I’d like to think she thought I was cool from the very beginning. 8 years ago I met Ellie while photographing her family in Ames, IA. Ellie was working her way up in the gymnastics world, and I let her know I had been a gymnast as well. As she curiously asked what skills I did, her eyes lit up as I’m sure she hoped to be there one day. Well that she did. She became a rising star gymnast… a girl with a great floor routine and beautiful lines. I can’t believe 8 years have passed and she is working on the next chapter in her life. College! I got to catch up with her as she visited my alma mater, The Univeristy of Minnesota, and got a taste of the big city. This outgoing, charismatic beauty is going to bring a little shine wherever she goes. (Clearly I’m voting for MN!!)  So excited to share a snippet of our Friday night out on the town. She is too much fun. Way to rock it, Ellie!

Clearly a gymnast. She wanted to climb up on everything. Here doing a little strut walk in the downtown streets. Yes, I had to. This was the adorable face that I first met. Same personality, just a little more grown up now:)