And Baby Makes 5...Or 8.

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

-Frederick Keoing

Lance and Jennifer were my House Parents when I went through Generational Leadership after high school. They opened their home, their hearts, their family, and their arms to make me part of their lives. They heard and listened to what I was going through, made me laugh, hugged me through some of the hardest days, and never once made me feel like an outsider. They were generous with all that they had, including their time and their love. I am forever better for knowing them.

Emily and Brandon became my brother and sister. I loved car rides with them, movie nights, laughing about ridiculous things, the pictures Emily would draw me, the conversations Brandon and I would have about Jesus, and sharing. I love to share.

Well, Jennifer is preggers with a baby Boy!!! I am so excited! The little bundle of joy is set to arrive right around Thanksgiving, and we all will be thankful to meet this gift. Everyone is anticipating his arrival and we are already fighting over who will get to hold him the longest. I'm voting me.

To celebrate, we took the whole family out to take some Maternity/Family pictures. It's almost like I am in them. It counts, I'm just holding the camera. :)

Tara and Steven also lived with the Swenson's during their GL year. Their family has grown, and we are all so glad to be able to have 2 last names. Kelsey Lynne Swenson Blome. They came too, because we love to do things in a big group. Especially laugh.

Look at my beautiful Swenson Family. 

The whole family!

I decided I needed in on the action...

Life is just wonderful. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions!!!

"Everyone must sit and take time to watch the leaves turn."

-Elizabeth Lawrence 

Fall is almost here, and that means that it is time for some of my favorite things! No, not Pumpkin Spice Lattes...But boots with dresses, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Beautiful Orange Leaves, and THE PUMPKIN PATCH!!!

Ever since the session I blogged last Fall of Ben + Galadriel at the Pumpkin Patch in Enumclaw, people were nuts about the photos. I was actually so in love with them, I blogged twice about it!

Well, because many people loved the photos, and I had a blast taking them, I will be doing mini-sessions at Thomasson Family Farm in Enumclaw on October 22. It's a Saturday and I will be there from morning until the light disappears! You will schedule a 30 minute session with me, that we will walk around and play at the pumpkin patch. There are so many locations, it will not be hard to get a variety of photos. To see what I mean, look at Ben and Galadriel's! Your session will come with a $25 Print Credit which you get to order beautiful prints to put around your home, on your desk at work, or send to Grandma and Grandpa!

If you have any questions, please give me a call! I cannot wait to spend time with your family or kiddos, or whoever shows up!!! Here are the pretty details...

Life is worth remembering! 

If you are interested, send me an e-mail or give me a call so I can reserve a spot for you!

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Sunshine, Fireworks, + Fearlessness

"Wherever you go, no matter the weather. Always bring your own sunshine."

-Anthony J. D'Angelo

Rebecca Anne is one of the most delightful people to be around. She walks into a room and her laughter becomes the soundtrack. My favorite soundtrack. She is one of the most amazing girls that I have ever known. She is in "Midwifery School" right now in Idaho and is living out her dreams. This girl is fearless.  After she is done, she will be in the Philippines for 3 months using what she has learned everyday. She is someone who inspires me to do great things. It's great to have friends who are going to change the world. Because she has already changed my world, making me believe in my dreams and challenging me to love God and the people around me through it all. She is a spectacular firework of a girl. Bright, beautiful, and full of surprises.

Becky's mom Elizabeth is a party. She laughs at life just like her daughter. When they asked me to take some pictures of them, I knew it would be no problem getting these two to smile and have a good time. We walked around and laughed about anything and everything.

Becky + Elizabeth, you are wonderful to be around. You are bright and beautiful, fun and free. Come to WA anytime to take pictures. My camera loves your faces. P.S. Thank you for bringing your own sunshine...

These two are beautiful. Just spend time with them and realize that the world is full of things to smile about. They make my heart feel happy and alive. Oh internet, I have the most WONDERFUL friends. Let me show you...

Life is SO good. Just the best. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Laughter, The Tickle Monster, + "Dude"

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."

-Victor Borge

I stayed up in the middle of the night looking at these pictures. They make my heart smile. Last night, I drove to Enumclaw to meet Mike, Heather, and David. I went to school with Mike and Heather and am so glad that our paths have crossed again. I first met David at Ashley + Wes' Wedding. We danced together. Oh ya, we're besties for life.

When Heather e-mailed me to ask if we could set up a time to do pictures, I was ecstatic. She used to do photography, so the fact that she likes my pictures is a huge compliment. Now, she is just finishing up school at Le Cordon Bleu to become a pastry chef. I have tasted some of her creations, and let me tell you. She knows what she's doing.

