I really believe in the value of good photographs.  You would think that with my interest in pictures and scrapbooks and stationery and all things "paper" that I would have learned the tricks of photography or graphic design by now.  No.  Unfortunately, I didn't really exercise the creative portion of my brain when going to college or graduate school.  That being said, I completely appreciate the value of photography.  I have absolutely no problem spending a good chunk of money on photographer's time, talent, and product. 

Keeping that in mind, it is extremely hard to shell out hundreds of dollars on a good photography session when a very important person in the family is missing.  On one hand, my husband is sitting on an aircraft carrier completely craving photographs of Kate and Connor.  I want him to see them grow while he is away these 7 months.  I don't want to look at a photo album in 5 years and see the majority of 2011 missing.  Connor is a baby and this time is precious; he changes every single day.  On the other hand, I can't wrap my brain around spending so much money for something that isn't complete.  Our family just simply isn't whole without him.

I was recently given an enormous gift.

My good friend Audra just moved back to the Hampton Roads area from Honolulu, Hawaii.  She and I became fast friends in graduate school at William and Mary.  We both lived a good distance from the campus and in order to save on gas and stave off boredom would meet and carpool together.  Over the course of our two year program we got to know each other really well.  She is one of the most talented people I have ever met.  Artistic, bright, funny, and sweet.  All without knowing it.  You see, Audra is probably the most self deprecating person you will ever meet.  But she awesome. 

Audra is also a Navy wife.  She understands what deployments are like and how John will feel when he sees good pictures of his children.  She also understands that it kinda sucks to take pictures without your husband there.  That putting on the "happy family" smile while daddy is 9,000 miles away can feel forced and unnatural.

A few weeks ago she came over and we went over to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens to take some family pictures.

She captured the way our family looks right now,


  she captured Connor's toothy smile,


Kate's gentle nature,


sarcasm,


playfulness,


and that at the end of the day, they really do love one another...


I honestly am humbled by her generosity of time and talent.  I have no idea how I will repay her for these photographs.  She is an amazing friend, mother, and photographer.

If you are in the Hampton Roads area and you need someone to capture your family, Audra is the best.  Check out her website at http://www.simplesoulphotography.com/.