< fancy family >

This family is fancy.  From the gorgeous antique piano in their front room to the ruffley cardigans the girls were wearing.  Maybe I'll be this cool when I grow up:)  It was so fun taking a bunch of family photos with you.  Thank you!

< arrived >

Remember this family?  Well, their baby boy arrived a couple of days ago, and I got to visit them in the hospital for a mini session before they come home.  I was so impressed with how relaxed everyone was, especially mom.  When I showed up, she was all dressed and looked like a normal person!  Actually, not just normal, but BEAUTIFUL!  All you moms out there know how impressive that is, right?

Congratulations!  He's beautiful!  And I can't wait to see him in a few days at home.

< the whole lot >

I got back together with this family to take pictures of the oldest brother (who, by the way, was as cooperative and polite as his younger siblings!), so I thought I'd sneak in a few more pictures of the younger ones to finish out the set.  Seriously, being with these amazing reminded me why I love this so much.  It was photography therapy for me.

< kids >

I get to teach this little boy at church every Sunday and I openly admit he is one of my favorites.  He's so sweet and never causes trouble.  Ever.  And I was so happy that these pictures captured him so well.  At least I think so.  He and his older sister were so easy to photograph!  I seriously sat them down, they smiled,  I took a few pictures, and we were done.  There was no coaxing or tricking or distracting.  And their baby sister has the brightest smile!  Oh, I had so much fun with them this morning.

< more special friends >

I love this family.  The parents are the most chill, laid back, awesome people I know.  And I miss them so much.  Two days after we moved to Elkhart, they invited us over for dinner, and the mom took me to an Asian market that week.  I was so amazed by their inviting but non-intrusive way, and I want to be like them when I grow up.  And can't you just tell how much their boys LOVE their parents?  They can't get enough of them.  I think that's the best sign of a beautiful family.

< my beautiful little niece >

My sister and her baby came to visit me a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, and I feel so bad that I'm FINALLY getting to these pictures.  She's changed a lot since the last time I saw her.  She still has those gorgeous icy-blue eyes, but she's a whole lot chubbier and such a sweet, content little girl.  I miss her so much already.  Love you guys!