the wetterlings: family.

It must be said, I absolutely and positively adore this family. The Wetterlings are as good as they come.

For the last 3 years, I have had the honor of photographing them, and it means the world to me when a family invites me back into their lives year after year.

The photo session this year did not exactly go as planned. Frigid temps, intense wind, and a 2 year old don't always play nice together. Finn wasn't really having it and decided being in the warm car was a much better option then enduring the ridiculous weather. 

After the session was over, Trish and I talked about maybe doing a round 2 and trying to get some more photos, but at the end of the day, she decided the pictures we got were perfect and no more were needed. 

Family photos are not about perfect smiles, ideal temperatures, and coordinating outfits.

They are about showing the love that binds people together. They are about documenting a time in our lives that is special and valuable, albeit fleeting. They are about the memories we create when we show up and choose to be exactly who we are.

Wetterlings, I know this year has been hard and maybe Finn wasn't too keen on giving a perfect smile, but I think these photos are perfect. Your family is strong and kind and beautiful, and I am so thankful that year after year you invite me to be a part of the legacy you are creating.

the stocktons: family.

I don't remember exactly when I first met Jenny, but I do know that she's the type of person you like instantly. She's authentic, kind, funny, and just so easy to be around. She's the real deal.

She recently added another superpower to her list of talents, and it's called "being the mom of two humans." I'm over here barely getting by with one, and she went off and had a second. 

Jenny and her husband Dan welcomed their second little one, Naomi, a couple of weeks ago, and she is perfect. Big brother Abe is taking his new role and like a champ and is already her biggest fan. He's also super adorable. 

I loved spending last Saturday morning at their place. It's not easy to have a toddler and newborn, and Dan and Jenny are doing such a good job. They really make it look easy, although I know it's anything but that. 

Thank you Stocktons for inviting me into your home and not letting me leave empty handed (I got two new books to help me get out of my current reading slump). I hope you these photos remind you of this magical time of sleep deprivation and a whole lot of love.

the roberts: family.

I met Jacci a few years ago when we were both in what we affectionately deemed the "girly girls club." Every month or so we would get together, each with a personal favorite item in tow, and share it with the group. There were snacks, drinks, and favorite items ranging from candy to toilet paper. We covered everything.

It's been a long time since our "girly girl club" days though, so it was so great to see Jacci again and meet her husband Ben, and their little guy Cyrus. He was the most adorable and busy little guy, and I had a wonderful time catching up with Jacci as we walked around downtown last Sunday.

Life with a one year old is never easy and always full speed ahead, but it was clear how much love they have. It's the sustaining and true kind of love. 

Thank you Roberts for choosing me to document your family. Your time is so precious, and I'm so thankful to have been able to document this sacred time in your lives. 

abigail sremba: family.

This is my niece Abigail's second time on the blog. Mostly because she's a pretty big deal, and at 3 1/2 months old, she is already winning hearts and taking names. We all adore her.

Last weekend, I went over to her house to take some photos of her and her parents. She thankfully obliged all our demands, and seemed to enjoy another opportunity to practice her modeling skills. 

She loved the sound of the camera and made sure to make eye contact with it in just about every photo. With me as her aunt and her dad who is an amazing photographer around, it's a good thing she doesn't seem to mind the camera in her face at every turn.

I'm so thankful that Nick and I get to figure out this whole parenting gig with Matt and Leighann in the exact same boat. We've already decided that Nora and Abigail will definitely be partners in crime (only good crime though, of course:)