A Weekend In Ryder Town | Personal | 08.2012

We drove to Austin a few weekends ago to celebrate the one-year birthday of our "nephew"(he isn't really our nephew, but we are so close to his parents that we just call him that :) ). We arrived late so he was already tucked away in his little crib, but the next morning we woke to see Ryder in his little cotton onesie, peering down at us from his mother's arms, those big, brown tired eyes staring into our faces with a look of slight confusion. It didn't take but a minute before he was walking around the living room with that cheeky little smile, bringing us all of his toys and books to read :)

My goodness, I thought, is he really walking? OH yes, he is walking fast and, like every little boy, the few words and sounds that he does have are related to trucks and cars (and Mama and Dada, of course. We're I'm working on "Hannah"). 

After a sweet morning reading to Ryder and rolling toy cars around, all of us loaded up the birthday gear and headed to the park to celebrate one year of Ryder's life with his closest friends and family. I am just gushing right now thinking about how much love that boy is surrounded by, and will continue to be engulfed in for the rest of his life. 

Katie and Jared, thank you for the honor and joy of celebrating Ryder with you and your family. We love you guys and your little one beyond words, and look forward to many, many more birthdays :)

Frosting faces and wrapping paper,

HK

Harper | 6 Months Old | Houston Infant Photographer

What a cutie! I can't say it enough - 6 months is my absolute favorite age to photograph an infant! I was so fortunate to photograph her mother during pregnancy, as well as Harper at a mere week of age. And six months later, she was even more delightful to photograph :) All smiles and giggles!

Jacob was SO precious to her! A wonderful big brother already :)

A little peek from the stairs.

Practicing her ballet skills ;)

Twinkle toes and peek-a-boos,

HK

Amanda | Maternity | Central Texas Maternity & Newborn Photographer

How do I even begin to introduce this beautiful mother-to-be to you, my internet audience? Should I start with the fact that I've known this girl since the day she was born? Or perhaps that we grew up together in central Texas and attended the same church? Or maybe that one of our favorite past-times as little girls was to dress up in our Easter dresses, cake on WAY too much makeup, and put on ballet performances for our parents?

I suppose it doesn't really matter how I introduce you to this woman. The most important reality that you all need to know is that I love and respect this woman deeply. She has been a faithful and cherished friend of mine for the past 25 years, and to see her 8 months pregnant with her first child welled up in me feelings of pure joy. 

Amanda, you are going to be an incredible mother. Your gentle and kind spirit in combination with your deep love for your husband will work together beautifully as you and Jacob raise this baby boy. And I am just a phone call away if ever you need a babysitter ;)

Creek beds and sunflowers,

HK

Kori + Taylor | 07.2012 | Houston Engagement Photographer

I have known Kori's older sister, Kelly, since we were 12 years old. We met in the 6th grade when Kelly's mom was pregnant with her youngest sibling, Kevin. This, of course, means that I have known Kori since she was about seven. And now I'm taking her engagement pictures?? Wow. How the time does fly :)

Kori and Taylor met in high school at the young age of 15, and started dating shortly thereafter. Scott and I also started dating when we were 15, so I can certainly remember how naive and sweet high school love was, and what a treasure it is to grow into adulthood with your best friend. And marrying that person is the best part :)

Taylor enlisted the help of he and Kori's pet dog for his proposal at Yetti Polk Park. Taylor casually convinced Kori that there was something strange on the dog's collar, maybe she should go check it out... Something strange, indeed! It's not everyday you see a diamond ring on your dog's collar! Unless of course you live in Beverly Hills, California, but folks, this is central Texas! With the dog on all fours and Taylor on one knee, Kori said "yes" to a lifetime with her best friend.

Kori and Taylor, I love that you guys share a similar dating story to that of Scott and I :) It's not everyday you meet high school sweethearts. I am SO looking forward to photographing your uniting day next May! In the meantime, grow more in love and respect for each other - and enjoy your engagement pics!

Fire trucks and sundresses,

HK

The Harrop Family | 07.2012 | Central Texas Family Photographer

In the early '90s, my father-in-law had just accepted a position teaching a few courses at West Point Military Academy. One of many moves my in-laws would make in their young married life with two children, the Keys packed up their house and drove their family to New York. I cannot relate to what it must have been like to pack up and move every two to three years. I was born and raised in one small town. But, I know just from talking with Scott that making a life in a new city, much less a new state, was always an adjustment.

The Harrops pastored a smaller church in the area before becoming missionaries in Europe, and welcomed the Key family in with open arms. So open, in fact, that the two families have remained dear friends for the last 20 years (give or take a few ;) ). They have seen each other through moves to different states and new countries. They have watched each others' children grow from young toddlers to adults. Being a witness to their lasting friendship this past weekend was a treasure, and a wonderful glimpse into the future relationship that Scott and I will share with the friends we have made in our young married life.

The Harrops asked if I would mind spending a few minutes after church snapping some photos of them for the next missionary letter to their various sponsors and supporters. In a record 20 minutes, the Harrops smiles, laughter, and playful spirits created some lovely photos :) Thank you for your cooperation as I made you tromp through a field of tall grass and chiggers - I hope you find it was well worth the bites ;)











Sister love and chigger bites,

HK