Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October Pics!
Another month gone by! I'm better at posting photos to Facebook, but I will try to be better keeping this up too.
The tooth fairy finally visited our house. It seems as though the tooth fairy hands out $5 bills for missing teeth these days... when did that start??? I prepped him that the 2nd tooth was not worth as much. But the tooth fairy didn't have change that night and yet again left another $5 bill. Check out the pics of the 2 missing teeth.
The tooth fairy finally visited our house. It seems as though the tooth fairy hands out $5 bills for missing teeth these days... when did that start??? I prepped him that the 2nd tooth was not worth as much. But the tooth fairy didn't have change that night and yet again left another $5 bill. Check out the pics of the 2 missing teeth.
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Catching up on weekend fun!
Weekends are always busy but more so the past month or so with family in town, heading in my photo "Christmas" season, football starting, and Cole's birthday. So I'm playing catch up again. Last weekend Grandpa Terry was in town for the long Labor day weekend. He stayed at the new indoor water park. The kids had so much fun going down all the slides, playing on the pirate ship, and eating pizza. We met the cousins there too - we had 5 kids running in all separate directions. But they all did great and we didn't lose anyone! WHEW! They were worn out that night. Which was good because Tyler headed to the Iowa Speedway for the race with neighbors that afternoon. The kids and I were in bed sleeping by 8:30! I can't remember the last time my head saw the pillow that early!
This weekend we celebrated the Iowa State butt-kicking at our neighbors house. We've been having beautiful weather these past few weeks. I'm hoping it's the new trend!
Today I had a photo shoot at Ledges State Park in Madrid. I had never been there, but had heard really great things about it. It was so pretty. The streams run right over the roadways. People park and walk through the streams instead of on the roads. Kids were splashing through the water, catching minnows, and being kids! We took a picnic lunch and hung out after my photo shoot making a day of it. It was a relaxing way to get away without having to drive very far. I'm looking forward to taking the kids back soon. Cole keeps asking when we can go back - he loves the outdoors.
The tooth fairy has not visited our house yet...Cole tooth is still wiggling! I will send an update as soon as she/he does!
This weekend we celebrated the Iowa State butt-kicking at our neighbors house. We've been having beautiful weather these past few weeks. I'm hoping it's the new trend!
Today I had a photo shoot at Ledges State Park in Madrid. I had never been there, but had heard really great things about it. It was so pretty. The streams run right over the roadways. People park and walk through the streams instead of on the roads. Kids were splashing through the water, catching minnows, and being kids! We took a picnic lunch and hung out after my photo shoot making a day of it. It was a relaxing way to get away without having to drive very far. I'm looking forward to taking the kids back soon. Cole keeps asking when we can go back - he loves the outdoors.
The tooth fairy has not visited our house yet...Cole tooth is still wiggling! I will send an update as soon as she/he does!
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Cole's 6 Year Photos!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Landry!
Do I have a valley girl on my hands or what? Landry came around the corner the other day with her hands on her hips and her head tipped to the side and said..."Oh, My Gosh!" I though she was going to bust into "Baby Got Back!"
Cole's 6th Birthday!
Cole's 6th Birthday was on Thursday! I went to eat lunch at school with him and took the birthday treats for that afternoon. Lunch was interesting and I wondered where "my Cole" was while I was visiting. All I will say is that, it's amazing how well behaved and how they listen when they are not at home. I hope he continues to keep up the good behavior. We had planned a big birthday bash at the I-Cubs game Saturday night. Luckily we had the most perfect weather and the boys had a great time. They all got to go down on the field while Cole threw out the 1st pitch. He had been practicing and it's a good thing because they had him throw it from the regular pitchers mound. He had no fear and marched right out on the field. He did a great job getting it to the catcher - we were all very proud. After that we took our seats - ate hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and pop. They all got 2 hats, tickets to play the games, and got to play in the obstacle course. We celebrated with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake & presents. We had invited all the boys and their dads to come as Cole said it was a "NO GIRLS ALLOWED PARTY!" (Except I could come & Grandma's.) We bought him a new Mongoose bike. He was starting to look like he was riding a clown bike. Cole has shot up this summer, I think he got the Nelson genes for height. At least I hope! But I realized this week nothing is going to fit him from his closet. I guess I'll be out shopping soon.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Back to School!
How can this be? Cole went off to Kindergarten today! Although it was no big deal for him since he attending optional kindergarten there last year - it was for me. Now it's everyday - all day. He was most excited about eating lunch there. Imagine that - Cole thinking about food first. I think he has the lunch menu memorized for the week. As we got closer to the school he wanted me to pull into the round-about and just drop him off. I told him in a few days, that Mommy needed time to say my goodbyes the first few days, which he was irritated by. We had to do our hugs & kisses in the parking lot insuring that not too many of his friends would see...
As I snapped photos of his every move I watched him walk into his classroom without ever looking back. I got a huge lump in my throat when he and Kyle (a neighbor boy) rushed off together. Tyler started making fun of me of course so I had to swallow my lump and quickly leave the building. It seems like just yesterday these boys were one running around in their diapers. Today they are taking off on their bikes like a gang running the neighborhood.
As I snapped photos of his every move I watched him walk into his classroom without ever looking back. I got a huge lump in my throat when he and Kyle (a neighbor boy) rushed off together. Tyler started making fun of me of course so I had to swallow my lump and quickly leave the building. It seems like just yesterday these boys were one running around in their diapers. Today they are taking off on their bikes like a gang running the neighborhood.
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Cherished Memories
Here are some photos from the past 2 weeks. It's been a challenging few weeks for our family. An eye opener to how lucky we are to watch our children grow, to cherish every kiss & hug, to live in the present, and to make everyday count.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Top 10 of Summer 2009 so far!
10. Tiffany & Sam's wedding in Minneapolis last weekend! The cousins had fun running around at the reception - making funny faces, eating wedding cake, and jamming to Rock Band!



