please click here and enter 2011 as the password to see a slideshow greeting for the new year.

It wasn’t just the spectacular beauty that drew Tracy to the property though.  It was the vision of what family life would be like out there.  I don’t think I’ve ever met siblings who are closer than Halle, Morgan and Laurel.  The bond they share, the mutual respect and admiration they have for one another and the continuous laughter coming from them warms my heart whenever I’m around them.  As a mom of three myself, I always walk away hoping that my own kids will grow up sharing a close friendship like these kids do.  Halle, Morgan and Laurel’s adventure out in the country has only just begun, but as they’ve shared close quarters while their new house is being built and ventured into a new chapter of life together, it has already brought their family closer than ever.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing this family a few times and each time it truly feels like a gift.  The sessions are spent running around, exploring and non-stop goofing off and cracking up.  I am grateful for my job that allows me the privilege of capturing a moment in time for families and I am especially grateful that Tracy’s family is in my life.  Their friendship means the world to me and their family is a true inspiration.  I love you, “S” family!

For a quick post tonight, I thought I would share a recent picture of baby Cole.  I shared his courageous story here and wanted to show how precious, happy and healthy he is today!  His uncle walked in just as we were finishing up and I was able to get a shot of the only two boys together from that side of the family.  The grandmother can’t wait to get that image framed in her house.  I’m working on talking her out of the idea of doing a wall size mural out of it!  :)

Shortly after our session last summer, one of the boys contracted meningitis.  Alex was seriously ill and hospitalized for weeks.  It was an incredibly frightening time as the doctors weren’t sure whether or not Alex would survive or, if he did, if he would make a complete recovery.  As if that wouldn’t be enough for parents to deal with, they also had two other babies at home who needed care.  With immeasurable love, support and prayers from so many people, Alex has made an inspiring recovery and is now a happy, healthy, busy two year old who loves nothing more than to run around with his brothers.

Courtney and Justin, I know the last year was an incredibly long road and it was filled with so many emotions.  It was such a joy for me to be able to see Alex laughing, chasing dogs and playing with sticks and to think about how far he has come since those scary, dark days one year ago.  You have such a special family and your boys truly have forever touched my heart.  Love and huge hugs to Alex, Cade and Connor!