Sarah Hamlin Photography

A Beautiful Walk

2012-01-24T22:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, this post goes all the way back to November. But better late than never, right?

Josh and Brandy gave us those hats and Brandy took this photo. Thank you for taking those, Brandy, I will cherish them forever!

We took a walk on one of the nice days in November. It was mid-late afternoon and the browns and blues were delightful.

I love the way the grass pulls me into this next picture.

I have a bouquet of grass very similar to this that I love. It's so peaceful to me.

These last few days have been difficult ones. But I haven't seen these pictures in a month and studying the stark lines and calming colors of them is just what I needed this evening.

"Learning to Smile" by John Hartford just came on iTunes. Zac is playing along behind me. The kids are sleeping peacefully upstairs. And the beautiful feeling that has come over me is amazing. It was much needed.

Goodnight.

Learning to Ride

2011-11-17T21:47:00.001-06:00

I have been a little behind in getting blogs done lately. Here is the next installment. Hopefully more to come soon. These were taken in mid October.

Orion learned to ride his bike without training wheels this fall. He picked it up quickly and was thrilled to be able to ride.

I love that boy. :)

I love this next shot of Maebelle. She is so precious.

I will treasure these two shots forever!

Goodbye for now. Next up is a walk through Baker Wetlands and Birthdays!

Renaissance Festival 2011

2011-10-28T16:44:00.001-05:00

Look at those amazing eyes!

The sky has been doing a lot of this lately, maybe it's a fall thing. I like it.

We took the kids to the Renaissance Festival a few weeks ago. It was so much fun!

They each got to try the bow and arrows. Orion looks a little more comfortable with a bow in his hands than Maebelle does. :)

And Zac's turn.

And the kids tried the mega trampoline. He was a little nervous at first, but warmed up right away.

How much did you love that?

This much!

Next is the kids and Zac waiting in line for the elephant ride.

And the trampoline again. Look at that hair!

I think he was a little tired by the end of the day.

And Maebelle's second turn.

We had and amazing time again this year!

An Evening in Downtown

2011-08-18T11:04:00.004-05:00

One evening last week, we took the kids downtown for the evening.

They each got to chose something from The Toy Store. Then we ate dinner at La Parilla.

I am continually impressed with La Parilla. First of all, they make a great mojito! The ambiance is not your typical mexican themed restaurant and the service has always been polite and friendly. And Maebelle was able to start her velvet coloring while we waited for our dinner. :)

After dinner, we walked around a little more before heading back to our car.

Orion usually gets tired of walking. He loves it when he gets a ride.

Maebelle loves to admire the beautiful dresses in the window at Weaver's.

Maebelle started Kindergarten today. I can't believe how quickly they are growing up. I will now have Thursdays to stay caught up on housework, pictures, and whatever else I need to get done. But it feels a little lonely today, with the house all quiet. I am sure as time goes on, it won't be so lonely, rather peaceful. I know she'll do great in school and I'm excited to see her learn and grow even more. But today, I feel entitled to reminisce and ponder how quickly my time with them is going. And how much I love them and have learned from them already.

2011-07-13T21:04:00.007-05:00

I recently took some maternity pictures for a long time friend. She had some great ideas and we got some amazing shots. Her daughter isn't due until August and I'm hoping (although it doesn't look good at this point) that the heat won't be too bad for her last couple of weeks.

The baby's name is Anistyn. I love it! They have it spelled out in the cutest little letters above the crib. And the colors and ladybugs around the nursery are so precious.

I love the flowy, free feel of the next one.

So dreamy...

Good luck, Nichole and James! And blog followers - stay tuned, there will be newborn pictures to follow!

Sylvia and Olvier

2011-04-07T14:26:00.003-05:00

I had the chance to take some photos of these little beauties a couple of months ago. They are beautiful, smart and as their mom put it - wiggly. :) We went to the Kansas Museum of History for this shoot and it was a great place to shoot! This first one is a collage I made for the family.

I love this next one.

I think there'll be some instrument pictures coming soon! Have a beautiful day!

Winter 2010-2011

2011-02-22T11:18:00.015-06:00

I know it's been a long time since I posted a blog, so I'm going to do one update of the last couple of months. We started out our crazy winter out with Maebelle's 5th birthday party. She had cupcakes with tie-dye frosting and crowns. And she had a heart cake with pink and white frosting and sprinkles and princess decorations. We really went all out with this one. And it was fun!

Zac and I made a fire-breathing dragon pinata. It was so much fun to make, but it did take a lot of time. This fancy of a party is definitely only a once every 5 years ordeal! :)

We got her a fiddle for her birthday. She loves it. We are so happy that she still plays it and has a lot of fun with it. Any time we do music as a family, she gets it out. It's so much fun to watch her play and make music! Maybe someday she can take lessons. I think it might be something she actually continues with.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, we went to Colorado to see Nana. It was a great trip! The light coming in her living room was pretty amazing! And she had this hat that the kids loved to wear.

I love that Maebelle's picture and Orion's picture in the same hat in the same location are so different.

Nancy took this next one for us. She and Annie watched the kids and we got all dressed up for my birthday and went to Manitou Springs by ourselves. It was so much fun! There aren't many pictures of Zac and I together, but this one makes up for all the ones we don't have. :) I love it!

In mid December, we went to see Hannah, Kyle and Heidi. Zac was Santa for the bank Hannah works at. The kids had a blast! Heidi didn't like Santa so much. But Maebelle loved it. She knew who it was and I don't think Orion did. She thought she was special because she knew the secret! And she played along so well! I took these next few in Heidi's room. The lace curtains in her room were a perfect filter! And the 40's print quilt on her bed was a fun backdrop.

This next one was taken at the bank. I just love that hat!

My mom got Orion a dinosaur fossil and he loved it! He did it one day here, but it was so messy we put it up. We'll have to get it back out soon. As it warms up, he can do it outside. By the way, I am so excited for it to warm up! I know it's only February still, but the warm weather felt so nice these last couple of days! I love Orion's face in this one. He was so into it!

I took some pictures of the kids right before I started working. I made them sit down and smile at the camera - which I hardly ever do. They did a great job and I think they turned out really good! These are just a few.

Sweet, sweet Maebelle.

In mid December we went to the horse and carriage parade in downtown Lawrence with friends Beth and Ashlynn. Ashlynn is one of the sweetest kids I know. I love her like my own! :) It was pretty cold out, so we were all bundled up!

Orion's birthday party was a lot more low key than Maebelle's. He needed clothes, so that's what we requested family get for him, and thankfully, he received so many! And he did a great job with it. He did say at one point, "Clothes, again?" with a frustrated sigh. But that was after he'd opened about 6 boxes of clothes. :) He loved the frosting on his cupcakes!

He has really been into doing boy things with Zac. He's always been such a mama's boy that Zac has really appreciated this change! Zac got him a build your own birdhouse for his birthday that came with it's own screwdriver! He loved that he has a real screwdriver! And they had a lot of fun putting it together. I am thankful that he is enjoying hanging out with Zac now. They have Fridays together where they get to do cool boy stuff! I love it!

And Maebelle received Sand Art for Christmas. She had been wanting Sand Art for a very long time! She loved being creative with the colors and making "ice cycles" in it.

I know this next one isn't the most flattering picture, but her eyes remind me of Scot so much! The yellow of the shirt brought it out, I think, but they are stunning!

Working full time has really put a damper on my photography. Which is a real bummer, but as it warms up and I can get outside with the kids in the afternoons, maybe I can get back into it. I had my camera out the other day and was able to get these shots. It was still snowy outside and it provided great light coming in our front windows.

My mom gave me this African Violet in September. I can't believe it's still alive, not only alive, but blooming again! I love it!

This winter has been a good one for our family with the exception of a few hard days/weeks. But the sun is shining and spring is on it's way, even if it takes a few more weeks to get here. Hopefully life is as good for you and yours as it is for me and my family right now!

Fabulous Fall Colors

2010-11-18T13:45:00.009-06:00

I know that I just posted a blog that included this beautiful little girl, Ashlynn, but she's just so darn cute that I'm doing another!

I love how bold these colors are!

Wow! So sweet!

So innocent...

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-11-04T16:54:00.001-05:00

We took our trip to the pumpkin patch with a friend this year.

She was copying Maebelle by sitting on the pumpkins. So cute!

