these are the days

While cleaning out Avery's closet on Sunday afternoon we came across a few tutus and she wanted one on. STAT. She played and danced and just looked adorable in general. Her room, well let's just say her closet is clean!

Deran and I are really enjoying this stage. Avery is still our baby, but she's also a little person who can interact! And has an opinion! And is so very loved. After dinner with my parents one evening we sat around talking in the living room while Avery ran around and kept us entertained. We talked TV shows, world news, and everything in between. As I watched Avery, I made some comment about missing this age when she's grown up and my dad said that he really enjoyed my childhood but that the present is just as nice, maybe even better. Being able to sit around and talk as adults, and of course having grandkids, is quite nice according to my dad. I know I'll love a grown up Avery just as much, but my heart is in the here and now and I can't help but think these are the most perfect of days. Life is so good, enjoy this marvelous Monday!

sweet baby a

So the big crafty news is that my sister and I have joined together to form Sweet Baby A! It's all very new, but you can check out the blog here, and facebook here. Be on the lookout for a giveaway and other fun news. It's kind of gotten a slow start, but my sister is steadily working on summer and fall designs! Of course we'll be featuring some photography work by Yours Truly.

My primary business will remain Amy Schilling Photography, but I do love all things crafty so you can find me over there too. If you like to craft and have any fun tutorials for us, let me know, we're looking for some guest bloggers!

stars hollow

Last Saturday night we let Avery take a very long late nap so we could enjoy a movie night in the park. The main attraction? Despicable Me. We ended up sitting behind friends and as we lay sprawled out on our blanket, munching on trail mix, and enjoying the company in our small town, it all felt very Stars Hollow-ish. If that town really existed I would be all, "Texas, who?" as Luke cooked up my regular and Kirk helped Deran take care of some odd job around town while Avery was at dance class with Miss Patty. Man, I miss that show.

Anyway, back to reality, which is actually pretty great too. As I lay back on the blanket watching the movie, I couldn't help but grab my camera to take a picture of my view. Avery and I really enjoy the company of this curly-headed tot and her momma. She was so cute as she stood so still to watch this scene, I didn't mind the view at all.

I've got a patriotic photo shoot with some cute kiddos and some other big news to share soon! Enjoy this great Wednesday!

two + one

Last week I got to shoot a really fun engagement session and family session too! Little E was feeling bad but he was such a good baby and did a great job when we got him in a few shots!!

I hope he's feeling better now. I know he was sick, but I was glad his momma was able to get him to smile. He's so cute!

I'm so glad we were able to get some family photos, and the way E is crawling I'm sure he'll be walking soon. The wedding will be fun! :)

we are family

I mentioned last week that I had a crafty kids tutorial to share, so here it is! And it's not so much a tutorial as just a couple of steps and a few pictures of my cute baby. One weekend when Deran was around to play with us, I got out two empty paper towel rolls and we all got to work. I've been collecting used paper towel rolls for several months because you just never know where the imagination will take you and they can be all kinds of things from telescopes to elephant trunks!



The number of people in your family determines the number of empty rolls you'll need. We used one roll to make three family members and part of a second for our two dogs. You'll also need things to decorate and dress your family. I recommend construction paper, markers, pompoms, and finger paint. Though we ended up not using the pompoms and paint, Avery still had fun setting out the supplies.

So cut your strips of paper and glue them to the roll, then start filling in the details!



I do have green eyes and brownish hair, but I'm pretty sure that's the only resemblance. I never wear pink lipstick, but I thought it looked nice. Avery helped glue and then she ran around for a bit, then colored, then she played! With our paper towel roll family! She liked to make herself stand on her head, which is actually very true to life.

She was having so much fun with my doll and laughing, saying "Mommy!" over and over. I said, "Awww that's so sweet, does Mommy make you happy?"

She immediately put my doll down and said, "No." It stung a little, it really did. I love that in the picture it looks like she's having me give Deran a stern talking to. Sometimes he needs it!



Oh Avery, it's a good thing you're so cute!

All the work is done, just sit back and watch your cute tots play!