Schurz Family + a big announcement is coming!

There are some pretty big changes going on at Tonya Peterson Photographers lately.  We are in the process of overhauling our website and getting a new blog.  Speaking of our new blog, this is going to be the last blog post at this blog address.  My new blog will be launching in the next few days with a huge announcement.  Let’s just say that the blog isn’t going to be the only thing getting a new address! More to come about that later!

While in Vegas last week for wppi my good friend Sandy asked me to take some family portraits for her. Her little girl is super cute, but she had been kind of sick so we only got to do a quick session.  Here are my favorites.

Sharp Family Portraits

I had the wonderful pleasure to do a family session at the Vernal Utah Temple last month.  The kids were great sports especially since it was soooo cold!  Thanks Sharp Family!

My Favorite!

Florida the Finale : The World Showcase

This post has taken forever to get up, but for good reason!  I had over 50 pictures I wanted to include.  The World Showcase at EPCOT is by far my favorite part of Disney World, and should not be missed!!!  It is so neat because all of the employees that work in the countries are actually from that country.  It is just a really neat experience!

Mexico

Norway

China

Alex’s Homeland Deutschland (Germany)

Our cute German waiter named Hagen.

Italy

This is the only picture we have in the American Pavillion.  I guess it wasn’t as interesting to us since we are americans.  They do have an awesome show there that shouldn’t be missed.

Japan

Morocco

France (Hello Pastries!!!)

Paige loved the pastries too!

England

Canada! 

My sister took this picture of Brian and Tara, and even though it is blurry I had to include it.  They were trying to look like the todem pole.  Pretty funny.

Brendan : 9 Months Old

I know I said that I was going to post part 5 of Florida, but I didn’t have it all put together yet.  Plus I didn’t want to make my sister-in-law Christy wait any longer for Chubb Chubb’s, oh I mean Brendan’s 9 month pictures.  Isn’t he a total doll face?  He is the sweetest and best baby in the whole world.  I just love to squish his chubby cheeks.

 

I had to get some of him in just his diaper.  He has some serious chubby thighs that I LOVE!!!

Oh he is so chubby!!!  I wish Paige had been that chubby!  

Florida Part 4 : Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

We are fortunate enough to have an awesome cousin that works at Universal Studios as a performer.  He got us all free tickets into the park.  It was fun to do something different one day.  We started at Universal Studios ad ended at the newer park Islands of Adventure.  The rides here are a bit more intense that Disney World so Jack didn’t like them as much.

Here is my favorite picture from the day.  I love how each kids personality shines!  Even Crabby Abby is in form!  I love her!

Turkey Leg anyone?  Yumm-O!

I love this picture!

Da-Da  Da-Da JAWS!  

So we took all of the kids on Jaws, and they wont let them sit on laps.  It was a lot scarier than I remember it.  All of the kids were bawling their eyes out.  Jaws kept attacking the boat right next to Jack!  I felt really bad because Brian & I told him it wasn’t really scary.  It was pretty hilarious!  After we were done with the ride Jack said “I am only going to ride on rides that mom says, because she doesn’t lie to  me!”  It was so funny!

Tara giving the big thumbs up for The Hulk roller coaster.  I would give it the big double thumbs down!  It makes me sick!

Ok . . . by far the best ride there is Dudley Do Right Rip Saw Falls.  Hello awesome!!!  We got soaked!  Not surprising though, that is a lot of weight in that boat!  It was awesome!!!

I look so gross in this picture, but I had to share it!  There wasn’t really a dry patch on us anywhere!  Wicked cool!

 

Only one more Florida post, and I am saving the best for last!!!  Come back tomorrow!

Florida part 3 : Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom

I know it may seem as though these Florida post are going on forever, but it was so much fun we had to take a ton of pictures!  We only spent a half a day in Hollywood Studios because there just isn’t much to do there.  But we had to hit Tower of Terror (of course!) Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Toy Story Midway Mania.  It was so much fun.

I also have a picture of me and Paige on this Star Wars (whatever it is) flying thing, but I looked stupid so no blog!  Paige looks cute though!

This could be the cutest picture of Paige . . . ever!!!

Waiting in line for Toy Story!

