Photographing those I love just fills my heart.

My younger sister, Mary, is four years younger than me. When we were growing up, we had a love-hate relationship. We'd get in big blowout fights and then leave apology notes on each other's pillows, up to the time I got married. When we were young (although I'd like to say I was a little kid, but I was embarrassingly older), I used to beat her up and pay her $1 not to tell on me....little did I know she'd be quite a bit taller than me and could beat me up if she wanted to! ha ha! It's a running joke that she made a fortune off of me.

Over the years, our sisterly relationship outgrew its childish ways and Mary was even my maid of honor when I got married. She's become a great friend and ally, and when I have something important to share, she's top of my list of people to call. If I have to grow older, I'm glad I have her by my side to back me up and tell me I'm not crazy (even if I am).

So when we decided to photograph her family, I was thrilled. Her kiddos crack me up, and they did an AMAZING job at this session. <3

FACT: My little sister is seriously gorgeous. And smart, hardworking, dedicated, athletic, funny, supportive, practical, awesome with her nieces and nephews, ethical, and wise.

ALSO A FACT: she and her boyfriend are the cutest, most awesome couple ever.

FINAL FACT: I've never seen my sister and her boyfriend ever, ever, ever engage in PDA, so now we have proof!

Growing up, my sister Kelly was like my own little baby, my buddy, my fellow superstar. We were together all. the. time. And I loved every minute of it. Now she is my daughter's godmother and my kiddos looove when she babysits. She asked me recently to photograph her and her boyfriend of five (I think?) years, and of course, when you have a couple this awesome, you happily oblige. (And I got some free babysitting out of it. ;) ) We used the field behind my house, which I was pumped about because I never get to photograph clients back there but I think it's beautiful, and I don't photograph couples often, so I am super excited about these! Hope you like them, Kellyman!

And now for the bloopers. I've never edited so many bloopers, but I think they're all keepers. ;) John kept making "big eyes" at Kelly during poses. He fits right in with our crazy family! ha ha!

I absolutely adore this family. They exemplify all of the beauty that a big family can bring. They are adorable, sweet, kind, generous, happy, and their children enjoy close friendships with each other. It's been a few years since I photographed them (The littlest was a newborn, I think), but they have grown into such an incredible family. I see them briefly at church sometimes, but the children don't really know me that well, and by the end of the session I was getting unexpected hugs from all of the little ones. That's just how kind their little hearts are. I think their Mom and Dad are doing a pretty amazing job raising this troop! What wonderful children to send out into the world someday.