Today was our last day of Holiday Mini’s, and we went out with a bang! More gorgeous kids, more fun grown-ups, and a decidedly crisp fall morning resulted in a simply fabulous day of sessions.
Alex + Everett
This is year three for this special family…they swear that next year they are going to spring for a full-on session to celebrate our fourth anniversary together. They have since become friends, and we’ve apparently spent enough time together that we’ve hit a whole new level in our relationship. The kids were telling *me* how I should photograph them (see below for Everett’s Posing 101).
My persuasive skills won out, however, and Alex and Everett had a few, rare moments of brotherly love.
Followed by some “Hey, guys…why don’t you tackle Dad!” (You’re welcome!). Mom and I managed to stay out of the way, and the guys had some man-time together 
Lyla + Gannon
Lyla and Gannon also fell victim to my “Love your sibling” approach this morning (fueled by an early morning tiff between my two? Who knows…). Of course-it wasn’t hard to talk them into loving on one another.
They were stylin’ in their rainboots and tutu/camo combo! (Thanks Mindy!)
Hudson + Sadie
Hudson and Sadie were up next, and Hudson was quite the dapper young man in his sport coat and t-shirt. (I *heart* his eyes)
Sadie definitely inherited her brother’s to-die-for lashes!
More sibling lovin’
Olivia + John Stephen
Olivia and John Stephen were so festive in their red plaid. John Stephen has grown since I first met this dynamic duo (back in April at their bud’s first birthday party), and Olivia now sports the cutest pair of pink, diamond studded glasses that I’ve ever seen.
(I know, admit it…you want a pair too)
Their family was so full of warmth and laughter on this chilly morning.
We even added a little leaf throwing to the mix!
I absolutely LOVE the email that I received this evening as I’m uploading these photos to the blog. Olivia and John Stephen’s mommy wrote
“I just had to send you a BIG, HUGE THANK YOU for making our session so enjoyable this morning. After we left the session, Steve called to tell me how much he was dreading getting our pictures taken and how overwhelmed and impressed he was with how awesome you were. You made our morning so easy and fun. We are so excited to see the pictures. You are really an amazing photographer with a true talent for capturing the moment. Thank you for shooting our family. We will never use another photographer again. Thank you for making our Christmas card memorable in more ways than one. “
(thanks you guys! I am so lucky to have such wonderful families! XOXO)
Mia + Lily
Mia and Lily were up last, but certainly not least. I’m not sure I’ve met a faster 18 month old…but she wasn’t too fast for me! 
Lily is five. She’s in Kindergarten this year. She’s going to be Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween. And I’m pretty sure she manages to hold her own against that active little sister of hers.
And now we enter the no-man’s-land of holiday proofing. I have (count ‘em) 18 sessions to edit (Not including the mini’s that are happening tomorrow morning!) and 16 coffee table books to design.
If you see me in the halls at school, or stumbling through the grocery store looking lost, confused, and homeless…don’t fear! It’s just that special time of year that we photographers like to call “the season”.
And yes, bribes donations of Starbucks, Dr. Pepper, and chocolate are always welcome!
2 Comments
Jen, there is a reason that we keep coming back – you are the GREATEST! We had so much fun this morning. Now that my life is getting back to normal (whatever that is) you can bet that I will be on your doorstep with some Starbucks!
I really, really, really admire your photography. I would love to know the secret for getting men to enjoy the session, too. I have a number of photo sessions coming up for families and almost every woman is telling me, “but my husband does NoT like to have his picture taken.”