9. Going to the Underwater Aquarium at the Mall of America, riding the rides inside the mall, meeting Dora & Spongebob, and eating at the Rain Forest Cafe!

8. Cole living at the Dallas Center-Grimes Pool this summer! He is currently taking swim lessons and swimming like a fish. He even goes down the waterslide by himself and swims to the side with no problems!
7. My business has taken off with a flying leap to say the least. I can hardly keep up. Seniors, babies, kids, families, and WEDDINGS! Whew! And LandryAnnaDesigns was published in the Johnston Register this week!

6. Landry is riding a big girl bike! My baby is growing up right before my eyes!


5. After getting into a little spat with Cole about coming inside last night. I was told... "I'm moving out and in with Carson", (as he was packing his backpack up with shoes & clothes.) I said, "Oh, really!" "Jamie already has 4 kids and I'm almost positive they don't want anymore." To which he responded - "Fine, I'll live in a tent in the backyard!"
I hope age 6 is easier than 5 is!
4. Kindergarten! Cole will be off to Kindergarten in less than a month. We are anxious to hear who his new teacher will be, and to get back into the swing of things. We'll be headed to school shop in the next few weeks.
3. Landry is obsessed with changing her clothes. She loves dresses! But it cracks us up when she flips through closet trying to figure out what will "look pretty."
2. Lemonade Stands! Cole & his friends are obsessed with selling lemonade. It all started when some older neighbor boys had a stand at the corner and Cole helped out. By helping out I mean - they made him hold the sign and paid him $1.00 for his work. Which he thought was awesome. So yesterday they (Cole, Kenna, Kyle, & Kolby) talked Michelle into setting up their own lemonade stand. They had a cash register and quite the crowd.
AND #1! LANDRY IS POTTY TRAINED! It's been about a month and she's doing wonderful. She basically was trained in 1 day. She had been wearing pull ups and using the potty whenever you sat her on it. But she would be wet if you didn't catch her. One day I had just "had it" with diapers & pull ups. And I said "that's it we're done." We took all those away - I went out and bought like 15 pairs of pretty underwear and VOILA that was that.


