The Bi-Annual Blog...

Okay...perhaps not "bi-annual," but dang close! I've been terrible about posting the happenings at NPP for good reason. We have been CRAZY BUSY all Summer! So here we are, in the midst of our busy season already and I'm just wondering where the heck the time has gone! Believe it or not, September 23 marks 10 years in business for us. Ah, the lessons I've learned! Top five:
5-Do what you do best and hire the rest. At this time I'd like to thank Darla, Goddess of All Things Financial.
4-Value each person you meet along the way. You never know when you may need them or visa versa!
3-Once you go Mac, you'll never go back.
2-Never sacrifice quality. In a world where so many will, it has helped me to rise above. It is also good for a clear conscience.
1-Be careful to not lose yourself in your work. I care so passionately about my business, it is hard to step back sometimes. It is important to make time for those who mean the most.
I'm sure if I sat here longer, I could have had a whole Top 10...but I do need to do some retouching at some point today! Perhaps #6 would be, "Take out the trash before it stinks up the place!" Or, #7, "Never hire a know-it-all. They'll get sick of dumbing things down and just up and leave you!" Oh well...five is good for now!

Sisters...

Ella and Sidney came in for their photo session on their third birthday. I've photographed them for years, but this year was different. They seemed so grown up. In the past, they'd been very shy. This year, when I asked who wanted to go first, they both shouted, "ME, ME!" It made for a really fun session. These two are such individuals, yet such a team. It makes me smile to think at three years old, they have no idea how truly special a sister is. Right now, they are simply playmates...little buddies/partners in crime. Someday...maybe when they're in their thirties, they'll fully understand the unconditional love and bond that sisters (siblings) have. Sid and Ella have a bazillion beautiful photos, but I just love this one!

Jett's First Steps!

Friday is always the busiest day at NPP. Steph and I had just one more appointment to go before closing for a whole weekend. Little Jett Wester and his mommy were stopping in to pick up his birthday party invites. We have photographed Jett's parents since they were dating, so this family is pretty special to us! Imagine how excited we were to witness Jett's first steps! I was playing with a baby one second and a toddler the next! He was running! These are a few photos from Jett running around our office...enjoy!

The Parker Family

It has been a very busy fall here at NPP. We are trying so hard to stay ahead of the game, with Christmas right around the corner. I apologize for not keeping our website and blog up to date, but will remedy that as soon as I have a chance. For now, I'd like to take a quick second to introduce you to the Parkers. My sister married Beau Parker back in October. To say the very least, our family has grown! Austin is 11 and an aspiring pianist. His natural talent amazes me! Garrett is eight, and actually the reason I'm writing this blog. He noticed Gavin's pictures all over my website and blog, and wanted to be on here too! Anyway, Garrett is a spunky kid with a fun personality. He talks ALMOST as much as I do! So, not that I'd ever pick a favorite, but beings this is Garrett's wish, I have a picture of him by himself posted! On to Dakota and Wyatt. They are twins that are just two weeks older than Gavin. We call the them the triplets. Dakota is all smiles and full of hugs. She got her first Barbie from Grandma Ruth for her 4th birthday and I can hardly wait to go "play Barbies" a few times this winter. Wyatt...what to say about Wyatt? Wyatt is busy. Although I'm sure Jenni and Beau find that to be stressful, I find it cute as heck! He goes a mile a minute but is also full of hugs and smiles. I should also mention that Beau is a wonderful person. He is so quiet, but always smiling. He is a fabulous father and head over heels in love with his wife. Our family has grown and my heart is happy!

NPP Update & Lentz Boys

Hello friends of the NPP blog! I'm so sorry I haven't been keeping you all better informed of what is going on here. Steph and I have been swamped! It is so crazy to me that we're already trying to figure out how to get everything done by the holidays. I'm so thankful to be so busy! A special thanks to all of you who have supported this adventure of mine for the past 9 years!
Here are some photos of our Lentz men! Kollyn, Caleb and Lucas are always so fun to photograph. The each have brilliant, twinkly eyes and infectious smiles. Kollyn (one of our Tots winners) is an awesome big brother that is always helpful. His witty charm always makes me smile! Caleb keeps things interesting with his independent little attitude. There is never a plethora of images of this busy child (due to his great speed), but those I do capture are always enthusiastic and happy. I wish that every picture I have of Caleb came with a "play" button, so that when he is older he could see just what I went through for his awesome pix! Little Lucas is growing like a weed and I can't believe he is one year old! He is sure to grow into a fine young man just like his brothers! A special thanks to Jason Hoerman for his exceptional antics. Without Jason and a bag of chips these pictures may have never been possible! Also thanks to Uncle Nate for the wonderful location and great truck. Um yeah, he is the only 25 year old I've seen actually race a pedal tractor! Go Nate, go! Britt and Pat, thanks for allowing me to be your family's photographer and friend! We love you!!!!

Little Julia's Blog Debut!

I'm FINALLY posting some images of my sweet little niece! Julia was uncharacteristically serious through this entire session. I couldn't figure out how this normally super-smiley little girl would not laugh once at all my cool tricks. Later, we realized she had cut two teeth during her photo shoot! She is never fussy, so we had no idea. Anyway, here are some images of two of the cutest kids in the WORLD!

Family...

My sister, brother and their families were all home this weekend for my brother's graduation from UNI. We rarely get together, with life being so busy. I had a blast watching my nephews and niece interact with my parents. My parents make wonderful grandparents! It is amazing what they let the grandkids get away with that they'd never let their kids. Eli loooooves to "ride." He isn't interested in little plastic power-wheels...he wants to ride tractors, four wheelers and combines! He also can hula hoop at only 1 and half! Then there is Gavin...what a chatty little boy! He is into anything he can do with his Uncle Blake. He loves to be out running around and always has something hilarious to say! It makes my heart melt every time he says, "Aunt Achole..." Then we have Miss Julia! She is so sweet and quiet! She rarely cries and has the best toothless smile. She loves to be thrown up in the air (and caught of course)! Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of her from this weekend. Here are some photos of the boys though. I may be biased, but I swear they are some of the cutest kids ever!!!