Bold Red Tent Event

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being involved with the BOLD Red Tent Event sponsored by the North Atlanta Homebirth Meetup Group.  It was a day of sharing stories and support.  The first part of the day was a showing of a film and vendor tables, after a time to eat and socialize the ladies were invited into the 'red tent' to share their stories.

I was happy to bring my camera along to help document the stories of these women, some of them had amazing stories of strength, courage and inspiration.  It was wonderful to see that most of us are very similar.  Stories of our journey into motherhood is one that both amazes and bonds us.

As we got started in the tent, we all introduced ourselves while holding onto a ball of red yarn, passing it around the room connecting us with a web of red.  (the spiders that decided to join us must have thought the web was for them)

Then ladies took turns sharing their stories, from not so normal hospital births to homebirths, joys and sorrows were shared.  Some of  stories were just amazing and a number of these women are stronger than I think I could have been.

Being in the tent was fun and Holly was painting some of the women with designs, here she is photographing her design on Amy.

Amy is an artist and does henna work which she was applying to some of the ladies, I will have to have her do some for me soon, her work was beautiful.  She even was decorating a belly cast at the event.

Of course the babies needed to be attended to affording me some great nursing pictures and images of some of the darling babies that were there

My buddy, Roman was very interested in the goings on.  I can't believe how big he has gotten!

Baby Carly, was excited to get mom's bracelet away from her!

Once everyone that wanted to share their stories had finished, Amy treated us to a belly dance lesson.   

It was a wonderful day, It was great meeting up with some old friends and making some new ones.  Enjoy the slideshow!

Noah Is 4!

It's birthday season at our good friends...  It seems like it was yesterday that Noah was turning 3 and we were having his party at the park on our street providing me with all sorts of fun images.  This year was no different!  He's turned 4 and had a party at Red Top Mountain State Park on warm Saturday morning.  The theme of the morning was Star Wars and the kids had a blast playing on the playground.

Here he is with a Star Wars mask on, I think it's Boba somebody...

Just like last year I got to help with some of the party preparations... "Ms. Cat I want Star Wars Cupcakes"... so I obliged with a small cake just for him surrounded by cupcakes with Home Made Cupcake Picks, and black sparkles.  

He loved being able to "attack" his personal cake to cut pieces for himself and daddy.

After cake and snacks it was present time, he received a bunch of cool things including the Millennium Falcon and a cool Monster Truck.

And just so she does not think I forgot her... Here is his sister Emmalee who has a birthday coming up soon, so stay tuned for hers!

I hope you all enjoy the slideshow too!

Safe Girls Strong Girls Gala

Thursday night Mike & I had the pleasure of volunteering our time (and cameras) for Safe Girls Strong Girls at their Third Annual Gala.  The Gala was held at the elegant Villa Christina in Dunwoody. 

The ballroom was beautifully decorated and the tables featured framed photographs of activities that the girls participated in at Camp CADI.  I loved the beautiful light blue sashes on the chair covers it went so well with all the butterflies throughout the auction tables.

Villa Christina has wonderful food and the guests were treated to a wide variety of items and wines for tasting.  Had I not been 'working' I could have put away a bunch of strawberries, and yes they tasted as good as they looked!

Safe Girls, Strong Girls is an organization committed to breaking the silence of Childhood Sexual Abuse and to giving girls their voices back.  Through Camp CADI, for one week the girls get to be girls again by providing a place for these girls who have been traumatized to heal. 

Founder, Amy Barth and Rachel one of the counselors from a recent Camp CADI both spoke to the Gala attendees about Camp and how it has helped the girls and themselves.   

The event also featured music from Audrey StClair  who has an amazing voice as well as many other talents.  (I can't wait to get her new CD to enjoy while traveling to shoots this fall.)

During the time before the live auction, there were a pair of artists doing caricature drawings. They were fantastic and the attendees loved them. 

The Master of Ceremonies for the night was local TV & Radio Personality, Tom Sullivan. Who is currently the host of Atlanta and Company on 11 Alive.  

Before the live auction, Amy Barth spoke about the mission of Safe Girls Strong Girls and Camp CADI.  She is very passionate about the mission and about the girls that they are helping. 

Rachel is a nursing student and worked as a counselor at the camp this past summer, she gave a heartfelt view of what it was like at camp as one of the staff.  

One of the girls that was lucky enough to be able to attend Camp Cadi was there to talk to us about what getting to come meant to her.  She is amazing, I had the opportunity to talk to her a bit.  I wish her good luck in College and know that with the support from Amy and Safe Girls Strong Girls, she will reach her goals!  

Here are some of the items that were up for the silent auction.  The items ranged from baubles to trips and even included autographed items from all sorts of celebrities!  I so wanted some of the things.  I know Mike was wanting the Robert Plant Guitar and I would have loved to get Emma the autographed picture of the Jonas Brothers, but they quickly went out of our price range, maybe next time.

There was also a live auction, which Tom did a good job with.  Some of the popular items were Dinner for 10 with Chef Yanni and a African Safari Trip.

All in all it was a great night and the funds raised will send more deserving girls to camp next summer.    I hope you enjoy the slideshow of highlights of the night! (click below to play!)

Amy and all the volunteers did a great job with the event!  Mike even had fun helping me and as usual made some new friends!  

Would you like to help Camp CADI & Safe Girls Strong Girls?  Here's a fun way... We will be donating 10% of our sitting fees through the end of the year to help send at least one girl to Camp CADI next summer.  Contact us for more details!

Birthday Boy

I heard through my sources that one of my favorite subjects of late is celebrating today.  In honor of his 5th birthday here are 5 of my favorite images of Liam being his fun, goofy self from a recent session.

Buddy, have a great birthday!  I can't wait to come back over and play trains with you. (and of course visit with mom and your sisters)

Happy Birthday Tristan

Here's another Father's Day Baby!  Tristan turned one on Sunday and his family and friends celebrated on Friday evening with a small party.  I loved being invited to meet everyone and photograph this milestone.

I first met Tristan and his big sister, Emma, last summer at Noah's Birthday Party.  He was so cute as a baby and is growing into such a cute toddler.  I am excited to be doing a family session with them later this sumer as well.

Here are a few of my favorites from the party and a slideshow with even more as the kids were WAY too cute.  

I love this image of Deanna and Tristan, he's a special boy and is loved VERY much.

Don't you just love kids and birthday cake...  Once he got going Tristan loved the cake made by Grandma.

"I am not smiling for you"  (I had to work hard to get some smiles from him, but thanks to dad I now know some tricks!)

The kids helped open his presents and he got some great toys, some actually made no noise at all :)

Tristan received this cute toy guitar and Emma wanted to play with it, he made it clear that she was to keep her hands off, by pushing her away.  

Colby enjoyed playing with all of Tristan's toys.  He is also a charmer and has a big sister to keep in line.

Colby's big sister, Lindy, playing on the baby piano.  She reminded us of Schroder in the peanuts cartoon.

The kids found a 'old' favorite and took it for a turn on the steps...

SLINKY... SLINKY...  It was even the old fashioned metal one too.  Lots of fun.

It was dress up time!  Noah as the vet and Emmalee as a princess bride, aren't they cute! Tristan even got to play, as Emmalee shared the jewels with him... not sure if he's happy about it though.

Here are more of my favorites in the slideshow.  Enjoy!

Deanna & Brandon I had so much fun meeting you both and getting to know you better, I'm looking forward to our family session at the park in July.  I hope you enjoy the images and that they captured the fun and joy of the evening.

>^..^<

~Cat~