LOL!  This picture is totally unattractive of Brian, but thats what he gets for always taking pictures of himself like this!  He will think it is funny!

Bob is looking very stylish in Tara’s hat

Paige and Bridget were the cutest 1 year olds there!

Isn’t she beautiful.  I just love her hair!

 

We went to Magic Kingdom a couple of times during our trip.  For all of us West Coasters, Magic Kingdom is pretty much like Disneyland in CA.  Paige loved Small World.

Here is Paige and Bailey on the ferry.  There were so excited to get there!  And yes, Paige is wearing a leash.  Normally I would be making fun of people that do this to their kids, but my tune has changed.  Paige is so out of control this was the only way.  She looks adorable in it though!

This was Abby’s favorite ride!  Someone’s arms!

Cute little blue eyes!

I should have bought this hat.  It was pretty cute!

Dole Whip anyone?  Yummy!

I almost did not post this picture, but it is cute of Paige and Alex!

They had these cool tiki totem poles that shot water and mist out of them in Adventureland.  Jack and Bailey though it was awesome!

I need to see a license sir

Bailey can hardly see over the wheel!  LOL!

I love this picture of Alex!  We found this hidden courtyard next to Pirates of the Caribbean so we relaxed there for about 30 minutes.  No one even peeked in the courtyard.  It would be a great place for lunch.  It isn’t as good as the courtyard in New Orleans Square, but it is close!

Tea Cups!  Brian almost made Bridget puke!  He is so mean!

Florida Part 2 : Animal Kingdom & EPCOT

I had way too many picture from Disney World that I wanted to share on the blog so I had to split the posts up.  So we are starting with Animal Kingdom and half of EPCOT

If you know me, you know I am not a huge animal lover, but I do like going to Animal Kingdom.  Kilimanjaro Safari is great, and all of the kids loved it!  I just love the detail that Disney put into this park.  It really feels like you are traveling through Asia and Africa.  And Expedition Everest is AMAZING!  It scared the crap out of Jack!

LOL!  My fav pic from AK!

One of the few rides Abby cold ride!

 

Now we get to EPCOT . . . my favorite WDW Park!  I love this place!  Actually this is only half of EPCOT.  We took way too many pictures at the world showcase in EPCOT so you will have to wait for those pictures!

Paige loved the sharks in The Seas with Nemo and Friends!  BRUCE!

She gave this shark a kiss but it was blurry!  She is so cute!

Abbs chillin!

The sunset was so beautiful with the World Showcase al the backdrop.  We all had to get pictures done!

LOL!  Bob looks funny in this picture!  Thats what he gets for not smiling!!!

 

Tomorrow is Magic Kingdom and Hollywood studios!

Best of 2008 : The Engagement

I am in Love with Engagement sessions.  No really, I am.  It is my favorite part of my job because it gives me the chance to really get to know my awesome clients.  By the end of the session my cheeks hurt from smiling.  2008 was so awesome for engagements.  I had about 30 favorites when  started picking them but I felt like I should narrow it down a bit, so here are my absolute favs!

Giving is Awesome Extended!

The Holiday Giveaway has been extended until March 1st!  Please send in your entries!

You know someone.

You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $1000 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Utah. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.  If you would like to nominate someone who does not live in Utah please visit www.givingisawesome.com and find a photographer in the state your loved ones live in.

* You must e-mail me the full story : tonyapetersonphoto (at) gmail (dot) com.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve March 1st– get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

 

With love,

Tonya Peterson

Shad, Jaz and Dax

Jazlyn was one of my first friends I had when I moved to Roosevelt in 8th grade.  Even though I still talk to my other friends from high school occasionally, Jazlyn is the only one I actually see all the time.  I guess it helps that we both live in Roosevelt!  I love when she hires me to take family portraits for her.  She is very chic and fashionable and always wants very modern/artsy/trendy pictures.  I just love clients that let me do whatever I want!  It is also a bonus that Shad, Jazlyn and Daxtyn are the cutest family in the world!  Makes my job easy!!!

Oh and just incase any photographers are wondering, all of the images were processed with totally rad actions 2: the revenge

If you don’t have them, GET THEM!  They rock!

 

Dax is so GQ!

So cute and fashionable.

My favorite shot of the day!