I love the way the wind is blowing Maebelle's sweatshirt. It was a very windy day! And Maebelle was so helpful, holding Ashlynn's hand.

I couldn't believe how strong she was lifting that HUGE pumpkin!

I bet you can't see Orion in the next one...he's camouflaged! :) I love the way his 3 year old mind works!

Beautiful. They are both absolutely beautiful!

We got some amazing shots at last year's trip to the pumpkin patch. I am so thankful that this year's pictures turned out just as good. We had so much fun! Thanks to Beth and Ashlynn for not only joining us, but suggesting it!

Signs of Fall

2010-11-03T16:35:00.002-05:00

These sunflowers are so perfect...amazing!

There are times when I can get a good shots of one of the kids or the other (but never both at the same time). This evening was Maebelle's turn. She was just in the right place at the right time. For a long while, it was Orion that would allow me to take his picture. But lately Orion has avoided my camera and Maebelle has been agreeable.

Zac was asked to play at the 36th anniversary party at The Merc. He played for over an hour and we had a great time dancing and listening to him play.

The kids had a chocolate while we were there. They are big round balls and while most people bite into them, savoring the flavor, these kids like to put the whole thing in their mouth. And usually they store it in their cheek like a little chipmunk for a few minutes before chomping them up and swallow them down in no time. It looks so funny!

Maebelle decided that I could take her picture if she could make silly faces. The Merc cafe has the best light!

Hope you're having a happy fall! The weather has been great - perfect for fall portraits! Get in touch if you are wanting to get something done before the cold weather sets in. The holiday season is just around the corner and cards created just for you are a perfect way to say hey during the holidays!

Beautiful Sisters

2010-11-02T20:37:00.002-05:00

I love her hands in this first one. They have nice flow.

Striking.

This girl could be a model someday. She's got some killer looks!

After about 30 or so tries, she got the pear!

Birds and Mushrooms!

2010-10-05T15:26:00.004-05:00

A couple of months ago we received a call from a friend saying they had baby humming birds in a nest. Would we like to stop by to take some pictures? When we got there the birds were on a low branch, but I was still too short to get a shot straight on. What I got was all from below...

A couple of weeks later I spoke to that friend again and he told me that the birds left the nest the next morning. Glad I got them when I did! Next are some mushrooms that were absolutely delightful! I love the colors and shapes.

Some of them looked like pancakes.

And I was bored around the house one evening and took this one of a plant on our deck. I love the green and the wrinkles in the leaves. Anyhow, hope you have a beautiful week and are enjoying this wonderful fall weather!

Olivia - 2 Years Old

2010-10-01T16:41:00.006-05:00

Last year when we took Olivia's photos, it was cold and windy (above). This year, the weather was much more appropriate to be running around with a 2 year old! Olivia was kind of shy on this particular day. No idea why. She's not usually shy with us. I suppose it was the camera. This was what the first half of the session looked like from my point of view. :)

Finally she opened up a little when I played peek-a-boo with her around the tree.

Truly happy!

I love the way her hair is blowing ever so slightly in the next one. And the vibrant, colorful dress was a perfect choice for the sunny, green day!

What a sweetheart she is! I am glad I had the opportunity to take her pictures again this year!

Isaac and Olivia

2010-09-13T16:20:00.010-05:00

Children's sessions don't have to be long and drawn out in order to get some great shots! This one was fairly short and done right in the back yard.

I love this next one. Her smile, her bare feet, the beautiful dress.

And this one just makes me smile. His smile seems so genuine with just a hint of mischievousness. (Is that even a word?)

Summer Shots from the Hamlin House

2010-08-25T09:51:00.011-05:00

One of the best things about summer is watermelon! One evening we went out to the front sidewalk and dug in. The color of the sky and the light was amazing that evening.

It's so funny to see the difference in how they eat. Maebelle is so dainty and sweet about it. Orion just devours food.

I have wanted to participate in the Baldwin Art Walk all summer, but things have come up and we've had other things to do and well you know...But in July Maebelle and I were able to make it to Baldwin for a few hours to look around. Mae was so excited for "her first art show"! It was really nice to get out and about with just Mae.

While we were there, there was a man teaching kids how to do pottery on a wheel. Mae was enthralled by what they were doing. She kept asking questions and going back to see what they did next.

