Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails {Georgia Child Photographer}

That's what little boys are made of.  Oh, yes it is.  (The origin of this nursery rhyme is very interesting, btw.)  There are some truths that are eternal and universal, and this, I think, is one:  boys will be boys.  There are things that are almost guaranteed to create joy in the heart of the average little boy.  Since my sister has three of them, I know whereof I speak.

This past weekend I was reminded of it again.  Since we live in Atlanta, a visit to our extended family in rural Georgia (here, to be exact) is a decided change of pace.  For my nephews, it is heaven on a stick.

There are cousins.....COUSINS!!!   (They adore having cousins.)  There is plenty of room to run around.

There are trampolines to be jumped on,

Accordian Albums {Atlanta Child Photographer}

While classic, high quality wall prints never go out of style, there are SO many new choices available to show off your images. One of the most popular products I'm offering my clients right now is Accordian Albums. Not one time has someone seen these and not wanted them. They fold up neatly into a tiny 3"x3" book and display images on the front and back on linen paper.

Here's an album I put together for Frenchy and her mom Sarah...  You can see all of Frenchy's pictures here

Moonwalk--not just for kids

Sunday evening my church singles department held an event at our main campus featuring barbeque and field games. In other words, a very large number of Atlanta singles showed up in the early evening summer heat to eat, play volleyball, do tug-of-war over a baby pool of water, and channel our inner toddlers on inflatables. It was memorable. There was also a hot dog eating contest, but I've decided to spare you from that sight.

(Disclaimer: no single adults were injured during the taking of these photos)

Some of these folks get SERIOUSLY competitive!















Doc and Ann went one-on-one on the obstacle course...
















Being a true gentleman, he stopped to help her over the last climb...














but still scrambled to cross the finish line first. :o

















More fun on the inflatables....

Cars

This weekend I made a VERY quick trip to visit some extended family members. As in, there and back in 24 hours. Really enjoyable time spent, and I'll share it here once I go through all my images.

But for now, here's something a bit unusual. On the drive home this evening I spotted this in a field just off the road, near the tiny town of Carlton, Ga. I simply had to stop and grab a few photos.




This is an homage to the Pixar movie Cars of course, and very well done.  I didn't realize how much so until I looked up a listing of the animated characters and saw the details.  Awesome!

The Hoover Show {Marietta Dog Photographer}

The first thing Hoover's owner said when he saw these pictures was, "You actually made it look like he was still some of the time!" True, Hoover ran hither and yon as only an energetic puppy can, but he was so adorable I didn't mind. We enjoyed the lovely scenery at the Walton Apartments on the Chattahoochee.  Here's Hoover!

Father's Day {Atlanta Family Photographer}

Yesterday we got together as a family to celebrate a lot of good things: Mom's birthday was Thursday, Father's Day was yesterday, and my parents celebrate 40 years of marriage today. On top of all that, Dad is officially retired--Friday was the final day of his teaching career. He was respected and liked by his coworkers and loved by his students, so he'll be missed.

He was feted in true Parker family fashion. That being, not with champagne and speeches, but with burgers from the grill, Doritos, and cream soda. He donned a camo jacket at the request of his oldest grandson and sat on the couch watching Shark Week. His t-shirt said "Grandpa is my name, spoiling is my game." There was a lengthy session in the boys' playroom where he patiently marveled over a Lego demonstration.

Once the next generation of the family comes along roles expand and change, and there's a lot of joy in that. He now has three grandsons that he cherishes and dotes upon. But before he was Papa he was Daddy, and before my sister and I became Mommy and Aunt Nina we were his girls. So for Father's Day we gave him a portrait of us, the first one we've had made in a very long time. We love you, Dad.

~Hoover~ {Atlanta Pet Photographer}

I have a crush. There, I admit it! Hoover and I met on a humid spring morning and it was love at first sight. Puppy love, that is!

We had a fantastic time running around near the river, enjoying the lovely morning and all the interesting things to smell. Hoover is only 3 months old, rescued from the Cobb County Animal Shelter by my friend Wade. I think it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship. But I'll tell you Hoover ran both of us ragged trying to keep up with him....he's a very active pup.

Still editing his session, but here's a sneak peak.