They were getting ready to say goodbye to Ryan who is going on a 2 year mission to Argentina. In fact he’s already gone as I write this because it took me so long to get this blog post up. It was a gorgeous night at their magnificent home. Everything about it is beautiful, and so is the family that lives in it.

Jennifer and Bob grew up here in California loving the beach and all that it has to offer. They came back to visit for a couple of weeks this summer, and in between visits with family and Disneyland they squeezed in a photo session.  Not only was it at the beach which they love, but it was their first family photos with 2 year old little Kenna who joined their family when she was just 7 months old.

Jennifer and Bob, your family was so fun to meet, and beautiful in every way. I hope you’re adjusted back to life at home, and school is a blast this year for the kids.

I spent the evening at the beach with this beautiful family from Las Vegas. I love the shots we got, but the session was not without its challenges. First of all it seemed like everyone and their mother, grandmother, and cousin was at the beach that night. It made navigating through the crowds a little tough. The sun was out, but it was chilly. It was so chilly I felt like I needed my coat… in July. Finally, our session was cut short when little baby Dean started to turn bright red. He may have had an allergic reaction to some sun block. Luckily he was OK, and no harm was done.

You guys look amazing. Have fun on the rest of your vacation!

…and finally, the last shot of the night.

Four generations, and both sides of the family were on hand last weekend at Mika’s house. Even though it was one of the hottest days of the year, and their air conditioner wasn’t working Mika’s eyes would light up like nothing else when she smiled.

Her proud parents.

Her great grandmother, and her grandmother

Her uncle

Her cousin, and another uncle. You have to love the t-shirt. When I saw it I told him I needed one of those for my kids. (I did get one with his face, don’t worry).

Mika’s aunt, uncle, and 2 cousins

One year ago I was honored to meet Claire, and take her newborn pictures. It was so fun to go back and see her a year later along with her big brother. She’s just on the brink of walking, and stays very busy. Happy birthday Claire!

Patty emailed me about a session for her family. Her husband was being deployed very soon to Afghanistan, and she wanted pictures of the three of them he left. It was an honor for me to spend the morning with them capturing their sweet little family. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for everything.

Without a doubt this next one is my favorite.

This is the reaction I always get when I say Tim will do a little dance for them.  Of course he never actually does dance, but the thought of it is enough to make my clients laugh.

Laura wrote me back in November about her friend Maria and her family. She wanted to nominate her friend’s family for my annual Giving is Awesome session. I’m so glad she did. This family has been through so much in such a short period of time. Here is an exerpt from Laura’s letter to me.

“…. a typical family really, only tragedy keeps landing on this families plate. Tragedy struck only a few months after Ryan and Hailey were born. Hailey began feeling sick with a fever in which doctors passed off as the flu, October 4th 2006. She was in critical condition & was not expected to make it through the night. She was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of Leukemia ( Infant ALL with the MLL gene) Her twin brother Ryan was not a bone marrow match and in 2007 they had to go with a not positive match to save Hailey’s life. Hailey is now 3 years old but has been on basically isolation her whole life. She is at home with her family and we are grateful everyday for that.

Maria goes through so much everyday taking care of Hailey who can be a little bit crazy due to the medications she is on and also taking care of Ryan who is just as full of energy. The twins hardly get much sleep so Maria hardly gets any sleep and work has been rough.

This family has touched my heart since knowing them in 2006 when the twins were a mere 6 months old. They have become a second family to me and my heart aches everyday when they are going through a rough time. She is a great mom she is like a second mom to me, no matter how tired she is, how stressed out she can get, she is the most strong woman I know. I don’t know how she does it. But she does it. I have never in my life met or respected someone as much as I do her and her family and I hope that if you do choose this family you get to experience the awesomeness of the family that I get to everyday.”

We were able to do our photo session this past week at the beach. It was the twins very first time there, and they were incredibly excited. It was so fun for me to see them experience the water, sea life, and everything the beach offers for the very first time. I’m honored to share this sweet family with you.

Todd called me to ask about a photo session with his mother. He and his family were coming to visit, and he wanted his mother to have some custom portraits for Mother’s Day. Of course I was more than happy to help them out. When they arrived I was laughing within the first couple of minutes, and I just knew it would be a great session. They did not disappoint.

The little guy cracks me up in this one. I think he had reached his limit.

I know as a wife and mother there is nothing as touching and special to me than to see the love between my children and their father. I am blessed beyond measure to have a husband who is completely devoted to his role as the father of our children. Every weeknight around 5:30 the kids hear the garage door open, drop what they are doing, and run out to give their dad a big hug and tell him all about their day.  I know they will never doubt that their father loves them unconditionally because he shows them every single day.  I know I’m the luckiest woman in the world to have someone who helps me raise our children as much as Tim does.

My job allows me a peak into your world. I get to see fathers and their children all the time, and I never tire of it. I went through some of my files and came across these photos of fathers with their children. I sadly realized I don’t have a recent one of me with my own father, and that made me very sad. I’m going to fix that, and get back to you. Until then enjoy these fathers and their babies, and have a very happy Father’s Day.

Hunter has 2 brothers that are as handsome and charming as he is. They were a lot of fun to photograph. They had me laughing the whole time.

Meet Lila. How could you not love her?

What a view they have on their property.

Thank you again for such a great time Hunter’s family. We already ate up all the blood oranges that taste so sweet it’s like eating candy. I can’t wait to dive into those avocados.