Driving up to this house on a beautiful evening, I had a few butterflies in my tummy.   Butterflies equal excitement and ideas and also a bit of nervousness.  Nervousness because I’m usually meeting people I don’t know, hoping they have fun and that they like me.  (Hey, just being real).   Nervousness because I want to take the most beautiful pictures I’ve ever taken, give them something that they’ve never seen or comprehended all in about an hour, at sunset while getting them to be totally comfortable with me and sometimes looking in my direction.  There.

I found their home.  Parked.  Looked over and seeing that this sweet family was all playing outside…in the grass.   My butterflies melted (or maybe they flew?) away and I was welcomed with squeals, hugs and smiles. 

And this:

I instantly loved them.  They played and wrestled (or “wrastled” as we say here in Texas).  We went inside for toys.  They had smiles so big and yummy squinty happy eyes.  So friendly and bubbly.  Plus they thought I was super funny.

 They made it so easy, so enjoyable.  All I could think of was “Wow!  This work sure isn’t work.”  We ran and skipped around while mom and dad hung out on the back porch.  Cute little boys each with their own special sparkle.  

The oldest and the youngest.  Not necessarily in that order.

They were happiest together.  

I can’t ever resist Converse and jeans.  And cool old door.  And slightly crumbly sidewalk. 

We had to get mom and dad into the mix.  I mean, they are important and all.

The light!  The hair!

The Converse!

 I loved meeting them.  I loved playing with their cute boys.  I loved their comfort with one another…the way she looked at him.  The way he looked at her.  I loved the boys giggles and grins.  I loved it when I asked them to help me make the other laugh.  And they laughed and laughed and laughed.  

And I smiled…and smiled….and smiled. 

Strangers no more.  Friends.  That’s what I wanted in the first place.

 

Want to see more of their session?  Check out the slideshow: