Can't leave out Ridout...

The sound of her voice told me the answer I needed to know.

But I asked anyway...

"Class of 2015 or Class of 2016?"

The tone of Mama Tina's voice had already given me the "I know I'm WAY late" inflections that indicated that this was long overdue, but being thorough like I am, I still had to make sure.

For you see, we're already fielding many calls for for NEXT year's senior class wanting to book their senior portraits for this summer or fall.  Early birds trying to get the worm, as it were.   But that wasn't the case here.   Tina was finally getting around to setting up her son, Ethan's session... just a few months now from graduation (not that anyone's counting down or anything!).

Better late than never, however... Mr. Ridout was finally in the house.   It mighta been 8 a.m., bone chilling cold, and the morning after a controversial finish ended he and his teammate's final season of basketball... but I have to give the guy credit... he reported for duty with a smile on his face.

So, I got the low down on how the game went on the hardwood for Ethan and some of my Stewart Photography brothas, Bryce, Bridger and Matt, the night before.   Turns out a three-pointer at the buzzer by Ethan's future college roomy at UNI (the aforementioned Bryce Newcomb) was waved off as it splashed through the net, preventing the Wolverines a shot at an extra stanza and a chance to extend their season.

It wasn't meant to be, apparently, and perhaps it was a blessing in disguise as the winner was rewarded with a trip to face No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the next round... and besides... Ridout needed his sleep!  :)

As I mentioned, not surprisingly, it was one of those -10 below windchill mornings that we've been having seemingly every day for weeks lately.  Nevertheless, I told Ethan if he was willing... I'd give it a shot on each of his outfits on trying to get SOME outdoor stuff.   Mama Tina was a bit hesitant... but also went along for the ride.

All it took was about ONE outfit for the three of us to decide that we had had enough outdoor images for the day... and it was indoor the rest of the way out... and no one seemed to mind much.  (Ever toted around a metal tripod in these conditions?  I wouldn't recommend it)

In the comforts of the friendly confines of Stewart Photography, Ethan and I talked Wolverine athletics... his scary injury this past football season (where he got a little ambulance ride) to track... to the aforementioned hoops.   Toss in some Hawkeye hardwood discussion... and it was like I was right back in the throws of busy senior season all over again.

Reality is that this was just a pleasant surprise at the end of yet another frigid February.   The ten day forecast tells me that 50s and maybe even some 60s are in order next week... and yes, Ethan's preview book is ready for pickup.   Things are definitely on the upswing!