Family is not about acting perfect all the time and family pictures are not for sitting still and staying clean. Do what feels good to you. 

We wanted to play, so that's just what we did. A little chasing, a little running, a little laughing and of course a little pouting is always good to throw in the mix, too. All basic ingredience

to showcase a family full of life and love. 

more magic. more magic. more magic. I love people with 4 children. They just don't sweat the small the small stuff. I think God allows me to be around incredible moms and dads of four for a reason! What is that reason, you ask? It makes me thankful for my simple little life with only 2. :)  Though I could use some of the calmness that all these parents seem to have in common (not to mention the organization! wow!)

This. 

If you love up on your family and play like this, you should totally call us. We eat this stuff for lunch. ;) Love it, love it, love it. Want some more of it! ooooooweee!

There's a quiet magic when a new baby comes home. Sure, sure, it's loud sometimes, too...and honestly I'm not sure that families see much of this, but I certainly do. I see cozy and careful and teeny tiny and awkward and fragile and strange, yet familiar and hard to juggle and in the end, I see it as the most perfect gift that families receive. Here's a great example of what that looks like through my lens. 

Birthday parties are nuts. I love them. Kids going everywhere, in this case, water going everywhere, food, party favors, cupcakes and a whole lotta lovin' goin' on!

You have to look at this last image. Like really look at it. It steals my heart. Maybe it's just where I am right now with my kids, I don't know...but he's (the daddy) just helped bday girl (the daughter) take off her cover up so she could run off with her friends. And there she goes...and there he stands alone. I should get into writing mushy novels. hahaaaaa...with my excellent writing skills and all, right! (PS, if you read this blog and you've never met me, when we meet you'll truly know me because my typing truly fits my daily speech. Good. Bad or indifferent, it just is. )

Anyway. I hope you enjoy the bday party! It was a scorcher, but tons and tons of fun for everyone.