These girls did a great job at it. They turned and wet and formed the clay. They concentrated and made exceptional mugs.

Maebelle wanted so badly to try to make a mug. There was only one other little boy who wanted a turn. So we found a way to tie the apron on so it didn't mess up her beautiful dress and they were more than willing to help her through.

She accidentally made a tower instead of a mug shape. I love her smiling over her silliness!

After finishing her mug and scrubbing her clay filled hands, we walked around for another minute, but it was getting dark, so we headed back toward the car. On the way, this grass caught my eye. The sky was such an interesting color!

We have this wildflower garden in front of our house. It is a little overgrown, but that's the point of wildflowers, right? Maybe not everyone would agree with me, but that's my logic. :) Anyway, there are some sunflowers in it. And they are so beautiful. (At least they were a few weeks ago.)

The thing I like about these pictures is that the background is not the typical bright blue sky, or a field of sunflowers. The darkness in the background makes the yellow and green pop.

This is the perfect time to be booking senior sessions and children/family sessions. Call or email me to set up a time!

Silly String and Airplanes!

2010-08-20T13:45:00.011-05:00

Annie bought the kids silly string to play with while they were around. They loved the idea of silly string once Zac got it going.

But they still had trouble pushing the button.

We went to see the planes on the Air Force base on the last day we were there. The kids loved it!

They were taking gliders up and letting them go while we were there. The kids had fun watching the gliders make their way back down to earth.

Orion didn't have his sunglasses, so I let him borrow mine.

So there you have it. That's our trip. Have a beautiful day!

Colorado...Yes, Again

2010-08-09T20:01:00.018-05:00

Okay, this is third, I think, episode of our Colorado trip. I still have one more after this one. I know it's taken me a long time to get them out. I have other blogs ready as well, so I need to get with it! This day, the ladies took the kids so Z and I got a day to ourselves. It was so much fun to drive with him. We went to Cripple Creek and Victor and back to the Springs. It was a wonderful and much needed day!

This was a wall holding up the mountain, basically. I know that it's hard to understand from the pictures, but I think that's why I like them.

Victor was a little run down.

But that's why I liked it.

I couldn't decide which of those I liked better. So you get both. Which do you like?

Then on the way home we stopped at the tunnel through the mountain.

And this grass was amazing against the bright red rock!

Peace

One Hot Wedding

2010-08-04T14:26:00.012-05:00

This wedding was a lot of fun. Awfully hot, but the engagement session was taken in about 6 inches of snow, so I guess it doesn't surprise me. The couple had such a great sense of humor, we were laughing all day!

This little guy is such a sweetheart! I loved the chance to get some shots of him...which was appropriate, because he was a big part of the day.

I know these next two are very similar, but I just love them both so much for different reasons that I had to include both.

I had never seen a cake like this before. They used the shots we took for their engagement photos in between the tiers of the cake. What a cool idea!

These kids did so well! They really were troopers. I was proud of them. :)

What a great day! If you or someone you know is having a small wedding, I am booking for Spring 2011!

Manitou Springs

2010-07-30T13:16:00.009-05:00

After the Garden of the Gods, we headed for Manitou Springs. The first stop once downtown was ice cream! It was a warm day and the kids were ready for a cool treat. (And I was, too...I'm always in the mood for ice cream!)

Then we set out to see what else we could find.

We stopped to have some old timey photos taken of the kids. They loved choosing their own outfits to wear and were not shy at all. After the shots, Orion was getting antsy while waiting, so we went outside to hang out where he could shoot his gun without interrupting anything.

I love the signs on this store.

I love grass!

This frog makes me smile! :)

On the way home from Manitou Springs there were storm clouds moving in so I took this shot as we were driving - something I don't do often. But I love the brightness of the stone (which Zac decided would have made an amazing fortress) contrasted with the dark, dark clouds.

More to come soon!

Mini Vacation to "the Mountains!"

2010-07-28T19:55:00.011-05:00

We recently took a trip to Colorado Springs to visit some family. While there, we were able to see a few things. First on our list was Garden of the Gods. It was a fabulous place to take a couple of kids who are ready to get some energy out. They climbed and jumped and had a grand old time!

