Shields Family Pictures: Frankfurt Germany

We now have beautiful updated family photos! Woohoo!! :)

Every year, it is my mission to get them taken - and these didn't disappoint in the slightest!

We unfortunately scheduled to have them taken on one of the coldest Fall mornings yet - but for the most part, we got through it without too much pain. Haha!

Fall is probably my most favorite time of year! I love all of the changes in color on the trees and the falling leaves. We were scheduled to have them taken just the day before but we were surprised with rain. Going to Palmengarten was out. Bummer! But there's a nearby park that I love to run around and take the kids to right around the corner from our house so we didn't have too walk far. It worked out nicely. Kids were a bit on the whiny side along with some teenage attitude to boot - but my friend that took our pictures brought a bunch of fun things to entertain and distract them with: bubbles, puppets, party blowers...including a little running around and an impromptu leaf gathering and jumping party. I'm so glad I know not to expect a perfect photo session. It just doesn't exist! We managed to have fun though!

I can't post my very favorite photo yet (as it's being used for our Christmas card this year) but I will post some more of my absolute favorites! So many turned out so nice, despite the cold chill! I was pretty impressed! Many thanks, Anastasia, for capturing my family so beautifully! xo

I love my family! xxoo

Aubrey {12}, Jocelyn {6}, Andrew {3}, Landon {18 months}

Landon's 1 Year Photos

For a while now, I have been taking my children's photos instead of booking a session at the mall. One, I really enjoy photography. And two, I love natural light a whole lot better!

When Landon turned one, the weather here in Frankfurt was GORGEOUS! For weeks on end actually! But with him sick around the time of his birthday, I kept holding off taking his photos until he felt better. Then, what do you know? The weather turned spring-like and stopped acting like summer. As it should I suppose. It's only March! But still! That's the way it goes sometimes. (More like how luck would have it!)

I was persistent though. I just decided to take them indoors if the outdoors wouldn't cooperate. I opened up the window treatments in his room and took some photos at his happy moment time in the morning. After he's fed and before nap time approached. Some were done in his room and some were taken in the hallway. Here's a few that I think turned out pretty well. I think they're cute anyways! :)

Landon's 1st Year Photos:

Andrew's THREE Year Old Photos

It was super cold on this January afternoon - that's one of the downsides to having a winter baby. It's cold out for birthday parties and photo sessions. Poor guy was shivering the whole thing through. But he was such a trooper and as soon as we were done, as promised, we fed the ducks! :)

(That'll be another post by itself!)

Andrew's Three Year Old Photos:

Aubrey's 12 Year Photos

We have a nice little park and pond close to our house that we discovered not too long after our move here that I thought would be the perfect location to take Aubrey's pictures. A few months later than I anticipated but better late, than never! We had to incorporate her coat into the session because it was just too darn cold to do without - we tried and it was freezing!! :)

So without further ado, here they are...

Aubrey's 12 Year Photos:

Jocelyn's 5 Year Photos

I love the fall time - all the leaves, the crisp air! 

We still hadn't ventured out too far from home yet when I took these photos of Jocelyn, so we managed to take them right outside our front door and areas by the house. Looking back, I would have left BOTH of my boys at home while taking these photos of Jocelyn. It felt like we were at the circus! Next time, I'll be sure to give her some undivided time with me. She was so cute though, giving me ideas on how she wanted to pose! Just love her!

Here's Jocelyn's 5 Year Photos:

Maternity Photos: Baby #4

I had asked a friend of mine to take some photos of me at one of my favorite spots {Chatham Manor} while I was still in the comfortable phase of my pregnancy - mostly for John. I thought it would be cool to surprise him with these pictures as he has missed much of this pregnancy due to being away long distance for work. I love how they turned out! Looking back, I wish I would have brought along all of my kids to be in some of the photos. With it still being winter, there weren't many warm days to choose from but I did choose the warmest day of the week which was still in the 30's. At least the sun was out! It was VERY cold and windy and I was trying to get Andrew's 2 year photos taken at the same time but it just wasn't in the cards. Because it was so cold, his poor nose was running and his face was all red and chapped!! I'll have to take him to Penney's or do something else instead. But he sure was a trooper (minus the meltdown at the end because I wouldn't let him stick his hand (or whole body) into the freezing cold pond to touch the fish) despite the hour long photo shoot...just walked around and followed us while eating his snack and holding his stuffed puppy dog. :)

Here are some of my favorites: