Wow. You guys, we are coming off the best vacation. It was... glorious. I just, I cannot tell you how much we needed this and how much fun it was and how I have spent the day "working" and researching future vacations because I want to do more of this again and again and again (hopefully not jinxing myself there).I'm breaking this week's family update into 2 posts because I have a LOT of photos, and it's just too much for one day. I hope you don't tire of the kid, and I'm sorry if you do, but I'll be back with non-kid stuff next week, I promise!Before heading up north last weekend, we met up with several friends in Osceola, WI to take the "Pizza Train." This is a refurbished train from the early 1900s that has dining cars set up where families can eat pizza and brownies while riding along the St. Croix River (that's the river that separates Minnesota from Wisconsin, for all you out-of-towners). It's a lovely route and the train itself is so interesting and fun, and we had a blast. Photos from the trip are below -- please enjoy. And please take your kids on this ride, it was so much fun!
This is after lunch, before we really began exploring the train.
This was shot from the bridge that goes over the river.
At one point the train stops, and the engine detaches and then zooms by to the other end of the train to re-attach (to pull us back where we came from). Ezra and I were standing by the open car door (it had railings) waiting for the engine to pass. It was getting close -- and loud -- and Ezra was, shall we say, a little nervous. This is him asking me to pick him up. Don't worry -- I did.
Here we are with Eero watching the scenery go by.
And our friend Jaime and her family joined us as well! I love how happy mom and daughter are in this photo.
Eero had this amazing train whistle that he brought and that Ezra coveted. We bought him one at the gift shop after, and that thing has already gotten a TON of use.
One of the cars was the old post office car where passengers could mail post cards and letters. It was so cool to see how that all worked!
Another photo of the Chizbachers.
And the ever-adorable Petersens!
And after we got off the train, Eero and Ezra (and Eric) climbed up into this stationary caboose. I love the boys so happy up top!I'll be back tomorrow with images from the North Shore!For your internet shares of the day:+ I loved these beauty tips from a former beauty editor.+ 15 minute Lo Mein for dinner!? Yes! Let's do it!
I shot this photo yesterday morning. I had a sunrise shoot over at the lake, so I took advantage of the light and the still waters.Honestly, folks? I'm still in a somber mood about the shooting in Falcon Heights yesterday. I'm so sad for that family's loss and for the state of our world right now. I'm sad that there is anyone out there who thinks it's ok for a cop to fire a gun into a car carrying a small child with no weapon in sight. I'm sad that the NRA jumps to defend white people who are under fire for their conceal and carry licenses, but are silent when the victim is black. And I am sad for all the children who Phil fed and loved at his place of employment, who now will learn what a cruel and unfair place this world can be.While I realize it reeks of my privilege to say this, I am glad I am heading out of town for a few days to gather my thoughts and step away from the constant stream of social media. I realize how fortunate I am, in my white skin, to be able to do just that. I don't have to live in the stress and fear day after day that these people of color are dealing with. And yes, I do feel guilty about that.And speaking of internet information overload, I had tears on my cheeks many times today while watching a variety of videos on this topic. The one that haunts me the most, however, is from 
This was just one of many sweet moments I witnessed among the families I photographed last weekend. There is something so great about fathers and daughters and the relationship they share.Your internet shares today:
We started this week off with a newborn session, and I have five more sessions before I take my mid-summer break, which starts Saturday. It's super busy around these parts, but after the next few days, things seem to slow down a little, which will be a huge relief as I'll be able to dig into all my processing! While I loooooove shooting all the time, knowing how much work is piling up in the office is also a touch stressful. But then again, spending days with babies and puppies? Who can complain.This little guy was such a cutie, and I was so happy to meet his parents, who live only a few blocks away from me. It's always such a wonderful treat when I get to meet new(ish) neighbors!I wasn't online much today, so I don't have anything new to share. However, ever since I read this piece on 
Happy Fourth of July!I'm wrapping up a hectic week full of fun photo shoots and some home improvement projects (more on that later). So this weekend, we will be taking it easy, traveling to a lake to see some friends, attending a bbq, and probably lighting some sparklers to blow Ezra's mind. I'll be taking Monday off from blogging, so I'll see you guys back at the office on Tuesday.For your internet share of the day, 
This is Barett. We met him (and his moms) when we used to take Merlin and Memphis to obedience school when they were puppies. That was about 13 years ago, meaning this guy here is an old soul. But man, is he a sweet heart. Since he and Merlin were buddies as pups, it's always sad (yet great) to see this guy still ambling along and doing so well. And he reminds me so much of sweet Merlin -- it's truly a joy to have him in the studio. More of my favorite images from our session on Saturday are below. Enjoy!
And lastly, this photo was taken in 2011, but I had to share it. What cuties.
For your internet share today, let's all go to Greece, eh? 
This is Kashi. Sweet, sweet Kashi.She is 10 and is a labradoodle. Her mom and dad were a poodle and a labrador, so she is less curly than the newer generations that are bred with two labradoodle parents (and are therefore curlier). And you guys, this dog is the sweetest thing ever. A perfect lady. Here are a few of my favorite shots.
For your internet share today... there is so much hardship in the world right now. Between Istanbul and the mess in Europe and Trump ... sometimes you can get really brought down by it all. But this? 
Oh you guys, you guys. I could dognap this pup right here. Like, tomorrow.(Don't worry sweet Sarah -- Bruno's mom -- I wouldn't do that to you!)Bruno is 6 mos. old and came into the studio on Saturday and I almost melted right there. He's a mix between a Great Pyrenees and an Australian Cattle dog, and frankly he reminds me of a smaller Merlin that I want to cuddle up next to on a chilly Sunday morning.He was a perfect gentleman in the studio, and I wanted to show you a few of my favorite shots. I spent 20 minutes photographing each of the dogs that day, and you'll get more of them later this week. I know they are "old" images, but I'm on set with 3M this week from 8 am until 6 pm, and that leaves me little time for extra blog images. Plus these dogs are gorgeous, so I think you'll love them.
For your internet shares of the day:+