The Wright Siblings

Kent asked for a remote controlled airplane for his birthday. A very normal request from a 7-year-old boy. Problem is...the birthday boy turned 7 in January. Not the most ideal time of year to fly remote controlled airplanes in Omaha, NE. So it sat in Dad's office until a few weeks ago. The wind made the possibility of an ideal test flight less thant desirable, but we took on the challenge and hit the wind head on! Unfortunately so did the airplane. Again, and again. And again.

Before Dad could get it out of the box, a real live non-remote controlled airplane flew over head.


Kent is thoroughly impressed. "Cooooool!!!"

Can you read the label here?
"High Speedy Moder Techniques Superior Performance"
Moder?? Huh?

Sporting her toothless grin proudly.

We are go!



That lasted all of about 5 seconds. Let's try again.



Take 3...




And once more...



Go fetch, Fido.


The crash site.

Love backlighting. And I kinda like my punkin, too.

The Birthday Boy

My favorite boy turned 35 May 3. We celebrated in style at Olive Garden with our favorite party animals...

We don't drink much soda around our house so it's a special treat when the kids eat out. You can see a great level of contentment in those eyes.

We inquired of our waitress about a birthday song. She informed us that corporate had just banned this method of celebration. Apparently their birthday song was not PC enough. We must have followed that announcement with forlorn looks of disappointment, because a few minutes later, our waitress returned with this makeshift cake...

When we returned home, the kiddos quick suited up for bed (after eating a half a dozen Ande's Candies) and then we had one last birthday bash. They had chosen daddy's card several weeks in advance. It included a line about "the birthday boy" and a dragon on the cover. Kent just knew Daddy would be most appreciative of this card.


The birthday boy and his son requested strawberry rhubarb pie as the cake of choice. The candles went into the pie straight out of the oven. Much to my surprise, they melted and offered us a great waxy bonus. Mmmmm...nothing like a bite of wax in your pie.

Happy birthday to you...Make a wish!

Wax or no wax, we polished off a good chunk of pie this night.

After expounding quickly on a verse from the Bible and a word of prayer from each Ertson, Daddy's 35th birthday was concluded and all little Ertsons were tucked snuggly into their beds.

Chris Martin - A senior

Chris and I go waaaaaayyyyyy back. So far back, I remember when he was nothing more than a bump. And then...he's going to love me for this...I remember changing his diaper. And I remember a baptism or two in baby barf. By total immersion.

But that's all in the past. That bouncing baby boy is now a nearly highschool grad. And a good looking one, I might add (don't let that go to your head, Mr. Martin).

Chris' parents are very good friends of mine. They were members of the church that I grew up in and my dad pastored for many years. Jen & I sang together. I used to hum out parts with Matt for the choir (in fact...one year I sang and recorded all parts for an abbreviated form of Handel's Messiah for a choir cantata...now that was some good times wasn't it, Matt?). Jen was my matron of honor in my wedding and Matt was one of the groomsmen. He had the honor of wheeling my husband out to the Bridal Chorus at our memorable wedding. But that's a story for another day.

Jen and I started planning a senior photo date last summer, but all attempts at scheduling failed. But in a moment of panic, Jen called with a few possibilities, and the date was scheduled and actually happened this time!























Chris is the typical male highschool grad: He loves his car. That might be slightly understated. More accurately, I think he's obsessed. He has grown up with a myriad of car parts laying around the back yard (much to Jen's dismay) and therefore, his set of wheels are as souped up as they can get (legally speaking). So he brought his hot rod along for a prop. Complete with "how-to-shoot a cool car" instructions. Seriously. He did all but pull the trigger on the camera. Good eye, Chris. You might have found your calling in life. :)



Chris Martin, it's been a pleasure watching you grow up from the little brat that you were to a fine young man. I hope the next 4 years of Bible college aid your future as you seek to serve God with your life. I look forward to shooting wedding pictures next (big sly grin).

Micek/Morgan Wedding

Creighton is my neighbor's brother. After looking at my October wedding pictures, his bride-to-be contacted me a few months ago and asked if I would consider being their wedding photographer. I contacted my partner in crime, Paulette, and off we went to shoot our first duo! Paulette was my life saver. Esepcially when it came to a break in the activity between pre-wedding and ceremony pix and she revived me with a gallon of water (fortunately not over my head) and a bottle of Starbucks caffeine, which I consumed in 3 seconds flat. And I'm not kidding.

Creighton & Lindsey were AWESOME! A gorgeous couple. They chose a beautiful venue that unfortunately was a little retarded in blooming but we saw a few speckles of green poking through and a purple or white bloom here and there. Her dress and flowers were so gorgeous that we didn't need any other color to rob from Lindsey's natural beauty.

Ladies & Gentlemen...please rise in honor of the bride!


And a drumroll for the groom...


We did pictures before the ceremony, including the "First Look."




Some of the gorgeous details.


And the cake (that tasted as good as it looked)


The wedding party


A few candid moments to break up the monotony of it all.


I love candids. They're my favorite part of wedding photography. Besides the kiss. :)


The little people found plenty to entertain themselves.


The ceremony


And finally, Mr. & Mrs. Micek!


Congratulations Lindsey & Creighton! Paulette and I were honored to follow you around on your very special day.

PS - the cake and mints were AWESOME!