9. Going to the Underwater Aquarium at the Mall of America, riding the rides inside the mall, meeting Dora & Spongebob, and eating at the Rain Forest Cafe!

8. Cole living at the Dallas Center-Grimes Pool this summer! He is currently taking swim lessons and swimming like a fish. He even goes down the waterslide by himself and swims to the side with no problems!
7. My business has taken off with a flying leap to say the least. I can hardly keep up. Seniors, babies, kids, families, and WEDDINGS! Whew! And LandryAnnaDesigns was published in the Johnston Register this week!

6. Landry is riding a big girl bike! My baby is growing up right before my eyes!
5. After getting into a little spat with Cole about coming inside last night. I was told... "I'm moving out and in with Carson", (as he was packing his backpack up with shoes & clothes.) I said, "Oh, really!" "Jamie already has 4 kids and I'm almost positive they don't want anymore." To which he responded - "Fine, I'll live in a tent in the backyard!"
I hope age 6 is easier than 5 is!
4. Kindergarten! Cole will be off to Kindergarten in less than a month. We are anxious to hear who his new teacher will be, and to get back into the swing of things. We'll be headed to school shop in the next few weeks.
3. Landry is obsessed with changing her clothes. She loves dresses! But it cracks us up when she flips through closet trying to figure out what will "look pretty."
2. Lemonade Stands! Cole & his friends are obsessed with selling lemonade. It all started when some older neighbor boys had a stand at the corner and Cole helped out. By helping out I mean - they made him hold the sign and paid him $1.00 for his work. Which he thought was awesome. So yesterday they (Cole, Kenna, Kyle, & Kolby) talked Michelle into setting up their own lemonade stand. They had a cash register and quite the crowd.
AND #1! LANDRY IS POTTY TRAINED! It's been about a month and she's doing wonderful. She basically was trained in 1 day. She had been wearing pull ups and using the potty whenever you sat her on it. But she would be wet if you didn't catch her. One day I had just "had it" with diapers & pull ups. And I said "that's it we're done." We took all those away - I went out and bought like 15 pairs of pretty underwear and VOILA that was that.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
Your monthly update!
Again - WHERE IS THE SUMMER GOING!!!!???? I cannot believe it is July. We have been taking every advantage of the sun peaking out. We've been spending time at our favorite pool (Uncle Mike's house!) And went to an awesome summer fun party there last weekend. You'll see pics of the 150 pound pig laying in his kitchen. It was a fun filled day with endless food and drinks. When we're shriving up there we go to the Dallas Center pool in the next town. Cole & the neighbor kids are starting to look like Indians with super blond hair. He is loving every minute of this summer. Going to the Science Center, library program, Jester Park, and the pools! Landry is a little fish and not the least bit scared of the water or anything else for that matter. She managed to pop her elbow out of the socket again. I was out of town shooting a wedding and Tyler took her into the clinic. They thought they popped it back in and sent her home. She was up all night crying and saying her arm hurt - I knew something wasn't right so I took her back in the next morning. They hadn't gotten it in so they tried again (with lots of screaming...) put her arm in a sling and told us to watch it. We got home she tripped and fell in the backyard on her arm, hopped up and asked to take the sling off. She said her arm was better. She started running around - hanging from the play set and ended up spending the next 8 hours playing hard at Aunt Amber's & Uncle Kevins house. Grandpa Terry was in town helping out. I had back to back weddings that weekend and Tyler was playing in a golf tournament. I think all the grand kids wore him out - he was ready to get out of town early the next day - Father's Day! Speaking of Father's Day - Amber & I got the cousins together and I took photos and made a collage for Grandpa Terry. Here it is below!

