Ella's Baptism| Jenn Hoffmann Photography

I have been so busy with Holiday photo shoots, I feel like I have not been able to take many personal photos lately. Ella, at 14 months, was baptized today!  Today held special significance, as it is the 8th anniversary of my Grandfather's passing (Ella's GREAT Grandfather!); he died the morning of Thanksgiving 2002.  Nothing is ever a coincidence....
We were so worried that she would cry and throw such a fit- and she was just a perfect little angel!  Not a peep out of her throughout the whole service!
A big thank you to our friends and family that joined us in celebrating...

My side of the family-

L-R Dad, Mom, Grandma, brother (God Father), Me and Kai (Derek and Ella in front!)

Kai's Side of the Family-

L-R Kai's Brother in Law, Kai's Sister (God Mother), Kai's Mom, Kai's Dad, Me and Kai
(Derek, Ella and their cousins up front!)

'Tis the Season!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

I have had the pleasure of photographing this great family twice before- once for an extended family shoot and the other for baby brother's newborn portraits!  We went to a plaza that had their Christmas decorations up- and we even got to see Santa at the end of our shoot!  It is hard to believe we are almost in December!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

Today was COLD.  San Francisco had the coldest day on record from the last 100 years!  But this family came prepared- heated water bottle, coats and a lot of energy!  And they didn't let the weather stop them from getting adorable family portraits taken.  I love the interaction between the family members!

There is nothing better than a secret between sisters....

Or a snuggle with Dad....

The Three Musketeers!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

Out of 4 sessions scheduled for this weekend, this was the only one that was not rained out!  It was dry but it sure was COLD!  The "S" family were such troopers; frozen hands and all, they posed and smiled like champs!  Look at the three boys- the three musketeers!  They are sure to be the best of friends!

The "R" Family- Sneak Peek| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

I love when clients have suggestions as to where they want to go and what they want their pictures to look like!  This was a new location for me and I loved it!  So many possibilites!
The "R" family is just too cute.  The kids were up for anything- even after a little "ouchie"!!!!
I think this is my last session for a few days, since the rain is coming in!  Reschedules- here I come! ;)

Little Man| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Child Photographer, Bay Area

This little man was the absolute best little model!  He was so happy and smiley the whole time- and when he got especially excited he started to flap his little arms!  Too cute!!!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

I love this little expression...

Time Flies!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

I love being able to photograph a family multiple times!  Last year, I did this great family's holiday pictures and baby girl was still in Mom's tummy!  Now look!  Big brother has gotten so big and handsome and lil' sis is on the move!  Time sure does fly!  Thanks for the fun and sense of humor today! ;)

Our Winner!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

This is the lucky family that won the Jenn Hoffmann Photography and Paperboxpress Holiday Giveaway back in September.  They got a FREE photo session with me, plus 4 digital images PLUS 50 double sided holiday cards with Paperboxpress!  It was such a win- win, as this family was so sweet, looked fantastic and were very grateful!  Couldn't ask for more!

Cutie Pies!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Child Photographer, Bay Area

Look at these two little cutie pies!  Two brothers sure to be a great pair when they get a little bit older!  Big brother wasn't too sure about getting his picture taken today but we did get him to smile!  And he smiled the biggest when he was told he got to go to the playground!  And little brother (at 6 months) is almost on the move- not quite sitting up yet, but definitely starting to creep around!  Enjoy your Sneak Peek and have a great 2nd birthday tomorrow!

Meet Mason| Jenn Hoffmann Photography

Yesterday my husband drove halfway to LA to meet up with a friend who had a dog we were adopting.  Meet almost 2 year old Mason- a French Bulldog!  He is quite funny- loves to snuggle on the couch, runs faster than you can imagine and has the biggest ears you have ever seen!  The kids love him and it is so nice to have a four legged friend in the house again.
My husband isn't quite sure of his name and would like to change it.  Some ideas are "Bullet", "Buster" and the newest one "Rocky".  The new name came from his first walk today; Mason seems to be dog aggressive and challenged every dog that went by.
Hopefully he is a great fit for our family and that we have made another friend for life!

Halloween in Disneyland!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography

We just returned from a trip that I have dreamed about since even THINKING about having kids... Disneyland!!!!  I have such wonderful memories of going to Disneyland as a child and have wanted to give those same precious memories to my children.  So we packed up the car, took along both sets of grandparents and did Disneyland during Halloween time!  It was such a great time of the year to go; not that many people, the park is decorated to the nines with Halloween stuff and there is even a trick or treating event (the kids got to wear their costumes to the park one night, ride the rides, trick or treat and watch an adorable parade with all the characters in costume).  Such fun!

We got Derek an "autograph book" and he REALLY got in to it- it was so cute!  He loved finding the characters and asking them for their autograph- but Ella, well not so much!  She hated the characters and would scream if one would even get near her!  By the end of the trip, she did get to the point where she would just kind of look at them out of the corner of her eye (see pic below)!!!!

And I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Disneyland and have my children wear "the ears"- and I got my wish!  Look how happy they look in them- ha! ;)

It was a great trip!  We also met my brother (the kids' God Father) and his girlfriend down there, so there were a lot of us!!!  Everyone got to take turns riding the rides and eating all the junk food!  We bought season passes so will hopefully be going back again soon!

The "D" Family Sneak Peek!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the kids to warm up to me and my camera- but if all else fails, candy always works to get a smile! ;) Could this family get any cuter!?!?!  We lucked out today with beautiful weather out in Livermore but tomorrow doesn't look so promising!

And if I ever had a "signature shot" it would be this one....  Black and white conversion, "head chop", big bright eyes and a sweet innnocent face.  I have one of these type shots in almost every one of my sessions.

Perfection| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Newborn Photographer, Bay Area

Whenever a mom tells me that she has a very sleepy baby, it never fails that those are the babies that have the hardest time falling asleep during a photo shoot!  Today was no different!  This little man didn't want to fall alseep and would only be happy in certain positions- but look at how perfect he is!