Sep 11

Family Lifestyle Photography | September 11 on 11

It’s hard to post something on September 11th without saying something…. But I am at a loss for words when it comes to 9/11. A day that changed everything. Forever. I remember 9/11. I was driving into work when I heard it on the radio. I didn’t know where it had happened yet…just the first words explaining the horror. I remember searching the San Francisco skyline for planes or burning buildings. I remember the horror of it all. Being glued to the television for days. Not knowing how to feel. Choking up at every American flag I saw hanging at half mast. I remember looking for comfort in the eyes of my family, my coworkers, my friends.  I remember. We all remember.

But not my kids. They don’t remember. They weren’t born yet. When I tried to explain what happened 12 years ago, the looks on their faces…. Moments like that break a mother’s heart.

On this day, I am saddened that we live in a world with war and hate, with school shootings, with hate crimes…. It breaks my heart. But do you know what? We are also people that live in a country of love, laughter, and freedom. We can bask in the sun and swim and laugh. And so today, I remember 9/11. I can’t forget. But I also sit here and laugh through tears that I am the mother of two wonderful children who I KNOW will do good in this world. They already have.

I hope you enjoy my 11 on 11.

September is here, which means that sadly, school has started again. You can see how thrilled my son was about the first day of school.

I can’t blame him for his less than enthusiastic Obligatory First Day of School picture. We had a great summer. Here’s some highlights from the past month.

We lounged around at the pool.

She cannonballed.

She splashed.

He splashed.

Even the shallow water was fun for my Special Head.

We stayed cool.

Being in the water is nothing short of magical.

While it may look like we spent the days in the pool, many a day was just spent lounging about at home.

I learned the finer art of Pokemon cards…as interpreted by my boy.

We went camping at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz.

Daddy started teaching the kids to play guitar.

We went to the beach. I saw this just as we were walking up.

God’s Eye.

She kinda sorta maybe was having a good time.

So much of what we did was just fun and spontaneous. Folding this blanket on a windy day turned into a 15 minute game of parachute.

This last month also marks the month that I got some beautiful pictures of my babies that I will cherish forever.

What’s this??? A REAL smile AND eye contact? Perfection.

And yes. I will be printing this. And yes. It will be big.

And an 11(ish) on 11 isn’t complete without a self portrait…. I had to look pretty hard to find one, but here you go.

Me, getting climbed on by my monkey children.

If you want to see more of my work, you can follow me on Facebook!

And if you want to see more of my underwater photography, check out last month’s 11 on 11 right here!

Next up is the wonderfully talented and beautiful Utah photographer, Marie from Bloom and Grow Photography. Her work always makes me smile, and her self portraits always drop my jaw. Go check her out!

 

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11 Comments:

  1. Alison Janki
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    LOVE the variety!! It is always so fun to read your post mostly because your personality shines through in your images, always! I especially love the image of your son… such an edible expression to cherish! And, of course I love the underwater gems!!
    So happy to see images of your whole crew!

  2. Jessica Cullom
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    These are amazing! SO BEAUTIFUL!

  3. Summer Murdock
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    Laura, I mean? These are gorge…love your selfie with the bubbles coming out of your nose…could it be more perfect? I think not…and well the rest of them? Perfection..joyous…full of life…you shine through in them…you are awesome!

  4. Fran Barker
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    Such fun, joyful, playful captures! Love love love!

  5. Reena
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    You said it so perfectly about 9/11, thank you. As for your totally stunning 11 on 11 pictures….well no wonder he didn’t want to go back to school! look at the fun summer you had! Love the underwater ones, awesome! and the beach ones, sigh….gorgeous!

  6. Ashley Spaulding
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    Your work is always so full of life and joy, Laura. Looking at your images never fails to bring a smile to my face.

  7. Sarah Harrigan
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    Love them! You capture joy & pure life so well. And your selfie is so awesome!! What a fun mama. :)

  8. Marie
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    Laura, you continue to make me want to stretch and grow as a photographer. You are such an inspiration and your images are pure happiness. You capture life so beautifully. Love this post so much!

  9. Ginger Unzueta
    September 12, 2013
    Reply

    Laura, what fun images. I loved seeing so many that included your husband with your children as well. And the one of you underwater..so fun!! such a cute suit!! It’s been such fun getting to know you!! I adore your work!

  10. Laura
    September 16, 2013
    Reply

    You are a true inspiration Laura! Your work is always so captivating! This is an amazing circle of photographers!


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