"The Mountains!" are in the background. Orion LOVED the mountains and wanted to go to them every time we discussed leaving the house. I think he really wanted to climb one, but he didn't get a chance...maybe next time, O.

I love the way the kids have their hands out in the last one.

That one leaf...it's so vibrant!

After the Garden of the Gods we stopped in Manitou Springs for some ice cream and old timey photos of the kids. The charming streets of Manitou are next, so check back in a few days.

June Wedding

2010-07-21T11:41:00.014-05:00

If you or someone you know is getting married, I am currently booking weddings. Email me!

A Glimpse Of - Soho Interiors

2010-06-29T14:37:00.012-05:00

As you probably know by now, I have prints up at an eclectic furniture boutique in Topeka. That boutique is Soho Interiors. I usually attend the First Friday Art Walk that they participate in and always enjoy watching the people that pass by and talking to those interested in art and my work.

Last month I decided to take some photos while I was there. These are just some of the shots I ended up with.

I absolutely love these next 4. They are sheets of paper that are each individually handmade. I can feel the texture when I look at these photos. And the richness of the colors just pulls me in.

These earrings were made by Kymm Hughes. I met her last month at the art walk. Her fused glass art work is also displayed at Soho right now.

The pins and the rainbow art in the background are also by Kymm. You can view more of her work at her website - www.prairieglassart.com. Check it out!

This beautiful punch was amazing! And it's so pretty! :)

These pomegranates kept grabbing my attention all evening. They were set up fairly close to where I was camped out and their color is so vibrant, especially against the stand they are set in.

I absolutely love the pot that has the tree on it. The colors are perfect and the fact that it's trees...I love it!

I won't be able to attend the First Friday Art Walk this month (July 2), but I will probably be there in August. Please come out any time and see all the great art and cool modern furniture. This store really does its part to mix local art into their decor and it all fits well. The owners are wonderful people and so easy to work with. Come out and see what all they have to offer.

Jammin' at Hippie Jack's 2010, Part 2

2010-06-11T10:09:00.002-05:00

Okay, here is the remainder of the images from Hippie Jack's. I know, I got a lot of kids. That's not what I set out to shoot that weekend, but that's where my heart was, I guess.

I love these next two. I tried to only put one of them up, but I just love them both so much that I had to show both!

They were having so much fun with the foam airplanes, but they kept just falling apart in mid air. We tried taping them back together, but I guess boys have a way of breaking things and this was no exception. Finally, after several taping repairs, Zac decided that paper airplanes might just last longer, so he used a coloring book that no one was coloring in and him and another older boy made a few paper airplanes. The new planes attracted all kinds of little boys who were wanting to play!

There was a lady who was painting faces and Maebelle had a butterfly painted on her face. She was quite excited about it!

The same lady who painted faces made Maebelle this beautiful tiara the next day. She was so sweet!

I was walking to get a drink when I saw this precious little girl. She was absolutely adorable eating this bright watermelon!

The Blue Moose Coffee Lodge was there to make everyone's day better with sweet treats.

Maebelle and I tried the Strawberry Banana real fruit smoothie. With whipped cream and colorful sprinkles on top, it was the best smoothie I have ever had!

Her cheeks were still red from the watermelon! :)

Tired kids towards the close of a long weekend of camping, music, rain and heat.

The last show we were able to see was The New Familiars. I had heard of them, but never actually heard them. I was thankful that I was part of the end of this show. Everyone was dancing and having a great time! And the band knew exactly how to keep the crowd going.

Jammin' at Hippie Jack's 2010 was another great success...at least for us - a small family that loves music, camping, and documenting it all with a camera.

Jammin' at Hippie Jack's 2010, Part 1

2010-06-08T13:39:00.017-05:00

So we did end up going to Jammin' at Hippie Jack's this year. Since Zac had a new job, we weren't able to leave until Friday afternoon. Which meant we didn't make it to Tennessee until early Saturday morning. We missed Malcom Holcombe on Friday and the pot luck on Thursday, but it was still definitely worth it!

It seemed like every time I went up to listen to music, the Flea Market Hustlers were playing. And they were usually soon followed by Jay Clark...which were about the only two people I got to hear last year since the kids required so much. But they were both very good and I enjoyed hearing them again.

While they were playing I found these wonderful girls dancing.

