Over The Top!

Not long after we came home from Ethiopia, a friend of mine from high school contacted me about taking the kids photographs. Vanessa had recently opened her own photography business and I jumped at the chance to have her take Ruta and Alazar's photos.
I've noticed that since we've been home, my kids seem to lack the ability to play. Although my family and friends showered them with toys, their childhood was on hold for so long, we've been working on getting it back. Ruta really relished in picking out her own outfit and Alazar was thrilled we took along his stuffed dragon for our outing with Vanessa. I wanted them to have the opportunity to dress up, run around, and just have fun.
I was thrilled when Vanessa showed up with balloons. It put the entire mood of the shoot straight into fantasy land; it was perfect and provided them both with the opportunity to just PLAY!

Prince Alazar:

Princess Ruta:

A fun one just for Daddy:

My darling children, watching you play was the highlight of my week. I may never be able to restore the pieces of your lost childhood, but I will do everything in my power to protect what is left of it. I love you and each day you continue to teach me more about patience, love and the redemptive nature of Christ. You are precious, not perfect; angelic, not holy and a pure joy to a woman who is not perfect, nor precious or angelic and definitely not holy.

Vanessa, thank you for spending time capturing the things I adore about my children; Ruta's killer smile and Alazar's angelic profile. You truly have found your calling above being an amazing mother...you are a prolific artist.

If you want to see more of Vanessa's amazing work, go to http://www.sodarnhappy.com/ and if you love the tutu that Ruta wore, my rock star friend, Amber made it, check it out here.