Urban Vision Studios

Cody is a senior, graduating this spring from Palo Verde High School. That is cool… but there are a lot more GREAT things going on in this kid’s life.

It’s not all that common for EXTREME TALENT and UNWAVERING DRIVE and COMMITMENT to collide in one person. Some people have amazing talent, but lack the inspiration to work hard. Others have strong desire and work diligently to achieve goals, but there isn’t enough natural ability to be among the champions.  However, when the whole package is there- incredible things happen.

Cody Miller is in the midst of an incredible swimming career. He has a wall of dozens upon dozens of swimming medals. He is currently a member of the USA Swimming National Youth Travel Team for the 2009-2010 season, competing internationally. He has already gotten experience with the Olympic Qualifiers, in which he qualified to participate in 2008.

Between his on-shore training and his time in the water, Cody averages 25-30 hours a week training. It’s a lot, but for him, it has paid off: His best events are the 100 and 200 breast stroke. He is the current Junior National Long Course Champion in both the 100m and the 200m and he even holds the record in the 15-16 age group 100 Yd Breaststroke and 200 Yd Breaststroke (Dec 2008), he broke Olympian Brendon Hanson’s 10 year records. WOW.

Cody will be attending University of Indiana (Hoosiers) in the Fall on a 5 year full ride scholarship.

Aside from being a stellar, standout athlete, Cody is a down to earth, fun, polite and all around great kid- (sorry ladies, there’s not time for a girlfriend right now). I really enjoyed my time with him in front of my lens and I am excited to watch his future unfold!

Here is taste of what we got:

Ashley is a senior this year! Soon, high school will be FINISHED! WaHOOOO!

My time with Ashley during her session was a lot of fun. She is super sweet and totally down to earth. I would have NEVER guessed that she is a student of TAE KWON DO and has earned her 2nd Degree BLACK BELT! Wowza! For her next photo shoot she is going to bring her SWORDS. I can’t wait to see this!

Ashley brought her dog Mumbo with her for the session. He is adorable and they are super cute together. You can tell she loves him.

In addition to graduating from high school this year, Ashley just recently graduated from the Barbizon Modeling and Acting school as well! So these senior portraits are also the beginnings of a portfolio for her modeling career!

Here is a taste of what we got!

Doesn’t she look like she’s right out of the ‘A Pea in the Pod’ catalog?!!  Seriously.

Years ago, when Desiree married her high school sweetheart, Craig, she told her mom that she wanted to have a baby before she turned 30.   Well guess what: Desiree turns 30 on March 21. She couldn’t be cutting it any closer! The Dr. says that baby Ava could come any day. I am so excited to go back in a couple weeks to meet her. : )

Dez and Craig- I can’t wait for you to be parents. I can’t think of ANYONE I know who would make a better set of parents than the two of you. I am so excited to watch your family grow.

Here is your sneak peek!

Oh how I love this family. And when I say love, this time, I don’t just mean a casual love… I mean a “loving” love. : )

This is my sister-in-law and my niece and nephew. When Stacie and the kids come to visit I get to be called “Auntie”. I LOVE THAT! It has become a post-Christmas treat for Stace and the kids to come and visit us each year. Something that my kids and her kids (and the grown-ups, too) really look forward to. Sometimes we go to snow, sometimes we go share tapas at FireFly (hopefully a new tradition!) and we ALWAYS play at least one board game. Even though it isn’t luxury at the Halvie house- due to lack of beds and shortage of laundered bath towels- we ALWAYS have a blast.

Stacie, you are such a good mommy. I really enjoy watching you be “in charge” while you manage to keep a great friendship with both of your kids. It is awesome. Thanks for coming to visit this year, guys. We love you!!!!!

side note: it is very possible that my photography business could someday have a foothold in the Sacramento, CA area… In approximately 5 years, when the kids are done with school, Scott and I may be relocating to California to live near family. So… Stacie’s Friends: REMEMBER ME. : D

This mama is surprising daddy with photos for father’s day. Awww.

Kathie and her husband are blessed to have this wonderful baby boy and he is blessed to have them. They are a family made in heaven. You see, this little guy is adopted, so to me, the love is extra sweet. Kathie likes to wear a wrap to hold her baby boy. And baby loves it. He has spent much of his 13 months of life wrapped to mama. I can really feel the love between this baby and mama. I think you will be able to see it in the photos.

Friends, family and blog followers- if Kathie and sweet-pea get at least 25 comments, they get a free 5×7 of their choice. Comment away- I’d love to be able to give it to them!

Kari and Bob are having a baby in just a few weeks! WOW.  It is so fun for me to see them starting their family. I’ve known them both for a long time.  I knew them both even when they weren’t yet dating!  Kari has been my boss for about 6 years now…  Bob-O and Kari Borra…. Now Mr. and Mrs. Olsen and soon– baby Kailey.

Bob and Kari- You guys are so much fun. I hope you enjoy and remember these last few weeks of this incredible time of your lives. We all can’t wait to meet Kailey. And we can’t wait to see you be a mommy and a daddy.  xoxo