Mr. Jackson turned F O U R back in September and his {absolutely gorgeous, and equally as sweet} Mommy, Kelley, asked me to photograph his Superhero Birthday Bash!!! I was beyond thrilled for the opportunity. Kelley and her husband Lee certainly did not disappoint in the party department! It was such a special and fun time, not only for Jackson but for everyone invited – kids and adults alike!

No detail was overlooked, whether in the food and decorations …

… or the guests!! 

The kids had so much fun with the zip line, the Super Jump and the rock climbing wall. It really was every little boy’s (and girl’s) dream party. I’m thinking I might enlist Kelley to plan my 35th birthday party next month!

All the kids got to make their own masks and received a shirt and cape from Jackson to wear for the day. Is that awesome, or what??

And wouldn’t you know it? Spiderman and Batman just happened to show up and get in on all the fun!!

Wow. Wow, wow, WOW!  That is the closest word I can find to describe how wonderfully delightful this party was for everyone who attended, myself included! This sneak peek doesn’t even come close to capturing all the fun that was had that day. Kelley & Lee, you guys are simply amazing. Thank you so much for your kind spirits.  I know that Jackson and all of his friends will never forget how much fun they had that day. And thank you for your patience with me, as I do my best to create a memento for your family  that will in some way capture the feeling of the day. I have some fun surprises up my sleeve for you … and I will be in touch very soon!!

Emily and I were in the same sorority in college. She was my grandsister, in fact. She and Rob were dating then and are now married with two precious children. Through the miracle that is Facebook, I have been able to re-connect with both Emily and Rob and learn about and follow the story of their adoption of two beautiful girls from Ethiopia. Something about their story captured my heart early on and I would check in on an almost daily basis just to see if there were any updates. On Saturday night, Rob brought their two beautiful new daughters home. I count myself blessed to have been there to witness as both girls met their Mommy for the first time, as well as their new brother and sister. It was one of the most touching things I have ever witnessed.

Emily and Rob, thank you for letting me be there. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek. You’ll be in my prayers over the coming weeks!

BUT…It was not to be. According to Jack, in order to be “cool” you have to have a party in the church gym. Oh, really? Is he supposed to understand cool at age four? Hmmm. Well, who am I to stand in the way of his coolness? So, we booked the gym. And I cringed. And my dreams of bright, sunshiny birthday photos went down the drain. BUT – I have learned a very important lesson here. A lesson that I actually try to apply to most other areas of my life: USE WHAT YOU HAVE. And what did I have on Saturday morning? A dimly lit church gym, some nasty fluorescent bulbs and some pretty bland surroundings. But what else did I have on Saturday morning? Fun, excitement, love, laughter, the most beautiful kids ever, sweet friendship and the happiest (and coolest) soon-to-be-five year old on the planet! And what mommy (or photographer, for that matter) could complain about that? Oh, and I really tried to get an individual shot of everyone, but in the end playing reigned supreme over everything else and I just couldn’t get some of them still enough. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Jack. I love you, beautiful angel boy!