Thankful to be giving Thanks...

It's nice to have a day where the country is unified in remembering to give thanks. I guess when you are around family for the holiday, you can get a bit nostalgic. Or perhaps it's the tryptophan that is causing it; but grandma was reminicing 30yrs prior. I was about Terrence's age when we left Vietnam in hope of a better life. Seeing the little munchkins, Terrence and now Calvin this year, running about and thinking about that statement by grandma really put things into perspective for me this year.

My dad said it best before he carved the turkey. We look back and we are thankful for everything that we have accomplish and have achieved. Thanks to each of our father and mother, who made it possible for each generation to have more and in turn able to give thanks each year as a family.

Thanks to Nancy who roasted the Turkey and Susan who made the rib roast. They were terrific. Julie's side dishes and dessert went great with the meat. Grandma kept complimenting the food and even asked for the recipe so she can share it with her eight other children. This is a big deal from someone who isn't used to "Americanized" food.

And a special thanks to dad and mom, who always do so much each year for each of their children. And continue to do so now for their grand children.

Here are a few pictures from the night.

A favorite game at family gatherings. It's call, pass the baby.

It's all about these moments for me as a photographer. It happens so quickly, but to capture it for all time, it's priceless.

There was nothing interesting for black friday this year. I love people watching but this year, I get to watch Terrence for a few. While his mom gets ready for work, we ran out and got coffee... plus a couple of these shots to take advantage of the early morning light.

I have been enjoying this little oasis for a long while now; each time I pull into the Starbucks parking lot. With Terrence, camera and perfect lighting, I decided it was time to make the shot I was envisioning in my head. That didn't happen but it was fun nonetheless and we got these shots to cherish instead.

A photo tip: If you want your 2yr to stand still enough for a photo. Give them something to do. Forget about posing them. The picture and magic is in moments they create on their own.

Love this series. I like capturing sequences because the frames themselves can tell a story. Here, Terrence matches up the left he pulled off the tree to the leaves on the piece of branch I gave him.

Anyways, I have lots of photos to share. If you like lifestyle photography and can't hire a professional photographer, it makes sense to dress your kid up cute and come to any gathering that I am around. You know I love taking photos. Ok, off with Terrence to make some more.

Halloween...

Just popping in to share some images from the past couple of days. Denny brought over a pumpkin for Terrence to carve into a Jack-o-lantern. We tried to sketch out an image but with Terrence's help, it became something else. Interpreting Terrence sketch turn into a happy pumpkin with a crying/scared half with teeth and a crescent moon on the side.

We had tons of fun on Halloween day as we all got to celebrate my old roommate's son's first birthday. The party was held at the park near us so after all the fun there...we headed back to my place to get the kids into their costume and go trick or treating.

After going door to door, we all hung out at home and enjoyed the left over party food in the company of good friends. All the kids got a chance to get in front of the studio light for some clean photos of their costume.

The actual birthday party photos and studio photos are all on Denny's camera. Once we can get his computer up and running again, he can start uploading the images. Until then, enjoy these photos taken on my camera.

Terrence's first pumpkin. We didn't carve one last year.

The two faces of the pumpkin.

I like how the ghost in the window mirror Phong's action.

Family photo from Denny.

There was a cute baby dino roaming the lawn.

Toma help with Terrence while I man the camera.

Some studio shots of the kids in their costume.

Terrence is the lion because he's king.

Here's my little leopard cub.

Showing his teeth. More on the way.

My two boys.

This is the lion's way of helping up the little cub. When you got tail, use it according to the animal kingdom.

Apparently, this is how a lion attacks. Tongue, claws and all.

One last picture.

Miia turns ONE.

Between the job relocation and move back overseas to London, Phi and Juha was able to throw a 1st birthday bash for baby Miia. Aside from pictures, this will be the first time I get to see and meet the cutie. Here are some photos of the cutie on her big day.

Disney Fairies theme birthday party. Am I disclosing too much to say I like the Tinkerbell movie and awaiting part two later this month?

Here is the little fairy herself.

And her dainty little fairy feet.

Grandma just can't get enough of this cutie. I don't blame her.

Neither can her aunt Thao.

Can you say CUTE!

Kids don't like looking at the camera. That's good, because I love capturing little kids as they are. There's just a certain focused look they all have...

These are the moments I aim to capture.

But I do capture the traditional, look at the camera photos as well. But I like it done my way. For example....

Love the lighting. A glowing fairy.

Yes, this is my idea of a family photo.

I just love this series of shots with the family.

Dad's little girl. Just a precious moment.

Here's mommy and her little girl.

Flying high...

But uncle James can go higher. Mia squealing in delight.

The sisters with Miia.

Bathe and time for bed.

I adore smiley babies with their baby teeth.

Phi said Miia does this only during bed time. Very acrobatic this little one.

Happy Birthday Miia, we feel sadden that we won't get to see much of you as you move overseas. Which means it's even more important to get you in front of uncle's camera to document your growth beyond year one each time you come back to visit.

You can view the rest of the photos here. Access code is the family's last name.