And that makes it extra-tough when you meet people who you really connect with …

seems like the potential for the ‘good friend’ status …

and then they move away.

Enter the Spencers.

Julia and I have worked together at Help Portrait. But this is the first I’ve had the opportunity to meet her family.

And yes – they would DEFINITELY have fit into the ‘good friend’ category.

Alas, now they live in beautiful western North Carolina… (and no, although it may SEEM like I’m bitter, I’m actually excited for them!)

Before they left, we all hit the streets in Souderton…

Thanks for the chance to help you keep your kids young!

And, since Christmas is right around the corner,

enjoy this little holiday dittie…

…working to honor, empower, and motivate our Nation’s Wounded Warriors…

…our wounded veterans have made sacrifices for every freedom we possess…

…when asked how difficult it is to run long distance in a gas mask, their reply:

‘not nearly as difficult as living with Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,

learning to walk again with prosthetics, or living the rest of your life burned over 30% of your body.’

It is truly an honor for me to come along side this team – and these warriors – as their storyteller.

Find out more about them here.

See more photos below.

A handful of favorites from the 9/11 Heroes Run, the Marine Corps Marathon, and the Outer Banks Marathon.

AND … stay tuned. We’re leaving for Hawaii with Cpl. Todd Love – a super list of special events,

culminating in the team running the XTERRA World Championship Trail Run in his honor.

He tipped the scales at 9lbs 15oz, and I couldn’t wait to introduce him to my camera.

That being said, I thought it would be appropriate to use him to help re-introduce my blog to the worldwideweb.

So, without further ado, here’s Lewis!

Oh yeah, and isn’t his hat just ADORABLE?? I think so, too!

Thanks to Andrea of Dwell Wool Knits for the props!

Hot days call for a COLD beverage. (Just ask my boy!)

Which is why I poured myself a ‘Black’nTan’, One Village style!

One Village … Woodrow (the MASTER roaster!!) and friends… THANK YOU for those glorious beans!

For those of you who choose not to provide your own cold beverages,

Main St Java has got it going on.  Trust me.

(Clarification: no alcoholic beverages were consumed during this photo shoot. A COFFEE b’n't … it’s in focus, isn’t it?)

(If you want to see their engagement photos, you can here!)

A fantastic day for me in my own stomping grounds – good old Souderton, PA.

A few exciting new gadgets on the blog. Above – view the photos full-screen! (bump it out on the right)

And below – set to music, for your listening AND viewing pleasure!

Photographing a wedding is always a privilege.

And this one in particular – laid back. Fun.

And they made it very clear how important family and friends are to them.

Thank you, Bekah and Nathan, for inviting Kerry and I to capture your day for you!