Cole is finished with t-ball & basketball camp! He starts vacation Bible school this Sunday. And then
it will be on to the next activity - swimming lessons! Whew, this summer has been crazy! We had a big 4th of July party at our house this past weekend and had a great time with our neighbors. Watching the kids and getting a visit from the cops. Don't worry no fines, or imprisonment! Just a cop trying to ruin everyone's fireworks shows!
I have 15 photo appointments this week so I needed to squeeze in an update before the craziness starts again for the week! Enjoy this July month!

Cole is finished with t-ball & basketball camp! He starts vacation Bible school this Sunday. And then
it will be on to the next activity - swimming lessons! Whew, this summer has been crazy! We had a big 4th of July party at our house this past weekend and had a great time with our neighbors. Watching the kids and getting a visit from the cops. Don't worry no fines, or imprisonment! Just a cop trying to ruin everyone's fireworks shows!
I have 15 photo appointments this week so I needed to squeeze in an update before the craziness starts again for the week! Enjoy this July month!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Making Up Time!
Sorry for the delay in posting an update. Although some of my friends (neighbors I won't mention!) have much catching up to do as well! Now that summer is in full force I am snapping photos like crazy. And it's JUNE...wedding season has arrived! I have 2 weddings this weekend, and 1 next weekend. I will be drowning in photos. Check out the LandryAnnaDesigns blog for the lastest snippets from each session www.LandryAnnaDesigns.blogspot.com
Cole is still playing t-ball, although it seems like the rain has us pushing our season even longer. We have 3 games to makeup. He has been hanging out with the neighbor kids during the day. Yesterday he spent the day at the pool with the Dirks kids (Kyle, Kenna, & Kolby). He's been keeping busy riding his bike, going to the park, library, and next week he starts basketball camp. Cole had his first official "sleep over" at friends (Kyle, Kenna, & Kolby's) last week. The kids have been begging for months now to have one and their mom caved. I heard it went very well - and according to Kyle it was "THE BEST DAY OF COLE'S LIFE!" Cole was busting at the seam getting all of his stuff ready to go - his pillow, sleeping bag, etc... It was sort cute, and sad... Tyler reassured me he wasn't going off to war, just across the backyard to the neighbors.
Landry...what can I say. She still maintains her QUEEN status. She runs the show. She's been doing great potty training - except for last week when I came around the corner to find her smearing poop all over my coffee table. Yeah - DISGUSTING! She, like Cole loves art. Another artsy fartsy child to follow in moms footsteps. Maybe she thought she was creating something, I'm not sure what posessed her.
Tyler has started playing in golf tournaments. In fact I haven't talked to him all day because he's playing in the city tournament. We'll see how it goes!
New Pics of the kids!


Cole is still playing t-ball, although it seems like the rain has us pushing our season even longer. We have 3 games to makeup. He has been hanging out with the neighbor kids during the day. Yesterday he spent the day at the pool with the Dirks kids (Kyle, Kenna, & Kolby). He's been keeping busy riding his bike, going to the park, library, and next week he starts basketball camp. Cole had his first official "sleep over" at friends (Kyle, Kenna, & Kolby's) last week. The kids have been begging for months now to have one and their mom caved. I heard it went very well - and according to Kyle it was "THE BEST DAY OF COLE'S LIFE!" Cole was busting at the seam getting all of his stuff ready to go - his pillow, sleeping bag, etc... It was sort cute, and sad... Tyler reassured me he wasn't going off to war, just across the backyard to the neighbors.
Landry...what can I say. She still maintains her QUEEN status. She runs the show. She's been doing great potty training - except for last week when I came around the corner to find her smearing poop all over my coffee table. Yeah - DISGUSTING! She, like Cole loves art. Another artsy fartsy child to follow in moms footsteps. Maybe she thought she was creating something, I'm not sure what posessed her.
Tyler has started playing in golf tournaments. In fact I haven't talked to him all day because he's playing in the city tournament. We'll see how it goes!
New Pics of the kids!


