Sharon's Portrait Party in Black Forest

Kathy's Portrait Party in Golden

Jill's Portrait Party in Colorado Springs

Elizabeth's Portrait Party in Highlands Ranch

About half of my home portrait parties are held in the Denver-metro area. This arrangement actually works out well for me since my parents recently moved to Highlands Ranch.

At this party we set up in the living room and blasted music from High School Musical and Hannah Montana. The kids loved it, and it helped get some great expressions.

www.ashleyphotography.com

Photos From My November Event at School Crossing

Take a look at the beautiful children I had the opportunity to photograph during my free mini-sessions at School Crossing in Colorado Springs this month. (If you click on the image you'll see a larger version with more detail.) It was so fun to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while and to meet some new people as well.

If you have never been to School Crossing, or haven't been there lately, it is a great place to pick up gifts for kids. The store includes teacher supplies, a large toy store, and even a Pikes Perk Coffee. I found lots of things suitable for my kids in the $10 - $15 range while I was there.

http://www.ashleyphotography.com/

Images from Raven's Nest Portrait Party

Heather's portrait party at the Raven's Nest coffee house brought out lots of gorgeous babies and kiddos. We had two afternoons of mini sessions after they had closed for the day on a recent Saturday and Sunday. Lots of cute and fun photos -- here are a handful of my favorites.

How about this first one? As hard as I tried, she was so totally NOT impressed. "Just try to get me to smile, lady."

The Raven's Nest is located in Colorado Springs at the corner of Boulder and Institute.

http://www.ashleyphotography.com/

Then & Now

Niko is a warm and gentle almost five year old who is smart as a whip, has an amazing memory and a wonderful sense of humor. He loves to draw, write stories, "read" books, and play with his fire truck and boat. That's just inside. Let this child outside and he loves to throw a ball, ride his bike, ride his four wheeler and generally explore his world.

What a wonderful little boy he has become from a calm and relaxed baby. Even as a small baby Niko always had a smile and he loved to be cuddled. As an infant he was on the move reaching and exploring. In each milestone, Niko cautiously waited until he had the skill just right, then took off with it.

His parents have had a wonderful adventure with Niko, learning along with him year by year, and they can't wait to see how he is at six!

Then & Now

Sweet Mahlia Simone turned 5 on Valentine's Day. This once 5lb. preemie baby has had no trouble catching up to her peers. This big girl has an even bigger personality with lots of emotion and girly drama. Her mommy and daddy have lovingly labeled her "high maintenance," which they say she definitely gets from their own passion for having things be "just right."

Mahlia has recently become an adoring little mommy to her 20-month-old sister, Lily. Since the day Lily was born, Mahlia has been completely hands-on in her care taking. She loves to help dress her, comb her hair, feed her, bathe her--and not to mention the occasional unsupervised diaper changing (and make-up application.) She loves playing with her own babies as well.

Mahlia is a smart little girl who is into reading, writing her name (along with many other letters) and she knows her phone number and address by heart. She's all "girl" and very passionate about Chapstick, lotion, glitter, jewelry, bags and shoes.

Cheap Eats With Your Kids!

As all moms know, sometimes you just gotta go out for dinner. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list in the city, but it's a great list of kid-friendly restaurants in Colorado Springs that offer deeply discounted or downright free meals for children! Be sure to call to confirm the deal before you go, as restaurants can change their policies at any time.

Monday
Conway's Red Top--one kid eats free with purchase of special adult entree
Gunther Toody's--one kid eats free with paid adult
Texas Road House--one kid eats free with paid adult
Mission Inn--one kid eats free with paid adult

Tuesday
Fazoli's--kids eat for 99 cents
Denny's--2 kids eat free with paid adult
Mission Inn--one kid eats free with paid adult
Bennigans--kids eat free with paid adult
Lonestar--kids eat free with paid adultRed, Hot and Blue (BBQ) -- kids eat for 99 cents.

Wednesday
Applebees--kids eat for $1
La Casita--2 kids eat for free with any one combo meal purchase
Mission Inn--one kid eats free with paid adult
Gunther Toody's-- buy one hamburger, 2nd one is 5 cents.

Thursday
Captain D's--2 kids eat free with paid adult. In store only.

Saturday
Denny's--2 kids eat free with paid adult

Sunday
Captain D's--2 kids eat free with paid adult. In store only.
Lonestar--kids eat free with paid adult
Red, Hot and Blue (BBQ) -- kids eat for 99 cents.