Danielle Mahoney Photography

I was so excited to see Lexi and Zach again this year! It still amazes me how fast babies grow, and how quickly they change. Lexi is 19 months old now and is a beautiful, spirited and determined little girl- so much changed form the baby I saw a year ago. She loves bubbles, planes, twirling in her dresses, dipping her feet in the cool water, and cheese and crackers.

Zach is three and still likes Thomas the Train, but DOES NOT like bugs. He loves his sandbox and his dump trucks and the color blue and, when his little sister slows down for a minute, he likes to play with her. I have loads of fun chasing these guys around in their backyard and trying to keep up with them long enough to freeze a moment with a photograph! Thanks, Angie and Matt, for inviting me into your world and trusting me with your memories.

Recently I spent a morning at the beach with my good friend Keli and her two boys, Dillon and Shaye. (Shaye is the newborn in the header). We had rescheduled our initial photo day due to a massive thunderstorm (that never actually happened). I’m really glad we did because the weather was perfect on this morning. We got out there early, there was a nice cool breeze, the humidity hadn’t yet kicked up. Everything was still and quiet, and the boys were really happy and calm. We had a great time, and the relaxed atmosphere of the morning was perfect to just get some really great pictures of Keli with her two boys.

So, after the shoot I knew Keli was really excited to see the photos (I am excited about these too!). I delivered them before I had time to blog them or put them on Facebook. She was so excited to get her proof prints that she IMMEDIATELY adorned her entire work space with the photos, took a picture with her phone, and put it on FB. I got SCOOPED!But I LOVED to see her so excited!!

Keli stepped off the path for a minute and taught Dillon how to eat honeysuckle. He didn’t like it.

Shaye was getting sleepy.

Dillon had a great time throwing rocks in the water.

Keli is a great friend and I know that she is one of the people that has come in to my life for a reason. She pointed out that I “swing wide” whenever I walk with people so that they will open the door for me – and now she laughs with me whenever I intentionally do it; she willingly eats Peruvian chicken with me almost every day; she loves my kids way more than most people love someone else’s kids; and she is a sound voice of reason when I need reason and an ear when I feel like being unreasonable. I am truly grateful for her friendship. And her kids are really, really awesome!

I met Ava and Aidan at my sons’ school a few years ago, and later when Drew became Cannon’s soccer coach. I’m not exaggerating when I say that Drew is the raddest, most awesomest coach ever! He is so patient with those 4 and 5 year olds; he keeps them engaged and having fun, and can ties shoes, redirect princesses, find pout-y cross armed boys on a swing set (in the middle of games ahem Cannon), wipe tears, and give pep talks- all faster than a super hero. All of the kids adore him and I’m not sure any other coach will ever survive my Cannon.

Laura is simply stunning and pretty much the nicest person I’ve ever met. She is the pregnant friend that makes you think “I could do that again. Look at how GREAT she looks.” Her hair, her glow, her perfect belly- she’s gorgeous.

Aidan has eyes that smile before the rest of him. He plays soccer and lacrosse (and I’m sure I’m missing some). His birthday is two days before Justin Bieber’s and he is rockin’ the hair. I tried to whip out some jokes for him but, after a quick courtesy laugh, he schooled me. (That always happens, really.) (I stink at jokes.)

Ava is spirited and determined. Her eyes are mischievous and always laughing (even when she’s crying). She plays soccer, dances, does gymnastics. She will score a soccer goal and celebrate with a cartwheel and split. She flies across monkey bars in her dresses and tights. Ava and Aidan are going to be fantastic with their new baby sister, and I can’t wait to meet her and take pictures of all of them together!

Thanks guys! I know this has been a tough month. I’m glad I was able to capture for a moment the fun and laughter that so embodies your family, and my thoughts are with you now more than ever.

Danielle

I met up with long time friends and grabbed some updated photos of everyone. It’s so awesome watching these guys grow up in pictures! It seems that when you have children, life gets so busy surviving all of the day to day routines. It becomes so difficult to see friends frequently . One of the things I love about photography is the chance it gives me to connect with people and their families – be they old friends or new ones – for an hour or two. I’ve done photos for the Swope family so many times now, and I love catching up with them!

Lily is so happy and twirly all the time! Her cheeks beg to be smooshed!!

I tried to tell Danny a few jokes and he put me to shame! He had tons in his back pockets just waiting for me!!

Natalie had just gotten her ears pierced the day before , and in two weeks she will donate her hair to the Locks of Love Organization. She also just opted to stop playing soccer so she could play the cello. Seeing her with her instrument was so cool! She was very focused!