Lindsey & Lauren.. and this time, Mom and Dad too!

If you follow the blog, you've seen Lindsey and Lauren before. These little monkeys are a barrel of fun, and we've shot at my studio and in their home. I first met Lindsey when she was 2 (oh how I remember the shy Lindsey.. who finally warmed up to me after I put Clifford in the DVD player and shared goldfish crackers with her), and this past year she became a big sister to the adorable Lauren.

Now that Lauren is up and around, her Mom and Dad opted for a nearby park for a change of pace... they were even able to sneak away for a quick picture of the two of them together-- sans children.

As usual, Lauren was silly and expressive, and Lindsay was sweet and cooperative. Lindsay did manage to get in some good running-through-the-grass while I was shooting Lauren's individual portraits, and I caught her in the act!

OhMyGosh! It's Lance Berkman!

That's right folks, THE BIG PUMA himself!!!

So a giant mega-thanks to our architect, Peter Foxley, for throwing my name into the hat when he heard there was a need for a photographer to donate their services to shoot Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros (if you know me, you know that baseball season is my favorite season of the year... I was born during baseball season and regularly celebrate the day by going to an Astros game.. I gave my whole family personalized Astros shirts this Christmas).

Houston's First Presbyterian Church invited Lance to speak at a fundraiser for The Forge For Families (an organization that provides mentoring and promotes spiritual growth for families in Houston's Third Ward)... not only was there a silent auction with lots of goodies, but after Lance spoke there was a live auction for a few items-- the first of which was a family portrait with Lance Berkman himself! The winning family bid a pretty penny and were whisked away to the greenroom for a meet & greet, and of course a portrait session.

Lance was a genuine and entertaining speaker, touching on many personal experiences involving faith, spirituality, and personal growth. Once the family came through the doors backstage, he was very sweet-- greeting each of them with a handshake and introduction. After the portrait session was over, he was gracious enough to stay and sign shoes, shirts, and papers (whatever the kids could get their hands on).

I'd also like to thank the lovely Kristin Foxley for showing us around, and helping me get where I needed to be for the evening. The Presbyterian Women and Women's Ministry sure throw quite the party! My family and I enjoyed ourselves and were very happy to be a part of the event.

Here are the generous and lucky winners! (But first, a shot of the big screen during the auction)...