It's been awhile since I took my daughter out for pictures in a setting other than our home. My husband and I whisked her off to a local playground where some new faces and new playthings proved to be exciting and interesting.

She's hit the 15-month mark, walking, babbling plenty, and tiny as ever. She'll be petite, just like her parents and grandparents. And, of course, that hair is inherited directly, too. Both Stephen and I were quite blond when we were little, so it's only apropos that our little Ruthie is a towheaded adventurer.

We took these photos just around sunset on an overcast day; every now and again some golden light would peek through, generally just enough to warm up Ruthie's face. A breeze kept her hair all crazy and her dress blowing. Best of all, the soft crushed rubber playground surface made for an almost haunting backdrop.