The first haircut...

One of the things that fascinates me about kids is the range of emotions they are capable of achieving in a very short time frame. I think these pictures document this phenomenon.

My youngest daughter Malia got her first haircut this past weekend. We took her to a place called Shear Madness (quite an appropriate name by the way). Shear Madness caters specifically to kids which means complete sensory overload. We are talking toys (strategically placed at kid level), televisions at each stylist station, barber chairs in the shapes of cars, candy, and as an added bonus for us a cranky "stylist." Seriously stylist lady I know we all have bad days but you think you could at least muster up a little enthusiasm when you are giving a child their first haircut.

Random sidenote: I always have to laugh when parents talk about how crazy wild their kids when they take them out to "kid friendly" places like this. You think it might have something to do with the available sugar on top of lots of noise and lights? These places shouldn't be called kid friendly because they really aren't, they should be called "places of completely sensory overload that will break kids and parents down until you buy lots of stuff."

Anyhow, I digress....

Malia's inner thoughts, "Okay the car is cool....this might not be too bad"

"I don't like the direction this is headed..."

"Seriously this can't be good, my arms just disappeared"

"Maybe if I cry enough I will get some of that candy I see sitting around everywhere"

"This is way too easy"


"All this for $17...priceless"

Cash Durbin Male Model...

My camera has been busy lately (I even have the arthritic trigger finger to prove it). I had another family session with three of my favorite people this weekend. You met Cash in the recent Halloween pictures and now you get to meet his awesome parents Ken and Rachel.

I have known Rachel's family since elementary school. Rachel and Ken married a few years back and they are amazing parents and among our dearest friends. Always love shooting with them...

They like their "Cash Man" just a little bit.

I told them not to worry about Cash for a minute and just look at the camera. Cash saw an opening and went for it!



I love this image.



He wasn't crazy about being buried in leaves initially but we coaxed a smile or two out of him.



Thank you Durbin's!! Ryno loves you guys...

Halloween 2008

For those of you that aren't in Kansas City this Halloween was one to remember. The weather was amazing (in the 70's) and we hosted our second annual Halloween party with some of our family and friends.

I just happened to have a camera handy.

My daughter Malia was my first victim still repping for our lowly Chiefs.


Our oldest Manoa decided to upgrade from the Chiefs cheerleader look to a Princess.

And yes I will be starting a shotgun collection very soon.

Elena (my buddy John's daughter) represented the fairy population nicely...

I just couldn't get her to cast a spell for me.

The youngest member of our party was Eli. The cutest lobster I have ever had the honor to photograph.

His big brother Noah gets my award for the most creative costume award of the evening.

Noah is already more handy with his tools than I will ever be.

A couple of the entire crew.



Our last arrival was Cash. Cash has been subjected to my camera on a number of occasions.

I think he might be over me :)


After knocking out the photos we headed over to Brookside for their annual Halloween party. Noah was just a little excited about it.