Monday, June 1, 2009
7 year anniversary!
Today is our 7 year anniversary. We celebrated this weekend. Grandma & Grandpa Nelson were in town to see Cole's baseball game and babysat while we went out. Somehow Tyler talked me into going to the casino. We didn't win... but it was something different. (For me - I'm not a big casino fan.)
Cole has been busy finishing up school. Last Thursday was his last day. Tyler, Landry, and I went to his year end program. It was pretty entertaining, Cole really gets into the singing thing. He's also busy with t-ball which ends in 3 weeks. Then he'll be starting basketball camp and swimming shortly after that.
Landry got her first major haircut. She had about 3" cut and she now has bangs. The bangs have really made her look so much older. :( But I was starting to call her cousin "it", her hair was out of control and is SO much better now. I wish I would have done it sooner! She loves stickers! Somehow they end up on her body and not paper. But it keeps her entertained for long periods of time so I don't mind one bit!
Tyler has been golfing whenever he gets a chance, and my photography business is booming! I love it!
Enjoy the slide show of photos from the past few weeks! I'll probably be posting every few weeks now that it's nice we spent most of our time outside!
Cole has been busy finishing up school. Last Thursday was his last day. Tyler, Landry, and I went to his year end program. It was pretty entertaining, Cole really gets into the singing thing. He's also busy with t-ball which ends in 3 weeks. Then he'll be starting basketball camp and swimming shortly after that.
Landry got her first major haircut. She had about 3" cut and she now has bangs. The bangs have really made her look so much older. :( But I was starting to call her cousin "it", her hair was out of control and is SO much better now. I wish I would have done it sooner! She loves stickers! Somehow they end up on her body and not paper. But it keeps her entertained for long periods of time so I don't mind one bit!
Tyler has been golfing whenever he gets a chance, and my photography business is booming! I love it!
Enjoy the slide show of photos from the past few weeks! I'll probably be posting every few weeks now that it's nice we spent most of our time outside!
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Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers Day!
I know it's been a while but I'm back at it. I have 2 blogs and a website to keep up now so this blog has taken the back seat. Priorities, I know!
Cole is enjoying t-ball and has had 3 games so far. He looks forward to it and is doing well. Landry does everything BUT watch the game when there. In fact last time I was trying to get the perfect shot of Cole at bat and noticed in the background across the field - Landry climbing up the chain link fence about 4 feet up. No fear, she's a little monkey.
T-Ball Pics

A few pics from a shoot I was doing for an upcoming ad.



33... the newest birthday #. I celebrated my birthday on the 4th. For my present I got Kenny Chesney tickets (my fave!) I went to dinner and the concert Thursday night with 3 other girlfriends. The concert was a blast! We had SUPER good seats, if you can't tell by the photos we were in the 9th row off the corner of the stage. I would go again & again. In fact it was my 4th time seeing him in concert. LOVED it!
I am keeping super busy. I've had 4 weddings to photograph in about 3 weeks. It's been a lot of photos! Landry and I headed to Burlington this past weekend. I did 3 photo shoots and a wedding for an old friend.
Ali, Kelly, Jamie, and ME!



Tyler stayed back for Cole's baseball game. He's also started his golf league and slips in golf whenever possible.
Landry loves to try to "catch" birds & rabbits and chases them everywhere. She says she wants to pet them. Good luck with that one Landry. It keeps her occupied though.
And finally something I knew I had to share - the best for last. Cole made this for me for Mother's Day. He was so proud and I was happy to be 13 in his story! The things kids say...
Cole is enjoying t-ball and has had 3 games so far. He looks forward to it and is doing well. Landry does everything BUT watch the game when there. In fact last time I was trying to get the perfect shot of Cole at bat and noticed in the background across the field - Landry climbing up the chain link fence about 4 feet up. No fear, she's a little monkey.
T-Ball Pics

A few pics from a shoot I was doing for an upcoming ad.

