Hello! And Happy New Year!Did you all have a refreshing and wonderful holiday? I wish I could report that I did, but I've been fighting a terrible head cold for most of the break. That said, it's been a joy to step away from work for a bit and spend some extra time with my boy.Today, I took him on an amazing adventure to... the eye doctor. But he was a great sport about it, so afterward I took him to the MIA (our favorite free art museum). We did a wonderful scavenger hunt while there, snacked on a muffin, played in the kids area (which is so great) and then left with a new book (yes, I'm a sucker). It was a great visit.If you have kids and you need a good winter getaway, that museum (and their scavenger hunt -- which you pick up at the information desk) is great.Now, let's talk about 2018. Do you have any personal goals? Besides eating better and exercise? I want to see and photograph more live music. Not as much as my pre-child life, but more than the last 3 years for sure. I also want to photograph more dogs and puppies (bring them to me, people!), and I'm dying to photograph a wedding in the woods. If you know anyone who is planning one of those, get at me.Personally, I want to see my girl friends more. Maybe start a supper club or a card night? Not sure. And I want to take more photos for me, not for money (if that makes sense). If you're up for it, I'd love to hear about your own resolutions in the comments! And happy new year!

I've been culling a few of my favorite client* shots from 2017 recently. It's a good way for me to reflect on the year and it's a good way for me to look at my work and see where I need to improve for 2018. It's also a fresh reminder each year to work hard at finding jobs that feed both my wallet AND my soul. I'm hoping 2018 is the year where I get those needs more in balance! Anyway, here are just a few of the shots I have chosen for this year.Here's what I notice when looking at them: Not enough concerts (related: not enough sleep), not enough dogs (I'm not sure this will ever change! I just can't get enough of them!) and not enough food (I miss it!). So those are my goals for next year. But here's what I loved.*These photos do not include the images I took for myself (like my child, my dog or the zoo or vacations -- like Norway, for example).

We went back to the zoo today with some friends. Did you guys know that when I was in high school, I joined the school paper when I was a junior? And my editor at the time, Nikki, now lives about 12 blocks away from me? (Also, randomly, when I was a senior I was a co-editor on the paper staff and my co-editor -- the other half -- just moved up to Minneapolis as well!).So today Nikki and I took our boys to the zoo together. Her son, Henry, is 8 and he was brilliant and charmed Ezra to bits. He showed him all the tunnels and hidey holes that the zoo has to offer, and man did they have fun.Of course, I brought my camera. But this time, we stayed indoors and visited the tropical area of the zoo (which is prime in the winter). Here are a few of my shots, including the poor monkeys who braved the outdoors as well!

On Christmas Eve, we were all done with shopping and we knew the deep cold was coming soon. We wanted to get Ezra outside to burn some energy while we could (once it gets to zero degrees, we try to stay inside as much as possible). So we opted to take the kid to the zoo. We figured it wouldn't be crowded (good guess!) and it was warm enough (20 degrees -- it's amazing how living in Minnesota changes your view on what is actually "cold") to walk around a bit.Ezra's favorite part was the penguins, while I loved seeing the reindeer.We are heading back to the zoo tomorrow -- which is the warmest day of the week (a high of 11), but this time we'll stay inside in the tropical areas. Sorry reindeer, I might not see you again for quite some time. No internet shares today. The internet is super quiet, as it should be this week. I hope you all are taking time to enjoy your families! We are cooking new recipes and making art projects, playing games (we introduced Ezra to Twister!), so there are a few suggestions there! Go forth and relax to your fullest!

Oh man, it is so cold outside today (this week, really). This morning we woke up and it was -3, and right now, we busted through today's high of ZERO and made it to ONE. I should really stop complaining though because on Saturday the high will be MINUS FIVE.Anyway, it made for a good day to capture the few snow crystals we get on windows around the house right after the sun rises. For your internet shares of the day:+ I liked this time lapse of a rocket launch in California.+ This toy is awesome and I think I must own it.+ I might try this on our own steps at home. What a cheap and easy refresh!

A few weeks ago, I brought Mags into the studio and Lucy and I worked with her for our holiday card.You guys, this might be one of my favorite things to do each year. SO. MUCH. FUN!Anyway, this top image was my favorite, but I'm including the outtakes below. Having a company mascot is a blast (for us, anyway!).I hope you all have a wonderful holiday this weekend. I'll be posting sporadically this next week before jumping back in full force after January first. Cheers!And for your internet shares of the day:+ The best letters to Santa.+ This list of favorites at Trader Joe's is A+. A few of these are my faves, and a few I need to try asap.+ Annie Leibovitz is teaching a master class and you can take it from home. Ply me with wine and I'll tell you my complicated feelings on this woman. But for now, I'm just pondering the class.

Well... someone forgot to blog yesterday. I'm gonna blame it on this horrendous head cold that I've come down with.I actually remembered last night around 10, but then I just rolled over and went back to sleep. Sorry about that.Internet shares are slim today -- everyone must be gearing up for the holidays.+ I am going to see this movie, and I cannot wait. I love how women are getting more of the action in Hollywood these days.+ I'm making this for dinner tomorrow. I've made it many times before, and I cannot express how delicious it is.+ Stumbling upon one of these would make me so happy!

You guys! I have finished shooting for the year! And to celebrate, I got a fabulous, sparkly manicure yesterday and today I sipped champagne with Lucy and my man over at Tilia as we celebrated what we accomplished and pitched goals for next year. It was perfect.But I thought I should show you some photos of the adorable dog baby I shot yesterday.This client is one of my favorites as I shot this couple's wedding FIVE years ago (!!) over in Wisconsin, and then I got to photograph their puppy when they got him and now their little girl! Watching families expand is seriously one of the best parts of my job. Below are a few more photos from the day. Enjoy! Oh wait. You probably wanted to see the baby. What cute kids, eh?I only have one internet share today, but it's fantastic. Secrets from a hair stylist. You are welcome.And now I have a request! I'm heading to NYC next month, and I want your favorite street food suggestions. I can research fancy restaurants all day long, but I want to know about the casual, eating on the go options that you love! Thanks!