< 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!

< love them >

Some more of friends from my old home.  Gosh it was good to see them all.

I've talked about these guys before (many times) because I've had the privilege of documenting their family since before their sweet little girl was born.  I miss living closer to them and watching her grow.  She is SO beautiful, isn't she?

I sure miss you guys.

< elkhart friends >

We visited some dear friends back in our old stomping grounds, and took some family photos.  I love my friends there.  We were so blessed to be associated with them.

Here's one of my best friends and her beautiful family.  I've shared pictures of them on here before.  It's crazy how fast these kids grow up!  But then I remember I have kids pretty much the same age as her younger two, so it really shouldn't surprise me that much.

Next time I visit (hopefully really soon), I'm taking more individual pictures of your kids!  But I'm glad we had a few minutes to get a family photo for your beautiful new home.  Love you guys!

< big sister >

This cute little family is about to welcome a baby boy in the next few weeks.  This little girl is so smiley and happy and playful, and we had so much fun.  And isn't mom so beautiful?  Sheesh, I wish I could look that cute when I'm pregnant;)

Congratulations, guys!  I can't wait to meet your little boy.  Hopefully sooner rather than later, right?