party planning 101 | big lake, mn high school senior photography

I am the worst party-throwing mother in the world.  Typically, my children’s birthday parties are a simple family affair…with a good supper, cake and presents.  But there are certain years we do special things.  When they turn 3, we do Chucky Cheese.  When they turn 8, they get a ‘school’ party with a bounce-house…and eventually, we’ll have to let them do the big ‘sleepover party’…maybe when they turn 11?

This year, I am epically failing.  Lucy and Riley have their birthday’s 2 days apart, and I am going to miss both of them.  Korey and I get to travel to Germany for Octoberfest this year!!  (Kor’s parents are taking us, and you just can’t turn down a trip like that!!)…So, in an effort to make-up for the neglect…my in-laws decided they would have a pool party for the kids this past Saturday.  I had to work, but I went ahead and planned on everyone going swimming in the afternoon, and made reservations at Space Aliens for supper.  The whole family (aunts, uncles, cousins…everyone but me) made the trek to the Monticello Community Center to hang out at the pool for the afternoon.  Only to find out it was closed.  Oops.  After scrambling around, trying to figure out where to go and what to do (hello, everyone was already wearing their swimsuits, I saw Brady leaving the house wearing his life-jacket for Pete’s sake)…they ended up texting me with the new party plan:  Super8 Motel.  Classy.  Reminds me of last year when Chucky Cheese was full and we ended up celebrating at Old Country Buffet.  I guess this is why there is a market for party-planners.  For idiots like me.

I had the pleasure of photographing another senior boy!  His mother and I did a bang-up job of embarrassing him throughout his photo-shoot (we did have fun though, didn’t we Tammy?).  Poor Tyler!  Luckily, he has boundless patience, and a knack for taking a great picture!  I love how your session turned out!  This first shot we are making into a poster (their idea), and I think it looks pretty sweet.

I decided this next shot is my fav.