ashley chavez: senior.

Six years ago I started my teaching career with a bunch of crazy 6th and 7th graders in Aurora, Colorado. Those were some interesting days to say the least. I definitely shed my fair share of tears and worked way too hard during that year, but I also met some very special kids who will have my heart forever.

One of those middle schoolers was none other than Ashley Chavez. Since the first day I met her in my 6th grade Language Arts class, she has never ceased to amaze me. Her kind spirit, positive outlook, willingness to try new things, and deep care and concern for the people around her has been such a source of encouragement and joy to me. Teaching is a hard job, but it is students like Ashley who make it all worth it.

I feel so honored to have kept in touch with her for these last six years and watch her become the beautiful young woman she is today. I can't even believe she is going to graduate high school this year, but you better believe I will be there with the biggest smile on my face as I watch her walk across that stage.

Ashley, you are gorgeous, inside and out. The world is wide open for you, and I have no doubt that you will be successful no matter what you pursue. And if you ever need anything, remember that Miss DeVries always has your back.

the mccabes: newborn.

First of all, when I walked into little Liam's nursery, I just about died. The watercolor animal prints, the elephant mobile, and the huge stuffed giraffe (his name is Jerry, by the way) were enough to throw me straight over the edge. It was just too much.

The only thing sweeter than the nursery was Liam himself and his wonderful parents, Katie and Andrew. For first time parents, they seemed to be doing extremely well for themselves. Liam was happy and healthy and although he wasn't in the mood for sleeping, he cooperated well with all my silly demands. I think modeling might be in his future.

Thank you baby Liam, Andrew, and Katie for welcoming me into your (amazingly clean for just having a newborn) home. Liam is so lucky to have such wonderful parents. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

the kellys: family.

I love getting the chance to photograph my coworkers, meet their families, and spend some time together outside the daily grind of middle school life. Although commiserating in the teacher's lounge has it's advantages, it's just not the same as spending time together in the light of day.

Colleen is a science teacher at my school, and we met for family photos in Golden a couple of weeks ago with her husband Bryan, two ridiculously cute children McKenna and Jack, and their well-behaved and oh so sweet pup Ruby. 

With a little bit of Halloween candy as backup and some fun chickens to look at, I'd say we did well for ourselves. McKenna made sure to let us know when Jack wasn't cooperating, Jack moved to the beat of his own drum, and Colleen and Bryan were so laid back, it made my job easy. 

Thank you Kelly family for spending your Sunday evening with me, hanging out on rocks, keeping Ruby out of the water, looking at chickens, and doling out Halloween candy.

The pleasure was all mine.

the nichols: family.

I first met the Nichols family last year while taking photos of some ridiculously cute babies on Halloween. Jazlyn and her baby friends stole the show for sure with their adorable costumes and baby style interactions.

When Nicole contacted me to take some family photo a little while ago, I realized that not only was she a professional photographer herself (you can see her gorgeous work here), but that she had photographed one of my friend's weddings. Such a small world.

We spent the evening together in Civic Center Park and the Denver Art Museum last week letting little Jazlyn lead the way. I loved the calm and laid back way that Nicole and Steve interacted with little miss Jazlyn. Since one year olds haven't learned the fine art of posed photos, they were very gracious and let her have fun. Just the way it should be.

Thank you Nichols family for trusting me to take photos for your family. I hope you treasure these images for years to come.