Ok, first I’m going to jump right in with this show stopper. I mean, really.

This oh-so-fabulous lady came to Galveston with her kids and grandkids to celebrate her special blank-ieth birthday. Hey, I don’t think she’s shy about revealing her age, but I was raised in Louisiana. And (in my best Southern drawl), there are some things you just don’t reveal about another lady. You may be surprised to learn that I do have manners, after all.

Anyway, I am not even kidding, at the end of the session, I took some close up shots of this lovely one since she’s the one we’re all celebrating, and I had chill bumps all over my arms and legs, even though it was about 175 degrees outside with go-jillion percent humidity. I’m just that nerdy and she’s just that beautiful. Gorgeous. When I say I love my job? I really do mean it. 

Can you imagine a more perfect birthday gift than spending a week at the beach with your most favorite people on the planet? And then top it off with a photoshoot of everyone to remember forever and ever? Bacle children, take note.
There were three grandbabies at this shoot. The boys were equally cute and fun, but I wanted to highlight this little turkey, just because my little braided-haired turkey isn’t so little anymore, and I miss those chubby cheeks, and it’s my blog, and I’ll cry if I want to. Want to know a super duper top secret I use to get kids to smile? Ask them to make a mean/pouty face first. Not a silly face. Do that, and you’ll never get their tongues back in their mouths. I usually say something like, “Ok, I want you to cross your arms and stomp a foot and go ‘hmpff,’ because you’re ready for me to be done. (And then I demonstrate what I mean, which they think is funny.) But don’t laugh! I need this to be serious.” They usually do it, but it’s a little silly, so they are feeling a little giggly, and then I say…

…”Ok, now be super silly and laugh a lot!” It helps when you can get a big brother to come in with threats of tickles, too. Now that is a genuine, happy face. 

Ok, my beach family. I had a fantastic morning in the sand with you. I really hope you had a fun vacation–I had a blast. :)

Love, Andrea