A Spring Walk

Walks and hikes are something that we are definitely looking forward to this spring and summer. The kids are now old enough that it will be easier to take them on walks on trails and hikes in the woods. Our first adventure of this spring was a few weeks ago and here are some of the shots I got while we were out.

I couldn't decide which versions I liked better of quite a few of these shots, so I included both the black and white and the color versions. Which do you like?

This next one reminds me of snowflakes. Thank goodness it's not snowflakes. That would be sad. I am so very thankful for spring!

Spring is the perfect time for children's portraits. If you or someone you know would like a fun, easygoing portrait session at a park or in your own backyard, get in touch - sarahhamlinphotography@gmail.com.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

We went to the St. Patrick's Day parade in Lawrence. The kids were given green balloons and they loved them. In fact we almost left without them, but had to go back and find them before a full blown breakdown.

The kids are so short and we weren't there early enough, so Zac ended up holding both of them on his shoulders. The sacrifices he makes. ;)

So not only did our kids get green balloons, apparently everyone's kids were given green balloons.

I love that hat on the little man.

We had a good time, but remember why going out at nap time isn't always the best idea. However, I would have done it all again just because of this next image. As I was walking by, this man was just finishing his song. I am glad I shot when I did. It was worth it!

Senior Shoot and More!

With this senior session, we not only shot photos of the senior, we also got some family shots as well. I welcome all who want to be involved in a senior session...be it family, a friend, or even a pet.

Drew plays baseball and is heading to college to do just that. We were able to take some shots at Hoglund Ballpark. It was lots of fun and we were able to get some amazing shots. If you know of somewhere different and new that you would like to try a senior, children or family session, let's hear it. I am always up for new locations.

Thank you to this wonderful family for allowing me to capture some shots of them all together before life takes them in different directions.

Springtime is Coming!

I haven't done a blog of the kids in a while, so I thought I'd post some recent shots I was able to take outside. When I look at these I can't believe how big they are getting. They are looking so tall lately.




















About a week ago, we went to the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. They got to play in the Discovery Center.








It was about nap time and O was looking a little sleepy. :)








After the museum, we went outside to walk the nature trails that are in the area. I had never been on these trails, but they were very nice. The kids absolutely loved it.








Sweet, sweet Maebelle.








And the little sharptooth Orion. (He always says "how scary can you be with only two fingers?")
















I am so thankful that spring is on its way and we have been able to get outside a little. It's been refreshing. Apparently so nice that Maebelle had to do a little dance! :)

A Long, Long Winter

Way back in the middle of January, Scot texted me that he would be plowing by Baldwin and if I wanted to bring the kids, they could see him on the new grader. I decided getting out of the house was a great idea, we would make an afternoon of it.








So we picked Maebelle up from school and headed toward Baldwin. I took my camera, thinking it would be a great chance to take some snowy shots. Even with as much snow as we had had all winter, I hadn't been out to capture much of it.








We met Scot and hung out for a few minutes, talking on the side of the road, while the kids sat up in the grader and asked all kinds of questions and tried to push all the buttons.








We followed him for about 5 miles so the kids could watch him plow. After saying goodbye and after the kids got their standard dose of Tic Tacs (at least 4 each), we started driving back toward Baldwin and toward a delicious lunch at Wheat State.








I decided that if I was going to get any photos at all, I needed to do it now. If I waited, the kids were sure to be too tired. So I pulled off the road at a couple of spots and clicked off some shots.








I didn't get to editing them until a couple of weeks ago. It was really hard to even look at them, but I knew I had to do it.








And I was able to edit these in a way that, for some reason, I had not been able to do before, even though I had tried for this look many times. I don't know that anyone will notice a difference, but I do.








Maybe it was excessive emotion that I had been missing.




After he passed, it snowed all week. Snow that was way too fluffy and dry for Kansas snow. It was beautiful. And he didn't have to plow it!




















And this sunset with the icicle was so amazingly colorful.

The Final...San Francisco

Back to our regularly scheduled program. It has been difficult to get back into the swing of things. But eventually, you have to do it. So I will pick up right where I left off. Here is the fourth and final installation of our San Francisco trip.




























We drove down the coast and it was a beautiful drive. This was the first time I had ever been to the ocean. And It was amazing! The sound of the waves...no, it was more like the feeling of the waves was refreshing. I loved it.




































These flower things were in the gardens at a restaurant called Nepenthe. It is located in Big Sur. And was absolutely gorgeous.












We happened to be eating while the sun set and it was beautiful! This next one was the view from our table.








On the way back up the coast the next day, we stopped at Capitola and Santa Cruz. I think this was taken at Capitola, but I love that the buildings are so colorful. And they are right on the water.








We had a great trip. I didn't get to see any of the redwoods or sequoias. So I will definitely have to go back. But it was a nice relaxing week. It was much needed. Thanks to Nancy for taking me, to Wolf and Lindsey for your hospitality, to Tash for his great work and keeping us laughing and to Ed for showing us around! I had a wonderful time!








(Remember you can click on the images to enlarge them.)