Depelchin Family Fun Day

I recently did a pro-bono/volunteer event for Depelchin Children's Center-  Family Fun Day.

The families that have adopted children from Depelchin get together and it is a time for the parents and kids to interact with other adoptive families. Sadly this was the last Family Fun Day, as they lost their grant.  Here are some of the beautiful faces of Depelchin. 

And my favorite image from the event. Gotta love that priceless expression on her face ;-)!

Here is a little more information about this awesome organization.

For 117 years, DePelchin has been serving the children and families of the Houston area.  The agency was founded in 1892 by Kezia Payne DePelchin to shelter orphaned children. It was originally named the Faith Home, because Mrs. DePelchin had faith in the wonderful business leaders of Houston to support her cause. Although she died within a year, the community leaders, touched by her passion and mission, became united in their determination to carry on her work.

Nothing went right on this shoot...

... but somehow it all turned out OK. First of all, I went to the wrong location. Ummm- hello, doesn't everyone know that when you agree to meet at Fellowship of the Woodlands, that REALLY means meet at Woodlands United Methodist? DUH. Maybe scheduling a shoot with me should come with a disclaimer "photographer is NON spacial and does not know her way around. You MUST confirm location with her at least 3 times prior to the shoot."

O SNAP!

(I just couldn't bring myself to edit out the drool below)

So since I was already 30 minutes late, little Tristan had been running around in the wonderful crisp Texas weather (NOT) and was a bit on the er, sweaty side by the time I got there. I brought my 6 year old Emily along, as she is a fantastic photographer's assistant and her silly dance moves bring out smiles in even the most cranky toddlers. The huge fountain was a little too much for her take and within 5 minutes, she had gotten all the way in, totally clothed.- maybe I should rethink my strategy of using child labor.... I decided to let her play while we took some pictures of the kiddos.

However,  Tristan couldn't resist either, so within another 2 minutes, he was in the fountain as well. So off came the shorts and the rest of the photo shoot was done with him in his little blue polo shirt and new "Cars" underoos.

BUT, the session turned out GREAT! Look at these candid shots. This is what being a boy is all about. Running around splashing in your underoos. Little girls often like dressing up and getting their picture taken. Little boys like running. And getting dirty. And flying like superheros!  Love it. Left the shoot with the biggest smile on my face knowing I got some fantastic candids.

Too bad dad couldn't make it. Oh wait, here is a picture of him. 

 (Ok, that's my attempt at being funny b/c the family resemblance is SOOOO STRONG!)

Another funny part of the shoot... when we were finishing up, my husband brought my kiddos out to say hello (we all go way back ;)) and my girls, who were dressed up in their princess outfits, ALSO had their Cars underoos on.  Why do my girls wear little boy's underwear you may ask? Why the answer is simple. Because they have "pockets," of course.

The many faces of Macie Paige

I wonder what it is about chunky, roly poly babies that makes my brain get a little fuzzy and my mouth start to salivate a little.  Is there some physiological reason embedded in the female brain that causes this to happen? I once got so frustrated that my 3 girls were fighting over anything that was pink, that I googled "little girls" and "color pink" to find out WHY they were so enamored with this particular shade. Turns out there are a myriad of theories about why little girls and women gravitate towards pink. Many of the theories centered around women being gatherers in ancient times and pink being a sign of ripe fruit. Anyhoo- I'm wondering if there are similar theories about fat chunky babies and why they cause women to get all mushy inside and say things like "I just want to eat her!" They are absolutely delicious!

Although I love these pictures that were taken at my Jude's 2nd bday party, they just don't do the rolls justice. Good thing we have another shoot scheduled for July. I can't wait to get my camera on the pure chunkiness of Macie. I've told Mom she needs to put Macie on a diet of vanilla shakes and chicken wings until the shoot to ensure the same level of roundness.

I do love how storyboards like the one above display. Sometimes pictures are more effective when displayed in groups. This one is a 20x10 and captures the many expressions of this little sweetie.