Grand {Adventures} in Grand Bend…

I had the awesome pleasure of traveling to Grand Bend for the weekend to shoot an extend family session for one of my sweet clients … I dragged along my little munchkins and hubalicious for some good ol’ fashioned family time, as well.
Who knew the beaches in Grand Bend were so gorgeous? We’ll definitely be going back there next summer!

 

After the big photo session on Saturday, my impatient generous family allowed me 1/2 an hour to shoot a few family photos for myself Sunday morning… hmmm … can you say disaster?! All you photogs out there, I’m sure you can relate. Wow. It’s hard enough to get one child of mine to co-operate, much less three kidlets at the same time … phew. I promised ice cream. I threatened. I ignored the whining. I addressed the whining. I tried to stop the whining. I tickled. And then I told my hubby that was enough catering to him, time to focus on the kids…

Hah! Kidding. But seriously, it was very challenging … the more kids I have, the harder these family photos become for me to shoot my OWN family.

Sadly, I did not get the three sisters shot. *pouting* Lucia was just toooooo tired.

But I did get a few that I do love … and Lacey, my dear Lacey, shot this one for my hubby and I … and I just ADORE it … very rare for us to have a half decent photo together.  We are celebrating our seventh anniversary next month. Can’t even believe it’s been that long but in other ways, feels like a 1,000 years (I’m sure you know what I mean) .. three kids, two houses, three dogs (we have a bad dog track record) and one cat later … here we are … 

 

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and the family —- a very tricky shot and I have to take what I can get at this moment in time .. very hard to bribe an 18 month old … they just don’t understand how great ICE CREAM can be! 😉 

Still, even though it is not perfect, I do love it as it shows a bit of the personalities of each child – Lucia (18 months old)  is so serious ALL the time, Lyla ( just turned three) just has fun and Lacey (five years old) takes everything in and has to “make sure” before she lets loose …

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me and my girls …

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Abby & the Ls …

 

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The big Ls … 

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It was nap time for Lucia … she would have nothing else but cuddles …

 

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Ahh, yes, fun times on the beach!

But now, it’s time to announce the winner of the most recent blog giveaway, hosted generously by The Vintage Pearl.

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Have you checked out their site? I absolutely love her necklaces! So darling and so beautiful! A big thank you to Erin for doing the giveaway for my blog readers! I knew you guys would love her stuff! Make sure you bookmark her site for your Christmas shopping!

(One comment was posted twice, so I counted it as once.) Using an online random number generator,  the winner is:
Number 8: Maredyth


Congratulations, Maredyth!!! You will LOVE your necklace! Pick out your favorite, e-mail me and I will set you up with your goodies !

August 26, 2009 - 12:47 pm

Lita Yay Gillian you are back online! Absolutley beautiful pictures, what a nice background for them!

August 25, 2009 - 10:38 am

erin you and your family are gorgeous!!!

August 24, 2009 - 6:23 pm

Rose:) OMG I LUV your family pic on the beach…actually ALL of the pics of you and your beautiful family are fantastic!!!!

August 24, 2009 - 4:37 pm

Catherine I think your family shots are amazing! Such a beautiful, loving family. You are truly blessed!

August 24, 2009 - 3:46 pm

Mich Lovely pictures Gillian of your beautiful family…they are all just so perfect and what a great backdrop. I love your white dresses…I also love the cuddly pic of you and Lucia. To me your photo session was a huge success!!

August 24, 2009 - 2:59 pm

holly ohhh, I love the cuddle picture, that will be even more precious 15 years from now. They all look amazing of course 🙂

August 24, 2009 - 2:31 pm

Maredyth YAY ME!!!!!!! I will pick it out and send out a email. You family shots are stunning! Abby sure did get a house full of girly girls! Enjoy my friend!

August 24, 2009 - 1:11 pm

shelley somers beautiful beachy photo shoot <3 we have to bribe Ben for pics too, last time it was timbits, ice cream is a good idea for next time!

August 24, 2009 - 1:08 pm

Carry Gillian your family is simply stunning and these photos just ooze love and joy. So beautiful to be so blessed! I love the family photo of all five of you!