She battled 95 degree heat and humidity, climb through a split rail fence, laid down in whatever and whenever I asked her to, pulled a tick off her butt and still managed to look amazing! Can’t wait to meet her little man in about 5 more weeks!
We spent the weekend at my aunt and uncles farm in Iowa to celebrate Cole’s 4th birthday and my cousin’s college graduation. I don’t know if it’s the air, the dirt, or the fact that at night you can see every star in the sky. There’s just something about being out there that makes the world seem better.
All those sweet kids, livin, lovin life, at home in the heartland!
Great insight to a breath taking views!!! Thank you so much, Beth….
Wow!!! Those are amazing!!! You even make them look clean =)
Love them!!! The kids and the pictures. 
I wanna go next time…
He’s only four and already a thousand times cooler than me (and he knows it too)….
Dear Cole,
Today you are four. One. Two. Three. Four…..My sadness mourning my baby gone can only be matched by the joy and happiness I feel watching you grow into an inquisitive, life-loving boy.
There are days where I still can’t believe you exist. It’s been four years and I sort of figured I would be used to you by now. Sometimes when I pick you up from school there is a moment where I pull up into the pick up lane and think “Did I really have a child? Is he here? It wasn’t just a very long dream?” And then you appear…running down the sidewalk with your too-big back pack swinging back and forth, you have new scrapes on your knees, a half-eaten sandwich in your lunchbox and a Ziploc bag full of homemade Play-Doh….yes, there you are. I remember you now.
Your inquisitiveness is profound. You have a question for everything. ”Mommy, who ____? Mommy, what____? Mommy, why____?” Most recently you asked, “Mommy, where does the moon go when the sun comes out?” There are days when I try to give you the best answer possible, but usually my answer is just going to lead to 1,000 more questions, so I try to keep it simple. This time I told you that the moon sleeps when the sun is out. Of course later that afternoon while the sun was still out, the moon reappeared. You excitedly pointed it out my enormous error and asked me “Why is the moon out when the sun is shining?” Followed by, “Is he going to get in trouble for getting out of bed?” Trying to keep myself from laughing hysterically, I told you I would Google it. You looked up at me, tilted your head to the side and said, “Mommy, what’s Google?”
According to Wikipedia, the term “fore” when called out during a game of golf means to “look ahead” but I don’t really want to do that. Instead I look at you. I look at your sister, your father, our family and when I’m not doing that I look back upon milestones and moments and memories of the last four years, because they are what matter. You may not remember the night we let you stay up entirely too late so you could play with the neighbors and catch lightning bugs for the first time, but we will.
Although you’re no longer my baby (and outright refuse to be acknowledged as such), I just thought that you should know that you always will be–Even when you grow so tall that I have to stand on my toes to kiss your face. You’ll always be my first, Cole. My baby. Thank you for reminding me that anything is possible. That the moon is something to question. That time is short and life is long and there are so many things to be grateful for. Number one, being you.
All the Love in the Universe.
Mommy
P.S. I overheard the older boy down the street saying that you went to “first base” with Avery the other day. I have three things to say to this…
1. The only thing first base should mean to you is the white bag you run to in baseball.
2. You are too young. Please at least wait till you’re 5.
3. I’m pretty sure your father is going to double fist pump when he reads this.
How adorable are they? Can’t wait for their wedding in October.
Sheri’s been my best friend for 14 years. I was there when each of her babies were born, and I’d be there again if she ever decided to have a few more (which I totally think she should…I mean, look at her kids!) I moved away from home six years ago, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of her. I was home this past week and finally got a chance to photograph her not-so-babies-anymore.
Thirty years ago today, one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever known gave birth to the most wonderful man I have ever known.
To her I say: Thank you. Thank you for raising such a wonderful, caring, sensitive, and strong man. Thank you for teaching him what’s right and what’s wrong. Thank you for showing him that love and affection are wonderful things to have and to give in life.
To him I say: When I was a little girl, I played make believe. I pretended to cook and clean and to be a Momma to my baby dolls. (I did not role play walking around the grocery store with a screaming toddler, because there are some things that you must experience to truly appreciate). But in my naive mind, I imagined a man, a husband. He was brave and strong and very handsome. And he loved me. Some might call this a silly fairy tale or the immature longings of a girl who loved romance. But I call it my life. Today you turn 30 years old, and more than anything, I want you to know that I love you more than I ever dreamed. You are a man among men. You stand out as you lead our family. You are my heart, my life, my best friend, my soul mate.
Happy Birthday, Chris.
All my love.
Bethy
I thought Cole was going to look like me. After all, he came out with a ton of dark brown hair. Well, we all know how blonde he turned out. I got my second chance with Camryn and she too came out with lots of brown hair. Then it all fell out and grew in light brown (I refuse to call it blonde). I may have lost the hair color battle, but there is no mistaking this child is mine. Chris calls her Beth Jr. I’m attaching a family photo from back in 1982. I’m the one on the right.
Thank God for chubby cheeks and rubber band wrists, or I may not have had a dog in this fight.
love it love it love it!!!
That photo of Camryn is my FAVORITE!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!! She definitely looks like you!
Christian says that Pop Pop is a ringer for Simon Cowell. LMAO.
I think Darryk, as an adult, looks JUST like pop-pop but with light hair and eyes!
Awesome! Beth, Camryn looks just like you!
Oh my God!!! Beth, she is the copy of you. Which means, she’s beautiful! Congrats. And beautiful picture too! 
I don’t know so much about Darryk looking like my dad, but he certainly walks just like he did, on the ball of his foot first and then his heel… Just think, that baby doll bed was made by my dad for my 5th birthday…I think that qualifies it as an “ANTIQUE”! Beth Jr looks like she’s enjoying being in it. So cute.
The Details…
- Saturday, May 8th and Sunday, May 9th (Location TBD)
-Each session will last 30 minutes.
-There are a limited number of spots available, and your session time is only guaranteed with payment.
-Sessions are available for children, siblings, couples or family (up to 4 people).
-Session fee is non-refundable, unless sessions are cancelled due to weather.
-Additional digital files, prints and products are available a la carte. No substitutions may be made.
-Email me at bethsmithphoto@gmail.com to schedule your session!
It practically hurt my eyes seeing all the sunshine from the last few days. It’s been pretty grey and gloomy here. Today’s high….83! WHAT? Took advantage of it while it lasts. Here’s a couple of the kiddos outside in the backyard. Camryn hates the grass, but loves her boots. Cole has forgotten how to smile. Just another example of my kids’ infection of PCS (Photographers Child Syndrome). Is there a cure? It’s immune to lollipops.
I really need to get out and explore the area for some different areas to photograph in. My backyard is really, really boring.
Love them!! You did a great job! That last one is awesome.
Wow. The first one is my favorite! And the last one, too. I Love your photos, Beth!