Fun = Your papa, your favorite cousin, and a swing. Good times, pure and simple.

I had the best time with my friends Cortney and Phil and their little ones on our photo shoot. Grace was hilarious and fun; she was constantly moving and playing and showing me all the things she could do. Micah just went with the flow, and did his normal boy thing, pushing and pulling cars and trains. The evening light was magical and it was a huge privilege to hang with the Erdmans that night. Thanks for letting me into your adorable family! I love the way our shoot turned out.

And Cortney? It just ain’t right for a woman to be as gorgeous as you are. ;)

Over six years ago I walked into a split-level home I had never been in before and I became a mother. It’s not the usual spin on the process, but it was the one God had in mind for me. In that home, Livia Raine Melissa Tredway was laid in my arms and my heart was forever transformed.

Happy National Adoption Month.

To mark the next 30 days or so, my work will be on display at Indigo Bridge Books here in Lincoln, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Tonight is Lincoln’s First Friday Art Walk, so take a moment to swing by the Creamery Building at 7th & P Streets to enjoy some photography by yours truly—and hopefully buy a book or cup of joe from Indigo.

This laughing kid, my friend Josh, and his family are featured in my photos.

I was in Pioneers Park last night on a photo shoot and the light was unbelievably beautiful. I experienced several moments of absolute grace and pleasure by looking on this gorgeous land God created. I noticed a lot of folks were walking their dogs in the fading sunlight—it reminded me to slow down and enjoy the fresh air outside before winter sets in.

I’ll go ahead and say it: there is no place like Nebraska. I love it here.

I was thrilled when Larisa’s mom (aka my friend Indra) called regarding senior photos. Though I love taking pictures of high school seniors—mainly because they pose so beautifully compared to two year olds, ha!—I was excited because I always enjoy spending time with Larisa. I knew we’d have a good time stomping all over Lincoln together. What I didn’t anticipate was Larisa’s smile; it lit up every single shot I took. Except for the ones where I told her to quit smiling.

Larisa, you are beautiful and talented. I can’t wait to see what you do after graduation! Have an awesome senior year.

At the end of a long day of kindergarten, sometimes an episode of Scooby Doo is just what a girl needs.

I am crazy about this kid.

My niece Madeleine was a sight to behold at her four-year-old birthday party last weekend. She was wearing PINK! with FAIRY WINGS! and a TUTU! because she was now four. FOUR! Around the playground she flew as though the sun’s bright rays that day were energizing her for all the tasks a birthday girl must accomplish. She ate lunch and yummy mommy-made butterfly cake. She opened a multitude of awesome presents. She played games. She was the star of the day.

Happy birthday, Madeleine! Aunt Becca gets such a kick out of you.

I had a great time photographing the Whittle family a few weeks ago. Anita’s warm and fun-loving Southern personality constantly entertains me and it was delightful to spend extra time getting to know the rest of her family. Apparently, the fun trait runs in the family… Livia loves having Rebekah babysit and requests “Crazy Rebekah” whenever possible. Ha.

Happy 40th birthday to the love of my life!