First Name and City:
Cyndie, Salem
How many children (first name and age):
Avery now 19 months (age 11 months at first photo session, 15 months at second "mini" session)
What’s on the top of your children’s Christmas list this year?
Avery is completely enamored by Elmo right now…that red, furry monster has simply captured her heart!
What’s on the top of YOUR Christmas list this year?
Sleep! Right now Avery is going through a "nocturnal" phase. In our
house sleep is in short supply but high demand 
The gift you are most excited to give:
Since our daughter has more than she truly needs, we decided to start a family tradition this year and donate money to the "cause" of her choice. This year we have sponsored an orangutan (an endangered species) because Avery loves to watch the show Orangutan Island on Animal Planet. As Avery grows up it will be her responsibility to research different causes and select the one she feels needs our money the most. Until Avery is old enough to choose we will select organizations based upon her interests. Our main purpose is to help Avery realize that the world is much bigger than just the community we live in.
What is something you *don’t* do during the Holidays?
We don’t focus upon "presents" and "Christmas stockings." We try to make the holidays more about being surrounded with family and friends.
Name your very favorite Holiday food:
Avery adores cheese and dill pickles…so she is more of an "appetizer"
kind of girl….me, I go straight for the desserts!
What is your favorite Holiday tradition:
Our adoption group gathers to celebrate Kwanzaa…It is amazing to see so many families come together and commit to honoring a holiday from homeland of our childrens’ ancestors.
What are your favorite local restaurants (Portland counts):
We enjoy Dolliaz which is a little deli known for it’s soups. The food and environment are both wonderful, and it is within walking distance of our house.
What are your favorite local stores?
We primarily shop at the Downtown Mall in Salem. With such a variety of store, all our shopping needs can be met.
What are your favorite websites to visit?
Right now we are actively scouring Ebay trying to "win" ELMO videos!
And last, but certainly not least, what do you *love* about Daveen Photography?
Daveen is able to capture children enjoying the world around them.
There is nothing staged or forced about Daveen’s photography. Her
images always reflect spontaneous moments of beauty. When a child is
allowed to sit barefoot in a grass field, or play with leaves in an alley way their spirits can be free and marvelous images can be captured on film.
_______________________
Cyndie, I wish I would have known Avery was into Elmo videos. We’ve donated our fair share to Goodwill over the years!
Here’s an image from Avery’s August session:
________________________
Thanks to all the moms who participated in this little bit of Blog fun. I have about 7 moms left who I didn’t get to post. I’ve been trying to do it in order. Soooo, if I didn’t post your reply, I may try to use it sometime in the future and I’ll certainly let you know when I do!
Daveen