...Family Photo Shoot

I love that we got our dog Belle, in this picture. When we took our Christmas picture it was too hard to get her into the Japanese garden where we took our pictures so now it feels like we have our whole fam in this picture.

This is such a Chase moment. I can't tell you how often I see this face and the thought runs through my mind..."Could he really be 7 already." He is growing so quickly but each day is an adventure we look forward to!

My Miaja. The only "girl"...other than our dog, Belle and myself...Miaja has learned to be both very gentle and nurturing but don't be fooled, she holders her own in a wrestling match!

"So if I hold still for this picture what can I get away with while their taking everyone else's pictures???"....I know it terrible but this is written all over by adorable baby boys mischievous face:)

Nothing more important, nothing more valuable, nothing meaningful than my amazing children and their father.

With all the energy that Thomas has he is quite consistent about one thing...he always has a hug and kiss for mom. he be wildly playing and grab onto my knees and squeeze tight while saying, "mom, I wuv you." I live for those moments.

Jaron is truly my partner in everything I do. We have grown together in so many senses of that word...grow. He amazes me, surprise me, fills me with laughter and keeps me movin'. I am so grateful for my husband.

These really are the moments I want to remember when I have white hair and have probably lost most of my memories....the times we all got to laugh together, without a care in the world. It really is quite simple isn't it.

Oh Ayden, my steady, sweet kind little boy. He's always surprising me with his quiet curiosity and unrelenting patience, (with his little brother especially:)) We love our Ayden!

Love this dimples on Miaja...she loves to run and is always asking me when she'll be old enough to wake-up at 5am and go jogging with me. I must admit...I look forward to her company.

I love this picture

My baby (Thomas loves to remind me that he is no longer a baby)...

My young man

My little boy...

My little lady...

Recently out neighbor, who is an international photographer from England, offered to take our families pictures. I was so nervous because although I am wildly proud of my husband and children I get so uncomfortable having my picture taken, especially by a "professional". Well, after taking him some goodies for Christmas he said that that was the final straw and the next Sunday he took our pictures after church. We had such a great time and even better...I am currently getting some awesome tutoring on how to better take photos myself. Thanks Jeff!
***Jeff took nearly 650 pictures and he brought a drive over to our house that very night with all of the pictures and some of his favorite in black & white. He is amazing!