Family Pictures: An Evolution

When we had our first baby, Hunter, the cool thing as far as family pictures goes was to have them taken in a Target Portrait Studio or something of the like. By the time the next one rolled around (exactly 53 weeks later) we had discovered the miracle of outdoor pictures done by a real life family photographer. We did those consistently for a few years and then all of a sudden, we stopped. Right when we had a great reason to keep getting them, we stopped. The birth of our baby girl sent us into family picture hiding. Well, almost 3 years later, we FINALLY had our beloved photos taken again and I could not be happier. We always seem to find a photographer that meets our exact need at just the right time. Here is the evolution of our family pictures.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2014

2015

2016-Idaho

It's fun to see the progression of our little family in pictures. They are my pride and joy. My life.

I really wanted our clothes to be subtle this year. Understated. Understated doesn't have to mean boring though. By adding patterns in neutral colors, it kept things from being bland. Stripes, gingham, and a subtle aztec pattern added just the right amount of depth to keep me interested.

Did I mention our photographer was seriously great!?! We had just met her and when she mentioned she was a budding photographer, I knew we had to take advantage of her talents before she took off back to Idaho. Boy am I glad we did! Seriously, if you're in Eastern Idaho, snag a slot before she's booked! Her info is right here

What We Wore 2015
The Hubs: Shirt-Old Navy (similar here) Jeans-Levis, Shoes-1901; Moi: Shirt-Loft (similar here) Skinnies-Old Navy (similar here) Sandals-Saltwaters, Necklace- Jungwha (3 rings for my 3 babies) Watch- Fossil (similar here); Hunter: Shirt-Target (similar styles here and here) Shorts- H&M Shoes-Children's Place (similar here); Nash: Shirt-Target, Shorts-Crazy8, Sandals-Saltwaters; Sadie: Shirt-Swallow's Return (my favorite shirt EVER) Bubble Shorts-Old Navy (similar here) Sandals-Saltwaters

Not sure if you noticed, but just about EVERYTHING is no longer availabe. Wanna know why!?! We already had ALL of it!!! I did not have to go out and purchase a single thing for our pictures this year! As much fun as it is to go shopping (believe you me!) it was FANTASTIC to be able to walk into each of our closets and find clothes that were picture ready! Give it a try. You might surprise yourself.

Photographers Over the Years

2008-Target Portrait Studio

2009 & 2010- Cami @ Captivated Candids

2011- Aunt Nikki

2014- Bob Kaufman (also did our wedding photos 10 years ago)

2015- Melissa @ Melissa Hill Photography (was in AZ for a short while, but is back in Eastern Idaho. I'm hoping she comes back to us!)

That Moment

You know that moment when your baby boy is sleeping and you're peeking through the crack in the door to see if he's awake? You sneak in and can't help but be in total and complete awe of the gentleness of that baby. That baby that you made from scratch. While he sleeps and dreams of dinosaurs, monster trucks, blocks and dirt, he's a tiny angel that you've been blessed with. While he sleeps, he's not the domestic terrorist that he seems to be in daylight. Dumping corn flakes and rice all over the living room because he refuses to keep his food in the kitchen. Making water messes in the kitchen because he's a big boy now and won't use a lid. Scattering cars and trucks to all corners of the house that you will inevitably find in the dark with your bare feet on your way to bed. No. That's not who he is when he sleeps. It's then that you know that he came from the Heavens and is truly your little angel. You remember all of the good things about him. His helping hands. His "big squeezers" that make all the world seem right. His Irish eyes that twinkle like his Great Grandpa's. His never ending love for his brother. And you. While he sleeps, you remember that he's your everything. While he sleeps you remember that you know his whole story and the only one who ever will. While he sleeps, you remember why you wanted to be a mother in the first place and your heart is so full you can't even stand it.