Julie Kittredge Art & Photography » friends & family

auntie heaven

Julie — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:02:08 +0000

I feel like I’ve fallen off the map the last few weeks. Personal stuff. School stuff. PTA committees. Football. A flurry of photo sessions. Holy moly I think my head is spinning. While I so adore capturing the moments of my amazing families and kids – I can’t tell you how much fun I have with them – I’m missing the photography that is personal. I miss capturing the day to day inspiration and life that I so love. So … as I move into our second full week of school on Monday, I’m going to make a point to bring my camera with me as I go about my day to day. I really need to capture some of the little moments of my, now more quiet, days. Just me and the little lady.

These were taken just before school started … I got to snuggle my sweet nieces and nephews. I’m in auntie heaven – seriously. I get to love ‘em and give ‘em back! Heaven!!

Left to right: Bekah, Grey, and Anna

Aren’t they funny? You should see them … they are all so different … you can see it in these images already – sparky, chilled, and serious yet bright. Love!

firsts

Julie — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:30:52 +0000

What fun to enjoy a ‘first time’ with my boys still. 7and 10 years into life and they still have so many ‘firsts’ to experience. This weekend we were camping in WI. The campground had fishing poles you could use along with a tackle box – all three kids experienced fishing for the first time ever!! So fun. I love teaching. I’m coming to understand that teaching is a joy, and a big piece of me that I’m discovering. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed during the little summer workshops I offered in the backyard this summer, and now to give a little fishing instruction. Not that I’m all that experienced, but I used to fish with my dad and grandpa as a kid. We caught and released lots and lots of sunfish … I think I was the boys’ age. Dad taught me how to cast the line and how to bait the hook (I think he baited way more than I ever did, ew). I had so many flashbacks to those days as I was instructing my own son on how to release the line at just the right time; how to hold the button with your thumb, whip your arm and wrist without catching on the bushes or people behind you, then release the pressure on the button at just the right moment to cast the line out into the dark waters of the lake. What a rush to watch him feel that perfect release the first time! Ah, my teacher’s heart, my mother’s heart, swelling with pride and joy in watching his satisfaction and experience. We cast for over an hour … learning how to be patient … waiting … watching … learning. The fish would nibble right below us, following the bait, but never really biting. Maybe next time …

Buggy … beautiful … loving the millions and millions of stars … and the twinkling lights of candles and and lanterns. Love the nature, and the quiet. Love the abundance of wild flowers everywhere I look. Love the experiences as a family. Love watching a “first time” experience. Love playing at the beach, swimming in the lake, boys’ climbing trees, smores over the fire. Love my family. Love everything about camping. Love my life.

treasure on the beach

Julie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:26:15 +0000

I cannot tell you how refreshing these friends are to me.

They are real, they are transparent, they are funny, they are strong, they are beautiful.

Alysa and Melissa had birthdays this summer that came and went … so Kristin and I decided to do something special to be sure they were properly celebrated. What better place to enjoy each other and celebrate than on the beach with a little sand, a little wine, great food, candles, and laughter. Oh I so enjoy these women, they’ve always been very special to me.

We listened to the waves hitting the shoreline, we watched the stars come out after a rather threatening batch of dark clouds almost rained us out. We laughed, told stories, commiserated about our kids, supported each other, honored each other, enjoyed the history that we have with each other. I henna-ed the girls … in the dark … I wouldn’t recommend it – I hope they turned out okay.

We closed the park down at 10:30. It felt too early, the night was still young … the conversation was flowing. But, to avoid a fight or flight confrontation {tempting right Alysa?!} we decided to heed the announcement that the park was closed, call it a night, and make the trek back to our cars. That walk looks very different in the dark – nothing was where it was when we arrived – or so it seemed. We almost lost the cars, and a skirt, in the process! I so love those funny moments and adventures. True friends are a real treasure. To be known is unparalleled. These girls are such a gift to me. Love you girls and happy birthday Melissa and Alysa! xo

’tis the season …

Julie — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:00:07 +0000

… for camping!!! Camping is our getaway, it’s our escape, we use our mobile lake home … our 1987 pop-up camper … and go to several different locations from spring to fall. This trip was one of four planned for this summer … we’re thrilled. I just need a few hours on a Friday to pull together the bedding, our clothes and get our food in coolers and we’re hooked up and off! This weekend was spent at Illinois Beach State Park. It wasn’t as nice as some of our more favored parks, and we hit the most rain we’ve ever endured on a camping trip in many years … but it was relaxing. The rain forced us to lay low for the afternoon, napping, reading, playing Apples to Apples. It was nice to be nice and dry in our dowdy old camper … watching the boys’ listen to their books-on-playaway, Kiana succumbed to a nap, and Ken snored next to me while I read a book. Pure luxury. I struggle to find time to read books – though I have three going right now … good grief … I’m beginning to wonder if I’m becoming ADD in my middle age. Anyway, we enjoyed time with my parents and sister and her family. It’s nice to be on the other side of things – my kids older – my siblings just beginning their families. Camping is a challenge with a baby … I remember doing it with Kiana … I remember it being a lot of work and not relaxing at all – we had the boys in a separate tent because they wouldn’t fit in ours with her pack & play. Funny. Good memories. Why do those memories feel so long ago? She’s only 3!

Anyway … of course … I had to capture the weekend visually.

Kiana was in heaven with the babies … and … when cousin Will was cooperative with her whims.

Aidan was the goof, never too serious, priding himself in being able to make Will giggle uncontrollably.

Kiana … my little forest fairy. So happy in the outdoors. This was taken before the mosquitoes thoroughly enjoyed feasting on her!

And getting a picture of my eldest … only if it’s very very cool.

Looking forward to a whole season of this … it’s one of the best things about summer!! Even with rain and colder temps than anticipated!

going to “the summer”

Julie — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:00:20 +0000

We had an amazing Memorial weekend … it was the perfect combination of finishing house projects, relaxing at the beach, and visiting with my parents. Each are satisfying, relaxing, and encouraging respectively. Kiana has been begging for weeks to “go to the summer” as she calls it, because after all, the beach = summer! It’s her happy place.

And watching them … makes me happy. We’re looking forward to summer around here … 3 days and one hour left before it’s official!

{side note: I kept seeing great spots for family pictures here! Anyone interested in a beach session in July?}

Grey Wilder

Julie — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:00:45 +0000

He looks just like my brother – and man do I love him! Grey was born at home {which was planned} at a healthy 8 lbs 6 oz!

My time was limited with him, I wish I could have done a full session but I had my kids with me for our visit … and Seren’s sister is also a professional wedding photographer so, I think I’m trumped by the sister. That’s okay – I got one good one. He’s such a bundle of sweetness. It was a pleasure meeting you Grey!! I know I’ll get many many opportunities with this little man!