Sister, cousin, best friends.

My sister is one of the most resilient & strongest women I know. My niece is one of the most intelligent & spunky little girls I know. God has blessed me with a sister who is also my best friend, and the our daughters are quickly becoming best friends as well. {It makes my heart so happy.}

After the Wilson family session, I took a half hour to snap a few shots of these two beautiful ladies…

I’m pretty sure some tickling was involved in the photo below. ;)

The photo below just may be my favorite photo of all time. Oh how absolutely stunning are they…

I’m so thankful to God for blessing my daughter and I with our best friends. <3

Wilson family photos year two.

Last year, I took a few photos for the Wilson Family...

I was honored when they asked to do a repeat session this year. I don’t get to do many photos sessions lately with my work schedule. I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but I love taking pictures for friends outdoors. It was a real treat to get outside in the beautiful Fall weather with this family.

One year older, the boys were a bit more energetic, so I have quite a few silly outtakes with some hilarious expressions, but I think we managed to capture a few “normal” smiles from the bunch.

When Eugene saw the picture below, he told me the tree looked fake. It’s real – I promise. Pinterest has it wrong; God does the best ombre!

I love how much fun he had throwing the leaves!

We tried for a leaf pic with all three kiddos, but she was the only one cooperating. She was so content just hanging out on her belly!

The Wilson’s are actually adding to their family. I’m looking forward to seeing the changes from these photos to next year’s with a family of 6. :)

I figured this one would be appropriate to end with since it pretty much sums up life for us young parents. Kids running in every direction, and all we can do to keep sane is smile at each other and soak in the moment. I hope you enjoy your photos, Wilson family!

Madeline Costumes.

I think my sister and I may have set the bar too high with last year’s costumes…

This year I knew I had to work a ton and my sister works lots too {which leaves less time to create costumes}, so we didn’t quite achieve “chicken level” with this year’s costumes, but they turned out pretty cute.

I picked up some blue dresses from a thrift store, and my sister got some white Easter hats from JCP. We added some red ribbon, white tights, and yellow coloring for the hats, and we ended up with our version of Madeline.

P.S. if you try to make this costume – RIT dye will not work on the hats. I tried twice. I ended up using spray paint…not sure how kid-safe that is, but they only wore them for a really brief time since it was such a cold evening.

These cousins absolutely love each other. Best friends, {just like their mommas.}

They crack me up. When they’re together, it’s nothing but smiles & giggles. {Wondrous thing for sure!} Happy Halloween to you - from our little Madelines! :)

My Family & Fall.

Since I was already going to the Park to take pictures of my best friend’s family, I figured I should pounce on the opportunity to have my family meet me there afterwards and take a few of us. Eugene’s lovely sister snapped some shots for me.

We got some Fall family photos last year at this time, and it’s so fun to see how much the little one has changed!

Best friend mini-mini session.

My best friend asked me for a quick photo session instead of a gift for little Brooks’ birthday present. And by quick, I mean real quick. With two energetic little guys, we had to move fast and cross our fingers that a few of the shots would actually turn out.

Here’s the beautiful family…

The little one loves hanging with Griff & Brooks. Aren’t they so handsome?

I love that Brooks and his daddy have the such similar expressions in the photo below!

Eh, got 3 out of 4 to look at the camera. ;)

And this pic below cracks me up…classic toddler, heading straight for the “do not enter.”

The photo below is just a candid one, but I thought it was cute so I included it.

True friends are a rare find. Eugene & I have been friends with this family since we were just babies hanging out after a high school football game, long before any of us even dreamed of growing families of our own. I am so thankful for this family – for their friendship, for their Godly model, for the full times of silly laughter we’ve shared all these years.