Turning Two in "Happy Valley"

What surprises me the most is how fast children grow! I met Miss Bella just about a year ago. At that time she was a smiley little girl who was extremely curious about the world around her. Just about ready to walk, she would crawl or couch surf to her desired destination. Fast forward a year later and she is still a smiley little girl with a desire to explore. However, this time she was a walking and talking machine! Carrying her Ariel princess doll and requesting to watch Miss Piggy on the TV, Miss Bella had some personality and I couldn't wait to photograph it! Bella was definitely ready for her close up this time around. She was already posing and saying "cheeeeeeese!" This was going to be a fun day!

Bella's parents are huge (and I mean HUGE) Penn State fans! Naturally our first stop on the tour of State College had to be the Nittany Lion Shrine. If you're unfamiliar with this sculpture, it is a large mountain lion made by Heinz Warneke which is located on the main campus of Penn State University. Did you know it's the second most photographed landmark in Pennsylvania, behind the Liberty Bell?? I had no idea! Bella didn't know what to think of the nittany lion. Getting her to stand by the lion proved to be a little challenging. We did manage to get a few pictures of her! After our stop at the Lion Shrine we went to the Nittany Lion Inn which is another popular landmark on campus. Bella enjoyed running around, laying in the grass, and playing with the chain fence. Like I mentioned before, she is a curious little girl!

After exploring the Nittany Lion Shrine and Inn, we were off to the Arboretum. Since the last time I visited they have added a whole new area for children and Bella, like me, was very excited to return! We had a great afternoon rolling around the grass, wading in the creek, and exploring the ins and outs of this beautiful garden. At first I tried to get Bella to sit, but after a few pictures I realized this was going to be a "chase and click" kind of session which I love.  Photographing children often involves throwing that game plan out the window and just winging it. I had a wonderful time with Bella and her parents. At the end of our afternoon I was rewarded by a Bella hug! I'm completely exhausted but I absolutely love all the photographs from our day. I hope you enjoy them too. Welcome to Bella's photo session at Penn State University! 

We are...Penn State! Little girl and her lion Bella and the Nittany Lion Inn Bella and her Doggy Enjoying the Sun Playing in the Lily Pond Bella and the Creek Family Kisses