It's Good To Be Back!

Sweet summer has come to an end. But my absolute favorite season is upon us - the crisp days of Autumn! And after a year of sabbatical, I am more excited than ever to take on some photography clients!

As my kiddos settle into school, I am reclaiming office hours for Lauren Ann Photography. I'm so looking forward to serving and photographing your precious families this Fall. My schedule will look a bit different than in the past. I will be available for newborn and family sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Unfortunately, I will not be able to accommodate weekend sessions this fall - with the exception of mini sessions. Yes, fall mini sessions are right around the corner. Many of you have reached out and I so appreciate your interest. Be on the look out. Registration will open in the next few weeks!

The past year has been absolutely incredible for our family. Demanding. Difficult. But transformative and undeniably joyful.

I thought it would be fun to share a little family update - didn't want you to worry that I've been wasting away on the couch eating cheetos - ha!

Last July, my husband Jon and I embarked on our biggest adventure together - we traveled 8,000 miles to China to adopt our son, Luke. First off, I thought you would like to know that I survived a 16-hour flight in economy class next to a CAT. Yep. Check out the evidence...I couldn't make this stuff up.

The plane finally landed. And we fell in love with the people and places of China.

We climbed the great wall.

We drank tea in Chinese tea houses. We ate a lifetime supply of gyozas (dumplings) and noodles. And most importantly, we welcomed Luke into our family. Our lives will never be the same!

Our journey continued as we brought Luke home and acclimated as a family of five.

Isn’t there always one kid that doesn’t want to be in the photo?

We starting establishing a new family culture - we taught Luke all things American (football, Halloween, etc.) and he taught us all about delicious Chinese food and traditional Chinese holidays.

It was so special to celebrate our first Christmas together.

In February we celebrated Anna’s 8th birthday and Chinese New Year.

In March, we celebrated Luke’s 4th birthday and David’s 6th birthday. Are you at all surprised that we have brought Luke to the dark side and instilled a love for all things Star Wars?

David continues to tear it up on the basketball court, baseball field, and soccer field. This kid doesn’t stop.

In April, we celebrated our first Easter with Luke and his cousins.

In April, Jon and I celebrated ten years of marriage. I’m just the luckiest…there’s no one I’d rather share this life with.

Luke took us out on my dad’s sailboat. Turns out he’s an excellent sailor!

In July we celebrated Luke’s first Independence Day as an American citizen!

We introduced Luke to another vital American holiday - Chic-fil-a cow day. He’s a professional.

The absolute highlight of our summer was our trip to Hilton Head.

Not only was it Luke’s first time seeing the ocean and experiencing the sand between his toes, but we traveled with our sweet friends, the Bush family. We met the Bush family in China as they were adopting their daughter Lainey. They are the most special family - I’m confident that we will be lifelong friends. As I tell Keri now all the time, “I love you to China and back!” All of our kids got along GREAT. It was probably our favorite vacation ever.

Somehow I kept all three kids alive and entertained (most days) all summer. And now off they go! On to school. It’s time for a big cup of coffee for this mama and a hefty dose of silence.

I am so grateful to have had this time away from work to focus on my family.

If you made it to the end of this post, I can’t thank you enough for your continued and loyal support of Lauren Ann Photography. I can’t wait to serve your family in the coming months!