Last light of 2008

As the sun goes down on the last day of 2008, I would like to wish you all a very happy and safe new year.

Ohhh.... christmas tree.... oh christmas tree.....

I present to you, our christmas tree this year. Ofcourse no presents yet since Santa hasn't shown up yet.

New neighbors

My son spent the weekend with his mom and returned home earlier tonight. He brought us some new neighbors.

Congratulations Tara

Tonight I got to watch my girlfriend do something I havent. Tara graduated college tonight.

I am so proud of her. I don't know how many times I told her that today but in my eyes, it wasn't nearly enough. There were plenty of times she thought she wouldn't make it. Long nights of doing homework or studying for that 1 big test that was coming up. She is one tough girl who will always accomplish whatever it is she sets out to do in life. I'm very thankful I get to share all those moments with her.

Once again Tara, I am so very proud of you. Congratulations grad! I love you sweetie <3


Here she is walking in empty handed but filled with pride.

Gettin' that piece of paper!

Now along with her pride she has that diploma to show for all the hard work.

Making sure we all see it!


I want you to always remember this Tara. You can and will accomplish all your goals in life. Nothing is ever out of your reach. Make all your dreams come true. By doing so you will make those around you even more proud of you than they already are.

Playing around

Tonight Austin wanted to see some pictures of himself on the computer. I did him one better and tethered my camera to the laptop and shot this picture of him. He got to see it right away on the screen and busted out into laughter.

Happy holidays!

As Christmas and the new year draw closer we are reminded once again of friendship, kindness, love and fellowship.

Just a quick photograph tonight while testing out a new camera.

Im sure I will have more holiday related posts as the last few days of the year draw to an end. Untill then, happy holidays too all!

31,000'

A shot from my airplane window on the flight back home. The white spot above the wing is actually the moon.

Miss Illinois

As the year draws to end, so comes the end of this years pageant scene. I had the pleasure of joining Josef Willis (www.josefwillis.com)and Earl Carter (www.earlcarter.com)this past weekend in the windy city of Chicago to photograph the 2009 Miss Illinois and Teen Illinois pageants.


It was a very cold weekend and fortunately, we spent most of the 4 days there inside.

Here are a few Id like to share to give you all a small glimpse into the pageant world.

Practice, practice, practice!




And then the show begins!


Opening performance


Swimsuit portion


Evening gown portion


2 Random contestants




Group shot