celebration of this landmark event … why? because they are family!

It’s a crazy, complicated scenario but one I’m happy to see continue to evolve & grow.   For simplicity’s sake, let me just point out my gorgeous sister and delightfully scrumptious baby niece in the middle of this family shot. Missing from this family momento is Adam, the couples son, who was home sick.  Hope you’re feeling better Adam xxx

The event was held at the Function Centre at The Beachhouse, Glenelg in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean & crowded beach full of action … it was after all 39 degrees!!!  Yep! here in Adelaide we are in the middle of a freak November heat wave.  Nevertheless there was plenty of drinks, laughter, memories & cheers.  We finished off the day by heading downstairs to The Beachhouse and having some fun on the waterslides & amusements.  Topped off by fish & chips (or shish & fips or shark & tatties as my NZ hubby calls them) out on the lawns as we soaked up the vibe & fresh air of my favourite place, Glenelg.

Just a quick sneak peek …

::: : Congratulations Pat & Carol : ::::

Christmas season is always CRAZY so this year we’ve got it covered. If you want a short-n-sweet family (or just siblings) or couple session with just enough images to display on your own custom designed fabulous Christmas cards or to solve your Christmas gift shopping woes … then this is the option for you!

Here are the details…

(may be subject to change of equal or greater value)

Each mini session will last approximately 30min. I will artistically & professionally edit the best 8-10 images from the session and upload the proofs to an online gallery for you to view and make your selections. Please note that this does not mean I only take 8-10 pictures… I will take many.  I will just narrow all the images down to the BEST 8-10 for proofing.

Those participating in the mini sessions will have 3 collection options available.  All participants are required to purchase the smallest (Boughs of Holly) collection.  Your $315 is due in advance to secure your time slot. You also have the option of upgrading to one of the other 2 collections or your may purchase additional a la carte items at proofing if you so choose. This is a massive saving off our regular photography session fees. Please note that there are no substitutions allowed with these collections.

If you are interested in a mini session please contact me and let me know your preferred date and time. Sessions will take place in the gardens at Partridge House, Glenelg.  Session times will be 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.

Please make sure your children are fed and rested (if at all possible) prior to the session to better our chances of some happy smiles. For suggestions on how to dress your family for the occassion… click here.  In the event of rain on either of the scheduled days of mini sessions, November 7th will be left open and available on my calender as a day to reschedule.

If you are interested in booking … let me know ASAP!  Space is definitely limited and no further mini dates will be available (to ensure your goodies arrive well before Christmas and my leaving for holidays)!

1. a sweetheart chosen or greeted on this day.
2. a written or other artistic work, message, token, etc., expressing affection for something or someone: His photographic essay is a valentine to Paris.

Meet my sweet little Valentine – Imogen Cherie. We finally had the pleasure of meeting my new niece for the first time and what a delight she is.  The kids were mesmerised by her and couldn’t wait long enough for a cuddle and a kiss.

[View with PicLens]

I didn’t get much of a chance for piccies but I snuck in a few and eagerly looking forward to getting some more soon.

Mmmmmwwwwww mmmmwww, kisses from Auntie Cindy xxx