the mccabes: family.

The McCabes are such a wonderful family. I first met them last year when Liam was just a newborn, and last weekend when I arrived at their new home, I was greeted by an adorable and busy 1 year old. It's truly amazing how much life can change in just a year. 

Katie is the definition of superwoman, as they had just moved into their new home a week before I came to take photos, and everything was already in its place. And to top it off, their front room boasts one of the tallest Christmas trees I've ever seen, at an impressive 12 feet. 

Thank you Katie, Andrew, and Liam for welcoming me into your beautiful new home and choosing me to document your family. I feel so honored, and I hope you treasure these photos for years to come.

the heywoods: family.

Last year, right around this time, I was photographing the Heywood family in their quiet home with a sleepy newborn. He was so tiny and precious and snuggled up in his parents bed. His parents were brand new to the job and were still figuring out all the tricks of the trade.

This year, Grant is a very busy one year old, who loves his ball and balloons, and his parents are old pros! We spent the afternoon together at City Park, trying our very best to make Grant smile despite the cold temperatures. 

Thank you Heywoods for inviting me back to document your beautiful family! Grant is so lucky to have such wonderful parents, and I'm pretty confident you feel just as lucky to have him. 

Enjoy some of my favorites from our time together.

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.