Greensboro
When the leaves begin to turn from a healthy green to a crisp red and pumpkin orange I know I am about to get a phone call from Natalie. Every year she calls me to document her family and especially her growing boy. And every year he looks different, taller, blonder, cuter. And then one day a few weeks from now I will get these photos back in my mailbox in the form of a Christmas card. It is our version of a full circle. I love this family. Very much.
Are your kids growing just as fast as mine are? Want to freeze time with a family portrait? Click "Contact" and drop me a line. Let's make some beautiful art for your home.
Years ago my friend, Shelley, came up to me and told me about her idea to teach a ballet class for her daughter and her friends. She would have it in her living room since she has hardwood floors. We would have to move her furniture out of the way. A few months later we had a cute little dance recital at our church. We hung bed sheets on a string across the gym to make a curtain. Kelly made cute costumes for the girls to dance in. Parents came and the performance lasted for about 30 minutes and that probably included set up time. Fast forward 8 years and I got to attend To The Pointe Ballet Studio's Spring Recital. Eighty girls in 15 different classes were a whirlwind of costumes, dance shoes, and make-up at the Ragsdale High School Auditorium. While my 2 girls were getting ready for their turn on stage in KinderBallet and KinderTap for Brynn and Musical Theater for Caroline I took my camera for a spin backstage. I was so inspired by these talented dancers.
We knew they would only be here for 3 years. They said so from the beginning. And in true Emily-fashion she made the most of every minute. But even with the knowledge that they wouldn't be here forever, it didn't make it their leaving any easier. After all the tea parties, school parties, gym classes, hugs at church, church hats, lunch dates and play dates I found myself not wanting to think about saying goodbye. So instead, I'm choosing the cheesy way out and saying "See you soon." Friends stay friends forever.
They sent the letter through email. And I don't blame them. When you have to tell the people that you have come to know and love over the past 10 years that you are moving away it might be hard to do it face to face. I get it. It was hard to read. But they did a really good job of explaining the future they have planned for their family. They will be closer to doctors for A. There will be more time for L and J to try their hand at extra curricular activities. Tom landed a great job with the State Department of Education in his area of expertise. And Kelly...well Kelly will bloom where ever she is planted. Bloom and thrive and grow and be awesome at everything. Just like she has been here in Greensboro. Ok, Ok, enough. I can't see the screen right now. Must be my allergies. And besides, Clayton is kind of like Stars Hollow or so I've been told.
