Every year I try to have some professional pictures taken of my growing family, so when I found out that my sister’s childhood friend Ruthie Hauge was a professional photographer, I knew it would be fun to work with her.  Fortunately, she was available on an unseasonably mild late October afternoon.

Ruthie suggested we shoot some pictures at a quiet farm in our quaint hometown.  As soon as we pulled up the dusty gravel driveway the kids wanted to climb out of the car and explore the property.  Ruthie got right to work taking pictures of their curiosity.

Because she is also a mother, Ruthie knew to take the posed family photos first (before the kids got antsy).  She took so many great ones, and I ended up using a few for our Christmas card this year!

But, some of the unposed shots are my favorite, like this one of me and my littlest little.

Ruthie thoughtfully captured my sweet Evelyn on the eve of her journey from little girl to little lady.  I’m so proud of the person she is becoming.

Ruthie’s patience with rambunctious Mack impressed me. She captured him at his most tender and terrible. How I love that little man!

And, my precious little Vivian. She’s all smiles these days, and these photos highlight her warm spirit and sensitive heart.  My little petunia.

I thought it was really nice when Ruthie suggested Chris and I take some pictures together.  I know its easy for a photographer to focus on the kids, but I’m so glad I have some lovely photos of me and my most true love.

I don’t need anything else for Christmas this year.  These beautiful pictures of the people I love most in the world will be enough to put a smile on my face until 2014.

I am the luckiest.

If you live in the Chicago area and you’d like a professional photographer to capture your special event or moment, contact Ruthie. She is wonderful!

http://www.ruthiehauge.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruthie-Hauge-Photography