The Carlsons are the wonderful family behind the Black Bear Lodge here in South Lake Tahoe. This charming lodge was built years ago by someone very special in my life and currently maintained with such love and care.

I first captured these three last year at my fall mini sessions and thank goodness this little gem brought her same porcelain doll expressions and signature floral pants…this time with added wrist bling! One year older and still the reigning queen of toddler style!

She wasn’t too sure about me as the first images took place, so I tucked the camera away and we picked a few flowers together. She didn’t let go of those flowers the entire shoot and I won’t let go of my smile thinking about that.

If you ever get the chance to hang out with a toddler and simply shadow them as they explore nature, I highly recommend it. I have no doubt that you will learn a few things about simplicity and slowing down. Until then, here’s a few images of what that feels like…