Hola.la. la.

When I had the studio in California with my best friend Amber, we used to greet the day by cerranading each other "HOLA!"...but it was more of a high-pitched, dramatic crescendo, like "HOOOOOOOOOOLLAAAAAAAAHH!" I still catch myself doing it all the time. Only Amber's not there, and I'm usually met with a blank stare of, "Does she think she's Mexican? Why is this albino singing in Spanish to me?" Anyway, HHOOOOOOLLLAAA!!!

Did you have a good Superbowl Sunday? We didn't watch it. Shhh...don't tell. Chance wasn't feeling well, so we spent the afternoon playing Monopoly. I don't know what is more enthralling: watching a bunch of grown men millionaires run around, fighting for a ball. Or watching a 4 year old try to roll dice. It was the longest BORED game of the century. Tomorrow, I'm going to get my oil changed. And the next day I'm going to watch a pot of water boil.

I do have a photos for you. This is the cute Adams/Hilliard family. I photographed them last year, and they were so much fun. Tom and Jeanie were married in 1968, and met when she asked Tom for a pencil. :)

This is their daughter Paula, and her husband Steve.

Paula was the one who initially contacted me (from Maryland) about the session. They'd be in town for the holidays, and throughout our correspondence, she wanted to give me an idea about who everyone was. I LOVE it when people do that, because it's so much easier to tell a story. I hope she won't mind me sharing this, but I thought what she wrote about her parents was incredibly beautiful.

"My dad- private instructor pilot, entrepreneur all the way, real estate broker/teacher, dry sense of humor. Teases frequently. Brilliant mind, ask him anything. Great speech giver. Absolutely my mentor. Can speak 5 languages. Strong, unwavering faith (Catholic). Depression baby from large Pennsylvania family. Incredible human being."

"My mom- extremely talented and creative, gentle, sweet, fun-loving, smart, supportive, loved by everyone who meets her. The perfect mom, literally. Heart full of grace. Soul mate of my dad. From Roswell, originally. Have never seen her in a bad mood."   

They still fly all over the place together.

And, right when you think it can't get any sweeter, Miss Ava (cheeks) makes her entrance.

Happy happy. Joy joy.

Thank you Tom, Jeanie, Paula, Steve, and Miss Ava!

Comments

[Kal]

So sweet.
I have a dream of getting Miss Pilot on the wing of a plane for a photo before she's too much bigger. YOU reminded me that I need to make that happen. Hey. I think I can do it - if I set my mind to it.

Ain't no hola back girl. ;)

[SSH]

so original, so beautiful. Love the baby sandwich!

[tz]

if anyone could make it happen - you could Kal

[Melody A.]

That has got to be one of the sweetest ones ever.

[misti]

The photo of them at the plane makes me think of Lady Bird and President Johnson. The flow of the dress, all of it. Good story and awesome photos!

[Shii]

These are great! Love the ankle rolls on that last one. You seemed so unsure of yourself when I met you. I have been paying attention and you are FABulous! I'm jealous.

[Stephanie]

Wowie wow wow...I love these. You really captured all the love that ooozes from this family. Love love love these!!!!!

[Jennifer A.]

COOL! My maiden name is Hilliard! No relation, though.

My all-time fave is the one with the pencil in the pocket...to commemorate how they met...

Heart-warming, for sure.

[chriselda]

ummm. you just said happy happy joy joy! that makes you one of my favorites!
i love this whole session, woman! de plane! de baby! de love!
you are brilliant!

[k]

These are heartwarming. My favorite one is where he's looking at her and you see his reflection in the plane, and it's looking at her too. A marriage like that is blessed.

[Ma']

These are all inspirational because the love is palpable. My favorite is Grandma and Mama forming kissing bookends on Miss Ava's cheeks.

[cardiogirl]

I want to look like some of the beautiful people in your photographs!

[cardiogirl]

Forgot to mention, I agree with Ma' favorite photo is the bookends around Ava. Hands down. But I do like all of the b&w photos, as well.

[Rafael]

I posted another comment on your photo of the baby in the wrangler diapers. I like your comment about your "Hooolaaaah" and people think you are singing in spanish.. LoL.. Funny a white lady singing and speaking and referring to things in spanish. :) As I am the opposite a Mexican or is it Mexicant? "I forget at times" but I am a latin guy that actually speaks like a Texan or a southern cowboy. As I grew up with country music and blue grass music and worshiping the likes of the "Grand Ole Oprey" and speaking things such as "Yes Maam,You All,Can I have a long neck" LoL.. Funny I see you as the opposite of me.. I find this happily interesting and funny. I often myself get strange looks from all the mexicans that hear my southern drawl or my extra white voice... or when I sing country music tunes.. They dont expect it. So your outburst of "HOooolah" make sense to me and gives me a chuckle as I I know what you mean.. Well order up a extra helping of Menudo and I will take an extra helping of my favorite "Corn bread with Fried Chicken" and I am sure we both can agree that washing it down with the best drink "Texas Sweet tea" Keep up the good photography. Very nice of you to raise money for those kids.. Kids are the best..