What’s better than a Mini Session on a glorious fall day?  A Double-Mini Session on a glorious fall day!

I absolutely love when the sunlight streams through the remaining leaves on the autumn trees–casting the warm golden tones that go hand in hand with apple cider, pumpkin pies, and evenings by the fireplace.  We were particularly blessed to have a warm sunny day when the Edwards and Ehrlich families braved the perils of I-495 to travel to me in Leesburg.

…such a beautiful day to spend in the company of friends!

What are your plans for holiday cards?  Do you have your photos yet?  I still have a few sessions available for 2011, please contact me to schedule your family’s holiday photoshoot.

What about cards?  You have until midnight (PST) tonight to take advantage of the holiday card sale going on now at Minted. Ask me how to use images from your photoshoot…OR…you can use images of your own!
Order now and add your images later!

Just a little sneak peek at a project I’m working on for Valentine’s Day. How much do I love this kid!? I was telling the boys today that when they are teenagers they won’t want me to hug and kiss them anymore.  They were both shocked that I would say such a thing and vehemently denied that would ever happen.  Brad then went on to say, “Mom, I’ll still give you hugs and kisses when I’m older because I’m going to be a KINDFUL teenager!”

Squish!  My heart just melted all over again!

Just over a week ago, I had the distinct privilege of visiting the Good family farm. This beautiful slice of heaven is nestled away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Simply gorgeous! …and the weather! We could not have asked for a better day this late in November–it was in the 60′s–a bit windy, but still…the 60′s! Not only was the location fantastic and the weather unbelievable, but the warmth and love that this family feels for one another made me want to just set up shop in the mountains and never leave! …especially since I had a family of sickies waiting for me at home.

This past weekend featured one of my all-time favorite fall activities–apple picking!  We visited a fantastically simple farm in nearby Purcellville–Crooked Run Orchard.  I love that they are so dedicated to the production of healthy, delicious fruits.  Other local farms are like Disney World meets Fall Harvest–fun, but I like that my boys get a chance to see what a REAL farm looks like.

Next up: cooking with apples!  We managed to pick about 25 lbs.  so we will be up to our ears in appley goodness for quite some time.  I’ve been craving apple dumplings lately so that will be the first dessert to be made.  Also on the menu, Southern Living’s Apple Pie with Cornmeal Crust–YUM!  But of course the first thing I had to make was my famous Apple-Stuffed Pork Chops with a Salted Caramel & Balsamic Reduction.  We’re talking scary delicious…Seriously!  I’m convinced that this recipe is the main reason that my husband married me.  In fact, I think I could win an entire season of Top Chef with this recipe alone.

OK enough of that (I’m making myself hungry).  Now I just need to share a bit of the cuteness from the orchard.  Brad loved how tiny these apples were.

…and Grayson was a little less excited about learning the effects of gravity…an apple fell on his head.