Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Puppy Love {Friendswood Family Photography}
September 24, 2011Must Love Dogs! {Friendswood Family Photographer}
May 22, 2011Vincent Family {Alvin Family Photographer}
March 6, 2011I have been neglecting my blog! I am going to try and catch up this week. This family is so cute! And their two children are adorable. I somehow missed blogging their session. These two kiddos could not be any cuter. They were so funny together. I love that shot of her kissing her brother’s cheek. I had to act fast because I knew I probably couldn’t catch it again!
Tiptoe Through the Lily Pads
September 6, 2010I love three day weekends! We were sitting at home Saturday around lunch time and suddenly said – “Let’s go camping!” So we packed up and headed out as soon as possible! We loaded up our bikes and the dogs and we were off. Along the way – our bikes came loose and there were a few casualties. I had no idea that handle bars could be filed down so quickly by concrete and speed. LOL!!! We decided to visit Huntsville State Park. It is north of Houston and an easy short drive.
Sunday morning we rode our beat up bikes to the swimming area. It is a nice spot – But if you leave that swimming area – beware of alligators. We only saw a 2 footer – they are more scared of us – right? We also had a relaxing canoe ride. Well it was relaxing for me – the guys paddled and I just sat in the middle.
) Here are a few snaps from our trip!
Sweet Little Family {Friendswood Family Photographer}
June 21, 2010The heat and humidity was off the charts but we had fun. I think this is just a beautiful family. Of course I am biased – this is my lovely niece and her husband and son. Our sweet and precious little boy was not wanting to play our photography games. He had his own agenda! We did get a few really cute smiles. As long as the bubbles were blowing – he was happy. We are planning another shoot soon with some of my new props. I can’t wait!
Three is Company! {Friendswood Family Photographer}
June 5, 2010Check out these three cuties!!! They are ready for summer and all that it brings. I have known these three since they were tiny and I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. This family lives in my neighborhood and I cannot begin to tell you about all the wonderful things they bring to our lives. And the Mom – let me just say – she ROCKS!
Our Heroes {Friendswood Family Photographer}
May 30, 2010Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for our soldiers past and present. I believe many people use this holiday to start the summer season. BBQ parties and going to the beach and celebrating the end of the school year – all of these are great but please take time to think of those soldiers past and present that fought for our rights. I am thankful for all the armed forces and their dedication. There are too many friends and coworkers to mention. I honor all of you! I would like to honor soldiers in my family; my grandfather Henry Smith- WWI, my uncle Douglas Mattes- WWII, my uncle Freddie Crane- WWII, my father Robert Henry Smith, my godfather D.A. Mattes, and our son Chris Cates- Afghanistan and Matthew Schmid – Iraq. I have shared a few photos of these men below and also a photo of Elder Gomez who has served in Iraq multiple times. And a special thank you to my friend Amy Hendrix who is out there now in Afghanistan taking care of business!
My grandfather wrote this brief note in a Christmas card he sent my grandmother. He was in France at the time and there is a photo of him with other soldiers in France.
My Dad and his parents and sisters.

My Uncle Douglas Mattes – Uncle Duck to me and my cousins.
Ours son Chris Cates on his return from Afghanistan. He will serve there again in 2011.
Elder Gomez, a marine with several deployments to Iraq.
One Day Without Shoes {Friendswood Family Photographer}
March 27, 2010Have you ever thought about shoes as a way to prevent disease? Have you ever had to walk miles without wearing shoes? I know that in my day I do take many things for granted. I know I will have food, clothing, shelter and safety each day. My family and I are blessed while so many are not.
“One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 8th, we ask people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and inspire others at the same time.” quote taken from http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/learn.php
Check it out and maybe you or someone you know will have a day without shoes on April 8th. http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/learn.php
Snow Much Fun! {Friendswood Family Photographer}
March 19, 2010I love Colorado! It is such a wonderful place to visit for family fun. We love to visit my sister in law and her family each Spring Break. And of course we take in the slopes and sites! The day we arrived was horrible. A blizzard almost kept us on the mountain. We could not see a thing and the drive down was treacherous. We made it down and said a prayer of relief. We stayed at Mount Princeton resort with wonderful hot springs pools. Which is a perfect way to end the day after skiing! We also loved to see all the wildlife in the surrounding area – we saw deer, elk, coyotes, big horn sheep, a bald eagle and various birds and small mammals. I need to get a super zoom lens to capture some of these creatures with my camera next time. We had a wonderful trip. Here are a few shots from our adventure.





































