Simply Craig

This picture is terrifying. Why? I'll zoom in for you... Then you'll see. Just seconds before this photo was taken, Nathan had absolutely no idea that a scorpion was sitting right beside his foot, its long, arched stinger ready to strike. The next picture? The sting. He instantly realized what had happened, grabbed his foot, and leaped into the air. I don't think I've ever seen anyone jump that high! The look on his face says it all. Poor guy. Thankfully, Nathan was just fine. He had some brief pain and a little swelling, and before long he was back to normal. Me? Not so much. These creepy little eight-legged creatures completely freak me out. We've lived in our home for six years and have never had a problem with scorpions, and I pray one never decides to wander inside. Because if it does... I'm moving. I'm not even kidding. Just ask B.T.C. When we were first married and living in our apartment, I saw my very first scorpion. Let's just say... I'm no...

Birthdays are some of my favorite moments to photograph. There are so many little memories tucked into a single celebration...the anticipation, the excitement, the candles, the laughter, and those priceless smiles that only seem to appear on a birthday. These beautiful children have all celebrated birthdays recently, and I had the privilege of capturing a few of those special moments. Each one has a unique personality that shines through the camera lens, and I love trying to preserve that in a photograph. One day, the cake will be gone. The balloons will have deflated. The presents will be put away. But the photographs will remain. Years from now, they'll bring back the joy of a day that passed far too quickly. That's one of the many reasons I love photography. It allows us to hold on to the moments that are gone in the blink of an eye, but never forgotten.

Every little girl seems to have that one special stuffed animal. The one that goes everywhere. For Britley... That special friend is Pixie. For the past three years, these two have been nearly inseparable. Pixie shops with Brit. Plays with Brit. Sleeps beside Brit every single night. She even kneels for prayers tucked safely in Britley's robe pocket. Pixie has become quite the social butterfly, too. She's a regular guest at preschool for Show and Tell and has even managed to sneak into church a few times... Without Mom knowing, of course. This tiny... Snuggly... Adorable... Squishy... Soft little stuffed animal has brought years of comfort, smiles, and happiness to our sweet girl. Some toys come and go. Others quietly become part of the family. Pixie is definitely one of those. And somehow, I have a feeling she'll always hold a special place in Britley's heart.

There is something incredibly special about the relationship between sisters. They share toys, secrets, adventures, laughter, and sometimes even tears. They become each other's first playmate, first confidante, and often a lifelong friend. Watching Breeley and Britley grow up together has reminded me what a precious gift that relationship really is. Whether they're holding hands, sharing a hug, making each other laugh, or simply being side by side, I can't help but wonder what wonderful memories they're creating without even realizing it. One day these little girls will be grown women with families of their own. My hope is that no matter where life takes them, they'll always find their way back to each other. As someone blessed with sisters of my own, I know firsthand what a gift that bond can be. A sister is someone who carries your childhood memories because she lived them with you. And she dreams about the future right alongside you. "A sister shares childho...

I just came across this picture while looking through some past photographs and thought... Sometimes, the best therapy is simply spending time with your sisters. No kids. No responsibilities. No schedules to keep. Just the four of us. We took a little trip to my sister Colleen's house and spent the day doing what sisters do best...talking, laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying every minute together. At one point, we found ourselves eating ice cream cones like little girls again. It was such a simple moment, but one I'll always remember. It's funny how, no matter how many years pass, sisters have a way of taking you right back to your childhood. We slip so easily into familiar conversations, inside jokes, and laughter that has been shared for a lifetime. Life gets busy. Families grow. Responsibilities multiply. But every once in a while, it's good to press pause and simply enjoy being sisters again. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

It's amazing how something as simple and timeless as blowing bubbles can entertain not only my kids... But me, too. I love watching them take turns pressing their little lips against those bright orange bubble wands, each determined to see who can blow the biggest bubble... or the most bubbles. There are smiles. Giggles. A little friendly competition. And bubbles floating everywhere. Somehow, the fun never seems to end. And when those little plastic containers finally run dry? No problem. The kids have become pretty good at mixing up the perfect homemade bubble solution, so the fun just keeps going. It's funny how often we search for elaborate ways to entertain our children, when some of the very best memories come from the simplest things. A bottle of bubbles. A warm afternoon. And kids who are perfectly content chasing tiny floating circles through the air. How do we entertain our kids for hours on end? Bubbles. Endlessly... Bubbles.

Easter Sunday is one of those days that always seems to slow life down just enough to capture a few special memories. Before church, I grabbed my camera and photographed the kids in their Sunday best. The girls looked so sweet in their pastel tank tops and skirts. To make the morning a little more special, we added a touch of sparkle to their flower hair clips with tiny jewels we decorated ourselves. The boys looked so handsome in their crisp white shirts and ties. There's just something about seeing everyone dressed up that reminds me how quickly they're growing. Brandon and I even paused long enough for a picture together. You will always catch me smiling when gazing into those blue eyes of his.  Those are the photographs I treasure the most because they remind me that this beautiful family all began with the two of us. Of course, Easter wouldn't be complete without a chocolate bunny. And before the morning was over, we gathered everyone together for one more picture. Fiv...