Here are a few pictures of Brayden’s first visit to Myrtle Beach… Enjoy!

In 2007, the Cook and Zook Team and I were recognized by REALTOR® Magazine as “30 Under 30,” a prestigious award given to the top young real estate professionals under 30 years old.  This year marked the 10th Anniversary of the award and the National Association of REALTORS® invited all the past recipients to Chicago for a reunion, networking event and photo shoot.  It was a great opportunity to meet and learn from some of the brightest young minds in real estate, as well as watch the set up for a professional photo shoot for approximately 100 people.  Set in Grand Central Station, here is the 10th Anniversary Photo showcased in the June Issue of REALTOR® Magazine (I’m in the middle front).  Click here for the interactive photo.

Never having visited Chicago, I flew in the day before to tour the city, watch the Cubs play, and take some photos.  I used my 50mm prime (non-zoom) lens for the entire afternoon.  The 24-70mm lens is a better “walk-around” lens, but the 50mm is more compact, lightweight, and one of my favorites.

“Cloud Gate” at AT&T Plaza nearby downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park.

My ‘L’ ride (Chicago subway) to Wrigley Field.

Wrigley Field… A must-see for baseball fans.  What a treat!

A view of one of Chicago’s bridges from the water.

Random, but one of my favorite shots of the afternoon.

This beautiful Easter Sunday morning, Kelly and I had our first Easter Egg Hunt with Brayden (almost 15 months).  It was a wonderful family experience… I think we may collect eggs outside on another beautiful day this Spring.  Here are a few pictures I hope you enjoy!

In the backyard counting his eggs… ok, he’s not really counting, yet!

Brayden enjoyed dumping the eggs out of the basket more than putting them in!

Putting the Easter basket on Brayden’s head!

After shoveling the Snowpocalypse’s 35” of snow in Leesburg, we had a gorgeous sunset.  I guess it’s the calm after the storm… and by storm I mean the blizzard of the century.  For a day or two, or until the snow started melting and turning brown, the neighborhood looked like a perfect snow globe scene.

The day after the storm was a beautiful day…

One of my favorite trees/scenes in Lansdowne.  It always proves to be a great backdrop.

When I took this picture, I remembered what I learned as a kid that every snowflake is unique.  While I know it’s not entirely true, the concept of snowflakes is still amazing.  Wikipedia “snowflakes” for a very interesting (and scientific) read.

I spent some time walking the streets of downtown Leesburg taking pictures of the snow and icicles.  Being able to walk down the middle of the streets with almost no cars on the road was a wonderful experience.

The Leesburg courthouse where Kelly works several days a month.

Kelly made a giant cupcake for Brayden to devour for his first birthday.  It was definitely a special moment and one we will never forget!  Happy Birthday son.

A few close up shots of B’s footsies and messy mouth with the new macro lens.

This picture cracks me up!

Here are some family pictures of our first Christmas holidays with Brayden!  I didn’t take a lot of pictures on Christmas morning because we were busy opening presents and playing with his new toys, but I did take a few leading up to the day!  Below is a photo of Brayden fascinated by the lights on the tree…

A few holiday shots…

A winter wonderland in Lansdowne…

Baking cookies for Santa Claus… (as you can tell, they’re not from scratch)!

Christmas morning pajamas…

Trucks, tricycles, slides, castles, books, a new pair of skis, and of course…

…Tickle Me Elmo!

The three of us went out to the Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg to take a few family photos for our holiday card.  We set up the tripod and after 14 attempts, Brayden finally smiled at the camera!  Here is the Zook family holiday card… Holiday cards, invitations, announcements, etc. are available for purchase in 2010.  I have a wide variety of custom designs to choose from…

Here are a few more family pictures from our afternoon together.

These are a few “artistic” shots (and some of my favorites).

Happy Holidays!

This weekend we took Brayden to the Great Country Farms pumpkin patch in Bluemont, VA to meet with Kelly’s mom’s group for a day of fun and a few photos.  Within the first five minutes of being there, Brayden smashed his head against the picnic bench and got his first shiner and a few cuts.  The moms dressed their kids up in costumes and Brayden is a monkey this Halloween.  Here are a few pictures to document our day.

These pictures crack me up because you can’t see Brayden’s face.  I will also say I’ve always wanted a pet monkey to hide under my bed since I was 7 years old.

Meet Brayden’s friends… an astronaut, an elephant, a dalmatian, and a bumblebee!

Group shot of everyone!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

A few shots at the pumpkin patch. 

A few more photos to end the day including one of me and the little guy!