Our Little Golfer, Tyler, Turns 3!!!

For many of you that know our story, you know that we lost our little Ethan Robert on October 9, 2009.  I never could have guessed that not even a year later, our family would be blessed with a little boy that absolutely melts our hearts and fills a part of that void that we felt in losing Ethan every day.  Ethan was born on 10/9/9.  Tyler was born on 9/10/10.  Quite a coincidence huh?

So, every year I start getting ideas for birthday parties at least 6 months in advance.  There is nothing I love more than going all out for my little ones.  This year, Tyler chose a Toy Story Birthday.  I have to give a big THANK YOU to Ella for putting together all of the decorations for the tables!

I always order shirts for Ella and Tyler to match the theme of their parties.  I have to admit - I dropped the ball on that one this time.  With that being said, Tyler picked out a very stylish outfit.  As you'll see, he was sporting navy blue dress shorts, a plaid shirt (which he insisted on leaving unbuttoned), and a cowboy hat like Woody wears!  Let's not forget the Woody slipper/boots that he also chose to wear for a portion of the party!

We had a few props that were Toy Story related for entertainment purposes.  They doubled as a photo booth of sorts...

Present time is always a favorite, and as always, Tyler was very spoiled by our closest family and friends.  From bedroom furniture, to airplanes, to new golf clubs - he surely was one lucky boy!  

We went to Steve's Bakery this year for the cake.  We have never ordered from there - but I must say that the cake was a HIT!  It looked great and tasted even better!

The rest of the evening was spent playing with all of his new toys.  He golfed and golfed and golfed.  This kid really has a talent!  He got a new glove, and Nana West made him a "Tyler Made" towel for his golf bag.  That night he slept with the golf clubs, he hasn't stopped playing with his new Planes toy, he has shot me in the eye with his Superman Utility Belt, he hides in his Thomas the Train tent, and when he's tired from doing all of that - he sleeps in his new Full-Sized bed!

(I LOVE THE OPEN SHIRT HERE!  HAPPY GILMORE ANYONE?)

I was always told that boys are different than girls.  Ella would sit and read or play with Barbies for hours.  Tyler will play golf, baseball, basketball, ride his bike, or run for hours.  As exhausted as we may get on any given night - this little man is the light of my life and I know how blessed I am to be able to kiss him goodnight.  

Happy 3rd Birthday Tyler Harrison Park!  We love you to the moon and back!

Until next time...

Max is Turning 3 - and FULL of Personality!

Max Ersler.  He is a 3-year-old with a LOT of personality!  I received a text from Max's mother, by best friend since 8th grade, and she told me that I had my work cut out for me because anytime she mentioned pictures to him, he cried and said no.  Well - Max proved her wrong and did a GREAT job!

Max is an active 3-year-old that keeps everyone on their toes when he's around!  He has such a bubbly, fun personality!  You can see in some of the following pictures that he was really cheesing for the camera.  At one point I asked him to look at me, and he decided that he would strike a pose!

Max takes after his daddy when it comes to his interests.  He loves golf and soccer - just like his dad!  Playing with the golf balls was one of his favorite things to do.  When we got out the soccer ball, Jenny and I became the targets!  He was throwing the ball instead of kicking it - and he's got a GREAT arm!

To continue with the theme of throwing...there are many great brick walls in Streator to use for pictures.  This particular spot we went to was right outside The Majestic Theater in Streator.  Max, once again, decided to show us how good his arm was - but this time he was throwing rocks.  His face in this picture is PRICELESS!

Max was really a great subject to shoot!  He's got the biggest, bluest eyes I've ever seen and he can turn on the charm with the best of them!

I've known Max since he was born.  I wish that they lived closer to Streator, but I guess I'll settle for what I can get and hope that his mommy and daddy allow me to keep shooting pictures of him!  That morning truly was entertaining and he was SO GOOD! 

Until next time...

Streator Bulldog Football...It's Great to be a Bulldog!

I think that everyone would agree Football Season is one of the best times of the year.  To many, it means going to support their favorite team on Friday night.  It means sweatshirts, chili, and Fall!  When I went to Streator High School, I loved nothing more than cheering for the Bulldogs - and not much has changed!  My family and I continue to support the Red and White every Friday night!

I was asked to do a photo session for the seniors this season.  I was more than pleased to do so.  I have many of these young men as students.  In the classroom, many of them are always able to provide me with a good laugh.  After seeing a couple of their coaches - I no longer wonder where they get their quirky ways.  

To continue with the humor, some of these players liked the camera more than others.  

Trying to get teenage boys to cooperate and pose for a photo shoot can be challenging, but when I asked them to sit a certain way, hold the ball a certain way, look a certain way, and showed them what I meant- it was easy!  The seniors lined up, did what I asked of them, and they provided me with some really great shots.  

I've seen the hard work of some of these seniors and I have no doubt that many of them are going to be successful. Some of them are phenomenal students, others are great athletes, and many of them are a combination of the two.  Along with that, they all have hilarious personalities!  

The Football Program has a Mother's Club that works very hard in gaining support for their sons and the program as a whole.  One of my favorite parts of this photo shoot was when some of the boys willingly took pictures with their mothers.   A couple of them were hesitant, a couple also jumped at the opportunity.  When they're older they will appreciate this picture.  There is nothing more precious than the love between a mother and her son!  

This group of men has coaches that dedicate 110% of their time and work endlessly in building a great program.  In today's world, it's tough at times to find athletes that want to give that same 110%.  This group of boys, I am confident, will pay their coaches with that respect. 

Until next time...