katie braun {seniors}

Gasp! My own sister is graduating from high school next year. Am I really that old now?! It's hard to believe that just five years ago I was donning a cap and gown, gearing up for college. But now she's the one entering college as I'm exiting. Weirdness. We went out this weekend to downtown Ann Arbor (our hometown) to get her senior shots started. Isn't she the cutest? It was weird (in a good way) to shoot her. My clients will recognize her because she's my best friend, handy assistant and second shooter, so for her to be in front of the camera was FUN!

love ya, bro.

today, i had to make a phone call that i've been dreading for a while now.

i never thought i'd experience this, but when my brothers joined the military i knew the day was coming.

but, it came faster than I thought.

i gripped the phone with my sweaty palms.

a knot formed in my throat.

"hey bro," i began.

we talk.

and then it's time.

i don't want to let go and hang up.

but i have to.

the bus is waiting.

an airplane is nearby, ready to take him across the ocean, to that sandy place.

it's dangerous.

suddenly, war becomes more serious. i thought i had accepted that fact.

but the talk becomes the walk now.

he's leaving.

[see you when you get back, bro!]

The Snyder Family

I love this amazing family. The moved to North Carolina just after I took their pictures last year, but they've become such good friends and I've visited them since. I just returned from a trip there and had a very enjoyable time swimming in their pool and playing with the kiddos! Can't wait to see them again.

Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving has taken on a completely new meaning for me. My brother finally graduated from Marine boot camp yesterday, after being away since August. He has changed so much (that's probably an understatement), but it's wonderful to see. I am so proud of him!

My other brother, Josh (pictured below in the camo-colored hoodie) also leaves for Marine boot camp in just a few weeks. This thanksgiving, I am so thankful to God that He has blessed me with a wonderful family and that we can spend the holiday together, because we are growing up and being together won't always be possible.

What are you thankful for?

Other things I am thankful for?

-God (but I think that's a given)

-the fact that it's Thanksgiving and tomorrow, I can listen to Christmas music without being teased.

-that school is nearly over.

-wonderful friends.

-photography!

Goodbye, Jason!

My brother, Jason, leaves for Parris Island this afternoon. Yesterday, I took him out with his wonderful girlfriend for some pictures. I've also included some other shots with various family members (also, my other brother, Josh, also joined the Marine Corps but doesn't leave until May). Gonna miss you, bro!

brothers...

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but my brother is in the Marine Corps. Well, technically, not quite yet. He leaves in mid-August to complete his boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He'll be gone for three months and then ship off somewhere to a base in the US. Then....who knows! It has been so weird thinking he has only a few months left here at home.


my other brother is getting ready to graduate from high school in June. He's already taken one year of college classes as a senior, so he he's got a nice head start. I have no idea what he wants to pursue in the future, but I think it has to do with some newfangled engineering thing. You could call him the Family Clown. I will be blogging his senior shots hopefully soon. I am dreadfully behind...

christmas faces.

what I looked like for most of the evening:

my cousin's little boy. he totally stole the show :)

elizabeth anne

This is my sister Elizabeth and she's not very fond of cameras. I think that's a shame because she could be a model.

Family Reunion

Finally. I have had a chance to swallow the amazing weekend I had last week. Haha. Stress levels were high prior to leaving. Our poor neighbors watched us from their patio as we unloaded and repacked our entire van three times. Yes, you read that right. That's how we roll in the Braun house. But it was a memorable weekend and one that I will never forget. Ever.

Some random observations and facts:

-Rednecks really do exist in Michigan.
-My Grandma can do the chicken dance, much to the chagrin of my cousins and I.
-At our table, we asked for cottage cheese, cranberry relish and cheese spread thirty times in one hour. I'm not even joking - we counted.
-Having someone try and break into your room is creepy.
-Browsing doll house stores are interesting.
-Pillow fights at 2am are the best, great bonding time.
-Stalking wedding parties at 3am is even better.
-Bavarian music is awful.

Now for some pictures.


grandfather and grandchild
and he thought he really was the total package. ah! to be a 14 year old again!

there was an overabundance of Ohio State stuff...and NO Michigan stuff. That is WRONG.

the gluten free sign caught my attention. I was rather surprised, several bakeries had gluten free item.


My brother, Jason, wrote a poem about my grandpa. It made me cry, and I rarely do that!
great-grandma and great-grandchild (my grandma and second cousin)


a rare picture of me. I was only in one other. hah!




where we stayed:




Auntie L, my mother, Auntie D

the chicken dance: