This beautiful, photogenic bunch had the same dream. Several of these grown kiddos live out of state, now, so Nana and Papa rented a place up in Union Pier (oh, Pure Michigan, I love you so), to spend the whole week together. Nana told me as soon as we started the walk to the beach, “I am so glad we did this!” You will NOT regret taking the time out of your trip to capture the right-now details of your family. Promise.

We had a blast during this Cobus Creek County Park session. We took her older sister’s photos here, and mom said “I love how it looks like so many different locations but you really aren’t walking that much.” This is one of the busiest parks for photos that I go to, and that’s exactly why. Sometimes there is a line for must-have locations, especially in the fall. It’s almost crazy. But, those crushed cement paths, the beautiful meadows, the wildflowers that always seem to be changing, the creek.. it’s a stunner for a reason.

Speaking of stunning, just look at this gorgeous girl.

Aside from being able to witness siblings meeting one another for the first time, there is so much I love about a Fresh 48 session.

I love the white onesies, hospital socks, blankets and hats. There’s just something that all of us can relate to about that outfit. I takes you right back to those first few moments.

I love the freshly cut umbilical cord. It’s there for such a fleeting moment. Time moves so quickly.

I love mom’s look of pleased exhaustion. A tired joy that is like none other.

Mom opted for photos at home. I love when family’s pick their homes for their photo location. Everyone is so much more comfortable, especially the kids. And don’t we want our kids as comfortable as possible for their photos? It’s already a bit stressful for everyone, if we are honest with ourselves. Why not make it a little easier on everyone?

One of this family’s favorite things to do is sit on the back deck and enjoy each other’s company. To me, there is no better place for this family’s photos. I hope these family pictures bring this mom and dad back to William at One anytime they want to revisit their memories of sitting on the deck at sunset.

It was our combined birthday party. I think I was turning 10 or 11, so my sister was turning 8 or 9. Dad borrowed the video camera from his friend for a week or two. There were 10 of us running around our backyard. We were showing off for the camera. Knock-knock jokes. Cartwheels. Dad did a goofy stop-motion of all of us disappearing and then reappearing. It was fun, and I probably remember it because there is video evidence. Otherwise, I don’t really have a memory from that party that’s not attached to the footage.