We used to go a few times a year, when Isabel was too little to even KNOW we were going anywhere at all. We got our last season pass when Ryan was about 3 years old, and Isabel was 6. Neither of them remembered anything about Magic Kingdom. How was it easier to go when... Read More →

Here’s another snippet of our everyday life. I shot these the same day as these: http://mariloujaen.com/blog/2013/05/23/everyday-life-1/. I realized the kids have both gotten new bikes since I last photographed them biking. Plus, Ryan wanted to ride bike. Win-win. There was some biking. Some van climbing. And more biking. The kids usually bike on our street... Read More →

I met Kimberly through Stacey’s sister, Susan (You remember Stacey). So, I knew she was good people. And I was so honored to photograph her son’s baptism. It is such a special moment in a little person’s life – when family comes together to support all that he is and will become. And Alexander’s family... Read More →

I am launching my photography business this month. I’m pretty excited about it. For those of you who have asked – or have wondered – no, I’m not quitting my day job. But I dream big and have a huge vision for my future. And this is step one. Mini-shoots are 15-minute portrait sessions. I... Read More →

This was the third weekend in a row where Ryan had a birthday party to attend. Usually the social events fall under the ‘Isabel’ category. You won’t see Ryan complaining, though. Then again, who would complain about glow-in-the-dark soccer? Ryan had a blast. Isabel had a blast. (She’s screaming on the inside.) ALL the kids... Read More →

When sea turtles fail to make it out of their nest, it’s not the end for them just yet. A team of scientists rescues them and then charges a spit load* of money for people to come and learn about turtles, see the baby turtles up close, and go out in the pitch dark to... Read More →

While waiting for Tropical Storm Isaac, we didn’t put up shutters or bring anything inside, off the patio. Nope. On Saturday morning, I went to kickboxing with my friend, Lisa. Rene spent the day moving his boat. The kids and I started our Harry Potter marathon – Half Blood Prince (the sixth movie) is just... Read More →

Just about every Wednesday, my Dad picks up the kids early from school. He takes them different places, to the park, to the playground at Burger King during inclement weather. But many Wednesdays, he takes them to play tennis. This Wednesday, I joined them to capture some shots of the event. View my photos here: http://mariloujaen.smugmug.com/Lifestyle/My-Family/Tennis-with-Grandpa-2011-12/ Read More →

Welcome, visitors from Karen Russell’s blog! Thanks for clicking my link! View more pictures from our trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure here: My Islands of Adventure Photos. View my Project 365 photos here: http://mariloujaen.com/365/                                            ... Read More →