33... the newest birthday #. I celebrated my birthday on the 4th. For my present I got Kenny Chesney tickets (my fave!) I went to dinner and the concert Thursday night with 3 other girlfriends. The concert was a blast! We had SUPER good seats, if you can't tell by the photos we were in the 9th row off the corner of the stage. I would go again & again. In fact it was my 4th time seeing him in concert. LOVED it!
I am keeping super busy. I've had 4 weddings to photograph in about 3 weeks. It's been a lot of photos! Landry and I headed to Burlington this past weekend. I did 3 photo shoots and a wedding for an old friend.
Ali, Kelly, Jamie, and ME!
Tyler stayed back for Cole's baseball game. He's also started his golf league and slips in golf whenever possible.
Landry loves to try to "catch" birds & rabbits and chases them everywhere. She says she wants to pet them. Good luck with that one Landry. It keeps her occupied though.
And finally something I knew I had to share - the best for last. Cole made this for me for Mother's Day. He was so proud and I was happy to be 13 in his story! The things kids say...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Easter & T-Ball!
The scramble has begun! T-Ball has started and we now are running to practices and games will start soon. I hope this year most of the boys have a good understanding of the game and comprehend whats going on and why they are there. They still are more interested in the dirt on the field than anything. But they are all excited and seem to love going!
We had a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt. They kids run through the yards searching for eggs and eating candy. Grandma & Grandpa Nelson came for the weekend. Grandma helped color eggs and we again succeeded in wearing her out. She says our house drugs her. She's usually a night-owl but NOT HERE! She's ready for bed by 7! WELCOME TO MY WORLD GRANDMA!!
The kids are doing good. Landry is a pistol. I tell her everyday - it's a good thing she's cute otherwise she'd be in trouble all the time. Cole is in the testing phase, (I hope it's a phase...) not listening and constantly pushing buttons. I hope it's his age because I'm ready to tear my hair out. He's been losing things that mean the most like the Wii - his scooter - and his bike... I'm not sure what to take next... I took his lunch away one day and that didn't go over too well. Cole really likes to eat, so taking away FOOD hit him where it hurt.
Enjoy the pic from the past few weeks! I know I missed a week... It's been extra busy around here with business. (YEA!) Check out the LandryAnnaDesigns blog & website every now and then. The website blog is www.LandryAnnaDesigns.blogspot.com This is where I post a few photos from of my sessions. I had another wedding last weekend and another this coming Sunday. I am starting to book senior sessions for this summer. I am loving it and super excited it's going so well! The regular website is www.LandryAnnaDesigns.com - it doesn't get updated as often as I would like but oh well, that can be my winter project!
We had a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt. They kids run through the yards searching for eggs and eating candy. Grandma & Grandpa Nelson came for the weekend. Grandma helped color eggs and we again succeeded in wearing her out. She says our house drugs her. She's usually a night-owl but NOT HERE! She's ready for bed by 7! WELCOME TO MY WORLD GRANDMA!!
The kids are doing good. Landry is a pistol. I tell her everyday - it's a good thing she's cute otherwise she'd be in trouble all the time. Cole is in the testing phase, (I hope it's a phase...) not listening and constantly pushing buttons. I hope it's his age because I'm ready to tear my hair out. He's been losing things that mean the most like the Wii - his scooter - and his bike... I'm not sure what to take next... I took his lunch away one day and that didn't go over too well. Cole really likes to eat, so taking away FOOD hit him where it hurt.
Enjoy the pic from the past few weeks! I know I missed a week... It's been extra busy around here with business. (YEA!) Check out the LandryAnnaDesigns blog & website every now and then. The website blog is www.LandryAnnaDesigns.blogspot.com This is where I post a few photos from of my sessions. I had another wedding last weekend and another this coming Sunday. I am starting to book senior sessions for this summer. I am loving it and super excited it's going so well! The regular website is www.LandryAnnaDesigns.com - it doesn't get updated as often as I would like but oh well, that can be my winter project!
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