We take lots of pictures of our kids. You know, because we inflict them upon your constantly. But last weekend, we had the good fortune to be paid a visit by our friend Ashley Weeks Cart, she of many talents, not the least of which is photography.
Ashley and her husband James live in Pownal, VT, just north of Williamstown, MA (both of them are fellow Williams alums), but were down on the Eastern Shore to pick up a puppy in Rock Hall, a town not 20 minutes from the barn.
While Ashley was in town, we asked her to snap some photos of the family.
But before she took out her camera, she decided to familiarize herself with the family dynamic. What better way to get to know Kato than challenging him to a game of Mario Kart?
And, in spite of doing her very best, getting soundly trounced by him.
For the record, Kato came in first. Ashley came in 12th (out of 12).
By the time she picked up her camera and started her work, Ashley was practically a member of the family.
She was kind enough to stop periodically to let the boys see her handiwork. Yes, this is a picture of the boys looking at a different picture of themselves.
No, this would never have happened when Laura Ingalls Wilder roamed the earth.
It must be said that Ashley’s husband James more than held his own. In addition to taking some lovely exterior shots of the barn, he kept the kids entertained while Ashley did some publicity shots of Robbi and me.
As for the photos themselves…we couldn’t be happier with the results.
Here are a few of our favorites.
We’ll start with a few photos from James, who specializes in landscapes and architectural details.
I’ve never seen the barn look better.
I love the reflection of the trees in the windows.
And this wide-angled shot from across the street.
Moving on to Ashley, then, whose work focuses squarely on people.
The little man, with hair dissolving in the sunlight.
And busy at the drawing table.
Kato on his bike, heading to the market.
But not without some minor roadblocks along the way.
A hug in the park.
A smile while climbing a tree.
I could put together an entire album with just Ashley’s shots of August.
I want to know what he was thinking in this moment.
I know exactly what I was thinking in this moment. But because this is a family-friendly blog, I’ll keep it to myself.
The kids helped as we did our weekly vegetable shopping.
And on the way home, we stopped for a family portrait.
Iggy declined to be included, but Ashley managed to track her down afterward for a solo shot. 
I call this one Lady and the Tramp.
Or is its scamp?
We stopped outside the bank on the corner of High and Cross to visit with the frog who lives in the window well.
And then we stopped at Bookplate to sign a few copies of Ten Thousand Stories. .
And then we headed down to the river.
Augie was getting tired.
But Kato was just getting started.
I sure do love these little guys.
And don’t forget my little girl.
And this dope of a dog.
Kato holds his own on the rocks along the river.
August managed to stay awake long enough for a few more shots.
Here are a few more gorgeous interiors. I realize, I’m not sure whether these are Ashley’s shots or James’.
All I know is that I’ve never seen the studio from this particular angle before.
Ditto the main room. When I step back and really have a look, I can’t believe how lucky I am go get to live in this place.
I’m so glad we preserved those amazing beams.
And those gorgeous floors.
And that beautiful wooden wall.
I’m glad we thought to add those glass block windows in the wall between the kitchen and the kids’ room.
Iggy was so excited that she decided to lose consciousness.
Oscar spent the day lurking beneath the overhang, figuring he was less likely to get tripped over.
15 years and counting, he’s still a handsome boy.
As for this one, the jury is still out. Some days I think he’s pretty cute. Other days he resembles a garden troll.
Not only do we love the photos Ashley took of our family, but we had such a nice time spending the day with her.
It’s evident in the kids’ faces that they enjoyed themselves. And thank goodness they did, or else we might never have gotten our Christmas card shot.
If you like what you see and would like to talk to Ashley and James about their services, be sure to look them up. Or even if you’re not in the market for a photographer, be sure to check out Ashley’s blog. It’s full of lovely photos of kids and beautiful landscapes; stories about parenting, family, craft, and farm life; and feel-good inspiration from the mind of an artist/mom/amazing person who loves her life and takes pleasure in sharing it with others.