The kids tent had expanded this year. Although much to Orion's dismay, there was no lawn mower. I think there were quite a few more kids there this year, too.

I loved this setup of tents. The color and darkness of the trees against the brightness of the flag was perfect.

One of the boys at the kids tent created this. I love it!

It inspired Zac to make these...

They had boxes that the kids could take fishing down at the creek. I know it's hard to see, but this little fisher got a small one.

I think this cement truck with the real sand took the place of the mower.

And this is one of my favorites of the whole weekend.

Part 2 still to come.

Little Bella Girl

2010-05-25T09:24:00.005-05:00

My mom and dad recently got a new puppy - Bella! She is a Weimaraner and she is so precious!

She's so sweet I could barely get their hand off of her for a shot! :)

Those eyes look so sad! Or maybe just tired. Luke, my brother's 100 lb black lab, had just left after a day of visiting. She was worn out! And thank goodness - it was the only way she would stay still enough for me to get some good shots. :)

My New Website

2010-05-12T09:17:00.006-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I launched my website! YAY! If you haven't taken a look, please do so.

www.SarahHamlinPhotography.com

I will still use this as my blog, but if you need to get in contact with me, or see a price list, there is now a place to do that.

I have been thinking about spring in Alaska lately. Don't know why. But I found these shots I took while we were there. They were so green and so vibrant. I love them.

Have a beautiful day (even if it is stormy, again). :)

Sweet Little Lady

2010-05-10T09:13:00.007-05:00

This little lady was such a pleasure to work with. She just smiled and played and stood. I couldn't have asked for a better (almost) 1 year old!

I just love this little sweater!

Thanks so much to the family for being so easy going about the location!

Spring is Here!

2010-05-08T15:58:00.007-05:00

I feel like spring is finally here. The days are still just a little cool, but the sun is getting so warm. There are only a couple more weeks of school and we are ready for summer!

There has been a few showers to keep everything green and give the evenings and mornings such a cool glow.

Zac and I were able to take a walk a couple of weeks ago and it was really nice to get to take some photos and just listen to the evening.

I hope you are enjoying your spring as much as I am. Have a beautiful day and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!

Birthday Fun!

2010-04-20T21:58:00.003-05:00

We attended a birthday party a couple of weeks ago. It was lots of fun! There was a piñata. What a blast!

The birthday girl...

Got it!

They had a table where the kids could paint pots and plant flowers. It was a brilliant idea! And the kids loved it!

I love these little ones!

WOW! Did you see this?

2010-04-17T23:22:00.009-05:00

How cool is this?!

Maebelle was so excited for me! I have two on there - the second one, Zac holding the kids and the last one, Maebelle and another little girl painting. (Click on it to see it better.)

Zac left for San Francisco the day this magnolia started blooming, so I took some photos for him. However, it rained almost every day the week he was gone. And it was hard thunderstorm rain that just ruined the beautiful flowers.

Easter was great. Maebelle and Orion had lots of fun finding eggs. Maebelle is independent enough that I can't usually follow her around taking photos, but Orion still lets me hang out with him.

He's starting to look a little tired. He still needs naps, even if he doesn't always want to take them.

But he sometimes is most loving at those moments...he slows down enough for a hug, or sit on my lap. I am thankful for times like that. Even if they could possibly be followed by a fit because we pushed it just barely too long. I love that little man, and can't believe how quickly he is growing!

Nick - Eudora Senior

2010-04-16T09:39:00.005-05:00

Here are a few senior shots we took last weekend. He was somewhat shy, but the pictures came out really good!

This is the perfect time for children's and family shoots. If you would like fun shots of your child or know someone else who does, email me...sarahhamlinphotography@gmail.com

Black and White Nature

2010-04-13T22:20:00.003-05:00

Just a few for you to check out.

I love the flow of the tree in this next one.

Have a beautiful day!

The Baby of the Family

2010-04-09T15:52:00.007-05:00

Here are some shots from a senior shoot this week.

We went to a home just outside town that had several outbuildings and cool yard area. I could just imagine a family living there 100 years ago. I loved it! I will have to go back sometime when I am not on a schedule.

