Sometimes, the best way to capture the stage of life in a child's life is to allow them to just play and enjoy life. After a few attempts at getting these three to sit still, mom and dad wisely agreed that maybe we should just let them play on the shore of the Mississippi River in Hastings near the Lock & Dam Two. I find kids come alive in play, so capturing their curiosity and wonder for life in this stage of life sometimes documents them better than any other way. It's not just about capturing the moment this way, but creating a special moment as well.

The first time I met the Ghandours was at their eldest’s newborn portraits in their condominium home in Hastings. A few years later, we reconnected for family photos when their middle man came into the world. We met up last fall to take some fun family mini portraits. Now, they have welcomed baby Layla, and it was fun to be welcomed into their new home here in Cottage Grove.

Whether it’s “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…” or “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” it looks like we might just get our wish this year as I overlook the fresh snow clinging on to the branches of the trees with the freshly rising sun making it sparkle in the new day’s light. There is something beautiful about this time of year, something special about the world being covered in snow, something refreshing about the deafening of the regular noise that a new snow brings. It’s partly why I love Minnesota so much. The idea of not regularly getting to experience the slowdown of the snow season and soak up the warm cuddles, hot cocoa, and wonder of a fresh snow? No, thank you. I think the Hobbs share this sentiment, which is why they requested some family portraits taken in the fun of the snow.

Ah, the smell of newborn babies. You can’t help but love them, and this little lady is no exception! I think she might get the award for the easiest baby ever in a newborn session – I heard a cry once, and otherwise she slept through the entire thing! We met in the family’s home as they expressed that their heart was to cover the everyday life and real relationships more than the posed, studio style newborn photos. I could not agree more! It is so fun to capture all of the little one’s little features and how quickly they will grow, but it is, in my opinion, so much more fun to capture them in these lifestyle sessions.

You can’t help, but love couples in love. This is totally how we feel about Ethan and Kirstin! We first met these two when they were looking for wedding photographers. We felt like we were good fits for each other and scheduled their engagement portraits – in fact, it’s the only session we’ve ever brought a kid on! Our sweet little Chloe was only a few weeks old, and we weren’t up to leaving the sitter with her and her two older brothers, so Mark wore her during the engagement shoot, and she slept like a little trooper. Before we knew it, their wedding day had come and gone and, now, here we are taking on their in-home lifestyle portraits with their precious baby girl.