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.

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.

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.

Vivi is independent – She knows what she wants. Some would call her stubborn, but I like to think she’s strong. She’s not intimidated by older children (ie, her sister) and will put her foot down. She is insistent on doing things herself, whether it be getting in her car seat, brushing her teeth, going up the stairs, or swimming in the pool.

She loves music – We sing together each night. Her favorite princess is Sleeping Beauty – She calls her “I know yooo” from the song in the movie. She will cover her mouth when she laughs or when she’s excited. I love when she says “Oh, no!” It’s amazing how she already loves dresses and looking pretty. Her crazy dance moves are too funny. She lights up when she sees any character from Toy Story and will say Wee-how (yee-haw) when she sees a horse. She insists on wearing those stretchy headbands around her head like a crown. When she runs, she swings just one arm. The funniest thing she does is show us her “muscles.”

She’s making her way in the world, so look out world!

Georgie is so much like her Dada: Silly to the core, but sweet and nurturing. She has an innate understanding of feelings and emotions and is super intuitive. She loves life and is forever positive. She often tells me: “It’s okay, Mama.” Her favorite color is pink (she will only dive for the pink rings in swim class). She loves being the big sister and is a very good teacher. She knows that Jesus loves her…and Mama and Dada and Vivi and Ollie. Her memory amazes us. She will sees/hear things not mention them until days later. She wants to play soccer for the “soccer socks, t-shirt with my name on the back and the pretty shoes with the pokey things on the bottom. She likes going anywhere and is along for the adventure. It might be in her genes, but she’s very visual and really good at puzzles. She cannot go to bed without ‘big hugs’ and a song sung from the Disney princess collection. Not shy, she is always the first to volunteer.

We have so much fun together and I cherish each moment.

When we’re not talking about books, it’s music. Specifically bands. Jessica and her husband, Kevin, are huge Dave Matthews Band fans. It’s a major part of their relationship and played a very large role in how they met. You can read about it on Jessica’s blog here. So, I was processing these images and listening to Pandora like I usually do. When I clicked on the image of Jessica and Kevin holding Jenna, a Dave Matthews Band song played. Needless to say, I got a little teary-eyed. This little baby is so special to them. I love seeing a new family, a new beginning. And Jenna is beautiful—I mean, seriously, look at those lips!

He adores snuggling with Mama and playing with his Dada (and LOVES to jump on their bed!). Their joy is contagious and I can’t help but smile when I see these photos. So much love and so much laughter—such a great gift.

And we can’t forget another important member of the family, their Bull Mastiff, Harrigan. Andrew simply adores him – They are soooo cute together.