While I was working full time for PetSmart, my daughter was enrolled in the on-site daycare. Going back to work can be hard enough for parents, but finding reliable childcare you and your child are comfortable with was stressful. I was fortunate to have a daycare downstairs from my desk, and for it to be a daycare of amazing quality and care. 

One of the best things about working at PetSmart is their partnership with Bright Horizons and the Lil' Paws school within the PetSmart campus. M and I adored the school and her teachers. Once she started going full-time I noticed a change in her. She became more confident and was learning by leaps and bounds. I credit much of her verbal and social skills to the time she spent enrolled at the Bright Horizons daycare.

A difficult part about deciding to leave PetSmart, was leaving Bright Horizons. Months after I resigned, we would be driving on the I-17 and M would pipe up from the backseat, "mom? When can I go back to my school?" Me, feeling guilt, confusion, wishing I could have kept her enrolled a few days even though I didn't work there anymore... "Sorry baby, mommy doesn't work there anymore." 

It was an honor to be contacted by Lil' Paws when their fall photos came up. They wanted something different than your traditional backdrop, and "cheese" smile photos you see in most school systems. Some parents also wanted the option to be in the photos with their children. I put on my Pinterest and craft hat to brainstorm some outdoor portrait session ideas. For fall we went with an apple orchard theme. The new format was a success and I was invited back for spring photos. 

With spring and nice weather, you are likely to see hot air balloons across the Arizona horizon in the morning and evening. I thought the kids would enjoy an imaginary balloon ride across their grassy play area. The model in the following photos had so much fun, he came back after his first session in a different shirt! I loved the moments I captured between him and his mom. Their bond is strong and beautiful. 

Thank you Lil' Paws and Bright Horizons for hiring me to take your school's spring portraits!