These Families

I've loved getting to know so many different families this fall.  Sure, I'm giddy about 'wrapping it all up' before the magic of the season starts but for now I'm thrilled to introduce...

this couple who invited me to photograph their 50th Wedding Anniversary Vow Renewal.



I was concentrating on my shots but at the same time picturing them 50 years ago at the start of it all.



And here they are still holding hands and looking into each others eyes.  With 50 years of memories, had work I'm sure, love, trials, joy and a closeness I could feel.



I asked them to tell me their story.  And it was beautiful.  Oh how I loved hearing what they were thinking and going through when they were in the stage and age that I'm in now.



For the bits of wisdom they shared with me I am grateful





And then these families met me at a local park for a mini photo shoot for their Christmas cards.















More giggles, more laughter, more family love.









From toddlers (boy how they made me run)





to preteens



and everything in between.





With instruments and marriage







and family pets too.





And this one shocked me.  One family brought along a big surprise for me.  My best friend from second grade.  And her gorgeous daughter.



I cried when I saw her.  Neighbors who played every single day growing up until we went to different high schools and then off into the world.



But while I was chasing her little girl we still remembered all of the songs we used to sing, the names we used when we 'played school' and the innocent mischief we'd get into.



While I married the boy just walking distance from her house, she made her home in a different part of the country.  And let me tell you that 20+ year hug was looooong overdue.  (darn, I wish I snapped a picture of me and Melanie!)





There was this sweet family with the most darling boys.







And their 4 year old who took a 'second try' to open up to me ended up melting my heart with the twinkle in his eye.











And this newborn only days old all dressed and ready for Christmas.





Oh holding him to move him into each spot was delicious





I'm grateful for this family for trusting me with their first little love



And for this Mom (no we didn't us this photo of course) for matching the outfits, coordinating the nap schedule, getting them to the park, running after them, and doing it all with a smile.



And then she did it again the next week to get this shot.  (It was worth it Jamie!)





And while I still have some slideshow viewings and Christmas card orders to fill and finish up I can say for now until the end of 2013... IT"S A WRAP!