More and more, one of my favorite things to do during a photo shoot is to step back for a moment to watch a family. I like keeping my eyes open for the things that make them them.

Memorial Day is a good day to show up at your grandparents house in pajamas, pull the covers off the bed, and start jumping. It's a good day to lock the door, declaring "girls only," and use up every bit of energy you have left, running around, before you head home. 

Lauren's name usually pops up on my phone early May and it makes me smile. Her boys' birthdays are both in May and it has become a yearly tradition to document it.

Newborn portraits are ideally taken within the first 2 weeks. 

Cuddled up close on a log, trying to stay warm, Tara asked Shawn if they could stop somewhere to get a cookie afterwards. Shawn looked over at her and laughed like she was the cutest thing in the world.

It never gets old witnessing a community of people come around a couple, in celebration. I hear it in speeches and in the excited murmur amongst guests.