Found Treasure

2010-04-05T18:19:00.005-05:00

Hello all. I was looking for a couple of specific shots I took last fall and came across these. I am not sure why I didn't post them, but here they are now. I don't know what it is about this first one that I love so much. I guess it's probably the rich color and touchable texture and long lines, like always. :)

I took several of these Pascal Fish shots. I couldn't decide which one I liked best, so you get them all.

I am loving the beautiful spring days we've been having. It's nice to get out and about when you don't have to have coats and all that. And it's great to have the kids worn out by bedtime! Hope everyone else is having a wonderful spring as well!

A Spring Walk

2010-03-31T22:08:00.007-05:00

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

2010-03-29T20:50:00.005-05:00

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!

2010-03-28T16:36:00.010-05:00

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!

2010-03-16T10:08:00.006-05:00

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

2010-03-15T23:08:00.007-05:00

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

2010-03-03T13:33:00.011-06:00

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.)

For My Friend

2010-02-22T22:36:00.010-06:00

I have no idea what to say to begin this blog. I have tried and tried to think of words that could explain the way I feel or to describe the love and respect I have for a man that is no longer with us. I am convinced there are none. So I will tell my memories with photos.

That's Orion in his lap. No more than a few months old. One of the first photos I took of Scot.

I know it's not the most flattering photo, but it was a classic Scot look. I am pretty sure it's a "shut it!" moment.

I like this next one because it feels to me like a peek of something that you're not necessarily supposed to see, but your world is better because of it.

He sure loved his grandkids!

Hannah: at the time, this one didn't seem important. It's from the rehearsal. But I love it now.

"And I don't know what tomorrow brings
It's alive with such possibilities
But I know that I feel better when I sing
Burdens are lifted from me
That's my voice rising"

"I sat too long in my silence
Grown too old in my pain
To shed this skin, be born again
It starts with an ending"

He always had Tic Tacs for the kids.

He was such a huge part of our lives.

And he was always willing to help. He helped us, me, in ways I am sure he never even knew.

"Thank you friend for the time we shared
Your love stays with me like sunlight and air
And I truly wish I could keep hanging around here
But my joy is covering me, soon I will disappear"

I love and miss you forever.

Valentine's Day Portraits

2010-01-23T14:23:00.004-06:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you missed out on Christmas photos and would like to do something before Valentine's Day, get in touch. I make cards! :)

San Francisco, Numero Tres

2010-01-20T17:19:00.012-06:00

Here it is, part three. Of how many? I don't know. I want to start of with this incredible money tree that Tash had at his shop. The colors of it, the way the veins are so distinct...brilliant!

On Thanksgiving, Wolf and Linsdsey (along with some of their friends) made a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. I ate way too much and we had a great time singing and talking by the fire. And I even missed a some of the fun because bed called my name before anyone else's.

The next evening, we went to see the Golden Gate Bridge. It was even more amazing than I could have imagined. I loved being there.

It's just so grand.

We were even lucky enough to be there for sunset.

As we were walking back toward the truck, Wolf said something about proof that I was at the bridge but I hadn't taken any photos of me and the bridge. I turned the camera around and snapped this shot. So here's the proof, I was actually at the Golden Gate Bridge. Just in case you thought I was a fraud.

Good night San Francisco...although our night was only just beginning. :)

A Most Photogenic Day

2010-01-19T15:05:00.006-06:00

I have had my eye on this barn for a few weeks now. Today I had the time to take a few shots of it.

It stands all alone on a small hill, nothing really even in sight. The red just captivates me. I love it.

I stopped at the barn on my way to the Franklin County Courthouse. What a cool place.

There was so much warm wood in the old court room.

The stairway was amazing. It had the most interesting spindles.

There was a railing separating the front of the courthouse and the seating area.

All of the wood was carved in intricate designs.

And a wooden bookcase to hold these old books.

I might just have to go back sometime soon. More from San Francisco soon.

San Francisco, Part 2

2010-01-12T14:47:00.008-06:00

Next stop with Ed...the Campanile on UC Berkeley's campus.

This Lincoln was on the side of the Campanile. I don't know what it is about him, but I love the way he looks.

We went up to the top and the view was amazing!

Then I looked up...

We made our way to San Francisco and walked around a bit.

It was just after sunset when we reached the water.

It was a wonderful day. There was so much to see and we had a great time with Ed. (And there were still 4 full days left!)