One of the joys of being a daddy is watching your kids grow and do things they didn’t believe they could do.  This summer we took our three year old to swim lessons.  He spent the entire first lesson crying in the water.  By the last class he was going under water.

Ready…Set…

Go!!!

Proud.

I love being Daddy.  Much thanks to his teacher, Sarah.

I had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful family the other day.  It was blazing hot (100+ deg F) but we had a good time anyway.  One of the cool things about my portrait sessions is that within reason, you can use your time however you please.  This family wanted to get some senior portraits of the twins and some family portraits during whatever time was left over.  Your wish is my command…

This location looked pretty cool, but the smell was less than pleasant.  Everyone was extremely gracious and did what it took to get the photo.  True models…

Wowza.  Great looking kid, huh?

Good looks must run in the family.  The twins were a crack up to work with.  Whenever I was photographing one of them, the other one was behind me cracking jokes and making funny faces.

Ahh…now we know where the twins get their good looks.

We were just about to wrap up when we noticed the enchanting moon.  Squeeze off a quick photo FTW.

Hot night, but very cool family.  Thanks for enduring the heat with me!

Blessings to all.

I’m not sure if you heard about the Spanish ad featuring the Spanish basketball team for the 2008 Olympics, where members each pulled the corners of their eyes to make them look “slant-eyed.” If not, check out this article and blog post, or else Google the issue.  I’m not too worked up over it, but I do think that it was insensitive and ignorant.  What really makes the situation worse, in my mind, is the reluctance of the team to acknowledge the stupidity of the gesture and apologize.  Instead, the team members and official reps merely state that the whole thing was not intended to offend and that it was only a affectionate “nod” or “wink” to their participation in Beijing.  Um…okay.  Anyway, I think the official response by the Chinese is pretty admirable.  But, it does make it easier to be gracious given their overall success at the games.

’nuff said.

What are your thoughts?  Express yourself in the comments.

Not too long ago, I had an opportunity to second shoot for one of my favorite local photographers, Ali Walker.  I was in Seattle, when I got the call, so I jammed back to the Tri-Cities, grabbed my camera gear and then headed to St. Joseph’s Church in Kennewick.  I only wish that I could have made it back sooner so that I could work the wedding ceremony.  Here are some photos from the reception.  You can check out more photos from Ali’s Blog.

I like to call this first one “Before and After.”  The photo in the background is one taken by Ali during the couple’s engagement session.

Yes, he has her lip…with his teeth.  Grrr, baby.

The night was full of dancing.

This tradition is a hoot.  The guests form a long line and run frantically around the bride and groom, who are standing on separate chairs.  The guests try to knock the bride and groom off of their chairs.

Shake your money maker!

The other day, I had the honor of photographing a very special and famous little girl.  Her name is Liz Evett and she’s famous for being brave and for accomplishing more in her young life than many (check here, here, and here).  She recently created a bucket list, which contains things she wants to do before she kicks the bucket, and although a senior portrait session wasn’t a specific item on her list, I heard it was something that she wanted.  So, through the local Soroptomist group, we made it happen.  She’s the sweetest thing ever.  Oh, and she happens to love all things Asian.  Liz, did I happen to mention that I’m Chinese?

Liz is part of the Hanford High School Class of 2009!

Liz’s proud mom…

Liz with me, her mom, and her dad.  She’s holding a scroll from China on which is written the Bible passage, 2Peter 1:5-7.  The passage encourages us to have faith and to supplement that faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and LOVE.  Liz is a great example for us.

God bless you, Liz.  I had a great time and you look mah-velous.  You’re a real natural!

We recently made a run to Seattle because my son is really into dinosaurs and we wanted to take him to see the real thing at the Pacific Science Center.  If you’ve not been before, it is a kids playground.  Our littl’uns loved it and we only wished we had more time to spend there.  Here’s a few shots from the day.

My kids are so sweet (he said with shameless pride).  My boy and his number one fan.

“How big is my plate of food going to be?”  Where else could my little girl be so elated but at a HUGE dining table.

SWEET-heart.  Who knew that I could love anything so much.  Kids are a ton of work, but worth every bit of it.

My boy was captivated by the moving dinosaurs.  Yolanda and I were having a blast just watching his fascination and excitement.

Allosaurus.  ’nuff said.

I’ve got a bunch to blog about; but with crazy summer schedules and a baby due in September, it’s hard to keep up.  Thanks for being patient.

BTW, know of other cool hangouts in the Pacific Northwest for kids?  Hit me in the comments with your favorites.