Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Summer Vacation | California

Something about summer always brings back memories of childhood. I remember other seasons, but summer is particularly vivid. Vacation, freedom, sun tea on the deck, hearing the screen door slam, writing and rewriting my birthday list, running through the sprinkler and hopping on my bike (it was thrilling). Days where your bathing suit was your outfit for the day and it was perfectly acceptable. Those summers of my youth. Every summer I’m reminded and think fondly of my 6-year-old self. I hope my girls can have similar memories.

In May, we visited Southern California. Where I was born. Our honeymoon destination. In-N-Out Burger. Needless to say, it holds a very special place in our hearts. Jonah packed just one camera and three rolls of film. 36 shots. Georgie lining up smooth rocks in the sand; Vivi running to the ocean and falling in the ocean; The girls giggling as they walked through the grass barefoot; Their glee upon entering Disneyland and meeting Goofy. I cherish each moment.

Orange County Carlsbad California Beach with colorful striped chair against the pacific ocean

Two girls playing in the sand at the Carlsbad Orange County California Beach

Toddler girl pouring sand into bucket on Carlsbad beach near California ocean

Young girls playing in sand at California beach with mom under a sun umbrella

Girl playing in sand at Orange County California Beach at sunset

girl smiling in front of California palm tree

Girls standing and smiling in grassy area at California resort

Girl in yellow dress smiling and standing barefoot on sidewalk

Two girls smiling in front of Disneyland entrance in California

Family smiling for a picture with Goofy at Disneyland

Girls smiling on main street in front of Cinderella's castle at Disneyland California

Sisters wearing mickey mouse ears smiling in front of Astro Orbiter at Disneyland

Sisters in Mickey Mouse ears smiling in front of California Adventure Disneyland

Amanda and Jasen | Maternity Photography

Amanda is my cousin. At the age of three, she was my very first friend. Growing up in the California desert, we spent endless hours playing together. My family moved away when I was five, but we’d see each other every couple of years, each growing a bit taller and older. Then life moved fast. We each went to college. And got married. By social networking, we have been able to catch up and keep in touch.

Our family met in Southern California for our Grandpa’s 80th Birthday Party/ Family Reunion. Jonah and I had 15 minutes and one roll of film to take a few shots of them and this amazing time in their lives.

Aren’t they a beautiful pair? Jasen is a worship pastor at their church and a talented singer. But what I am most struck by and admire, is his strong character and sincere love for others, especially his wife. Amanda is nurturing and thoughtful—She always has been. My mother likes to tell the story of when I was a newborn and visiting their family. I disappeared and they found Amanda rocking me in her doll cradle. A moment of panic for my mother for sure, but many, many laughs for us in the years that followed. She will be an incredible mother.

I look over these pictures and love pours from my heart. All these years later, and we are privileged and blessed to meet each others children and share in each others lives. It’s so awesome. Amanda and Jasen, we love you and cannot wait to meet your little girl.

Husband and wife hands on pregnant belly

Pregnant woman and husband hug with hands on maternity belly

Pregnant woman standing in grass looking down at maternity belly

Husband hugs wife and cuddles her and holds hands on pregnant belly

Couple sits and hugs in grass holding belly

Husband and wife hug under tree while embracing pregnant belly

Husband kissing wife's neck and hugging pregnant belly and laughing

The Braun Family | Dayton Family Photography

Naturals. Absolute naturals. Cameron and Mindy never seem to have those new parent moments of worry or anxiety. They’re completely calm. And so, so happy to be parents. Cameron is such an excited, joyful father. He even tweets about diaper brands. And Mindy is a natural mother. She’s serene and content with her baby boy. It’s so special to see them as parents. They enjoy each and every minute with their new family.

Holden is a perfect baby. He sleeps through the night, eats well, and has an extremely pleasant demeanor. It’s as if he knows how very much he’s loved. Or maybe it’s genetic. And how sweet is Roxy? There is no doubt that she’s an important part of the family (and she knows it, too!).

Cameron and Mindy are wonderful people and awesome photographers. Beautiful on the inside and out, we’re so thankful and blessed to call them friends.

Young Family holding baby boy in Dayton

Father kissing baby boy son on head and holding up in air

Young family holding newborn baby boy outside in front of house

Mom and Dad holding baby boy

Mother and Father holding baby boy son and kissing

Mother and Father holding baby boy hand smiling

mother holding son over shoulder outside

Family sitting on front porch with baby boy and doga

Family sitting on porch with dog kissing baby boy

Family sitting on step with dog

Family holding baby boy son on steps

Mom and dad holding son over shoulder

Parents holding newborn baby boy over shoulder and smiling

Family holding dog and son in front of house in Dayton

Father changing son's diaper

Dad looking and son blowing raspberries and smiling

Baby boy peering over mom and dad's shoulder

Mom holding baby boy son in front of window and smiling

Family sitting on couch and smiling at baby boy son

Family holding baby boy over their feet

Mom holding newborn baby boy son up over her head in bed

Family laying in bed with baby boy son and smiling

Father holding baby boy son on lap in bed and smiling at him

Mom and Dad smiling at son in bed

Father's hands holding newborn baby boy son

Family laying in bed with baby and dog kissing newborn

Father holding newborn baby boy on bed in front of window

Mom and Dad with baby boy between them sitting on bed and smiling

Family holding baby boy with his feet poking through blanket

Mother holding baby boy over shoulder with close up of hand

Family holding baby boy son in bed and laughing