Her son David is adorable. He loves his mama and "Dude". That is what he calls Mike, my heart melts every time. He loves to be tickled, and even when he doesn't want to smile, Heather/the Tickle Monster makes sure that he does. This child is one of my favorites. They laugh a lot and are seriously wonderful to be around.

Before I left last night, David jumped in my front seat and made sure my car was working properly. He tried to start it, but was definitely using the house key. He turned on my windshield wipers, my high beams, and faded the music all the way to the back. Driving home I laughed about the new features of the Volvo. David, you can drive my car anytime.

Take a look at these beautiful people.

I LOVE these next two!!!

Life is beautiful.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Evenings at the Park...

"While we teach, we learn."

-Seneca

I've known the Olson family for a long time. Actually, it's been about 8 years, but they are the kind of people who I feel like I've had in my life forever. I went to high school with Sarah and Josh and our families have spent time camping and laughing together many times. A few years ago, Sarah married a man named Skye and her last name was changed to Henderson. They had the most beautiful wedding pictures. I swear I looked through them and was IN AWE!

About 14 months ago, they had a little boy named James. He is a sporty little guy who has energy for days. He loves his uncles and his grandma. He loves to play at the park, and knows his way there by heart. Also, Sarah and Skye are expecting a little girl and her baby belly will be seen on the blog in a few months!! She just needs to grow that baby a bit more!

A few weeks ago, I was able to spend some time with the whole fam at the park for some pictures. James ran around and I tried my best to keep up. It was one of my favorite sessions I have ever done because James was just playing and running around and being the happy baby that he is. I love that Sarah and Skye let him run free. They love how adventurous he is, I do too.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Life is best when we take time to play.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Plaid Overalls, Cupcakes, + Baby Aiden

"A boy is the only thing God can use to make a man."

-Anonymous 

My best friend/sister Tara works as a nanny for a fantastic family in Renton. She watches a baby boy named Aiden and absolutely loves her job. She comes home with stories always and we laugh about how cute babies are. I have heard about Tony and Janine since January and could tell that they were the kind of people who draw a crowd. Aiden's first birthday was August 21st, and Tony and Janine wanted some pictures of their baby with family at his birthday party and to celebrate how cute he is. 

Let me tell you, from the first moment that I walked into their home, I knew I liked these people. They are warm and inviting. Janine told me stories about her hectic morning and we laughed like we'd known each other for months rather than minutes. I love people like that. Who invite you into their life when they first meet you. 

It was very important to Janine and Tony to have pictures of Aiden with both sets of Grandparents. And I have to say, when going through the pictures, they had to be my favorites. This family is full of joy and love. 

Aiden can say "Spongebob Squarepants" and that automatically makes him the coolest 1 year old I know. He also wore plaid overalls for the day, which means we have matching outfits...I kid, I kid. This child is adorable. He loves to smear frosting on his face/eye when he eats cupcakes. He learned that from Tara. What a great nanny she is! :) 

Look at this beautiful family, and this adorable baby.

 Life is wonderful. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

"Life doesn't come with an instruction manual, that's why we have fathers."

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

Anyone who knows me well would say that I am a "Daddy's girl". Don't worry, my mama would say the same thing. Well, today is my dad's birthday. And let me tell you, tonight at dinner, we will laugh, I might cry, and we will celebrate what a wonderful man he is. 

He seriously is one of my favorite people to talk to, to be around, and to laugh with. He tells it like it is and loves people more than anyone I know. He is my hero and has been through so much, yet is strong for everyone around him. He is generous with his time, his home, his finances, and his love. He is full of wisdom and has unlimited amounts of patience for me. He keeps my secrets and my heart. He is a man of influence and integrity. He pretty much is a rockstar. He likes to listen to his music loud and car dances with the best of 'em. He has taught me how to cook, to fish, to parallel park, to budget, to wakeboard, to love God, to love people, to live life, and to laugh. This man is my walking instruction manual. This man is the best father in the world. 

My parents might have only had one biological child, but they are a mother and father to many more than that. Watching them love my friends and my generation is unbelievable. They care about my friends like they are their children and nothing could make me feel more loved. 

Dad, Papa, Jer...You are the best man I know. I am so blessed by you always and cannot even tell you how loved I feel by you. You have been my rock forever. I'll love you forever and laugh with you for always. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to grow and to dream big. You are my biggest fan and I feel your support daily. I love you. 

Here are some of my favorite pictures of my favorite man.

Life is best when we celebrate those who we love.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.