goodchild-ren

here's the story of my sister and her family, the goodchilds. while on vacation, i snapped some photos for them.

here are my favorites...

and when the sun was just about to fade away, everyone settled and quieted on the beach. even the boogie boarders and surfers in the lake paused and faced the sinking ball of fire to admire the awe and beauty of it all.

and here are the outtakes...

setting up my test shots. nephew #1...

nephew #2...

and daughter. she wouldn't take no for an answer...

when i asked heather to sit down, harper plopped herself right next to her. she was dressed so appropriately for a photo session, too. jammie top and cropped sweats...

here's what my little family did while i was shooting. you're not a man unless you bjorn your baby, that's what i always say.

and then harper jumped right in, quite literally. technically, she is part of the family...

they were cracking up trying to time their jumps. "do we jump on the count of 2 or 3?"

griffin busts out the laughs, ethan at least tries to keep it together...

i can't even remember what i instructed them to do here, but they obviously weren't listening, or else they took it quite literally...

and when all was said and done and i called it a wrap...

ethan: mom, can we go in the water?

griffin: yeah, can we?

griffin: did she really just say that we could go in with our clothes on?

heather: here, emily, get a picture of us. wait, let me fix my hair.

and the boys couldn't resist the waves...

one last pose for the camera. they don't notice the impending wave...

and BAM. now it's officially a wrap.

love you guys. xoxo

a little shower and a whole lotta love

it's getting closer! it's almost time for auntie jen and uncle pat's wedding. and we couldn't be more excited. michael and i have the honor of standing up in the bridal party, and harper was asked to be a flower girl. her dress has arrived and she can't wait to wear it.

the day we left for vacation, we started off the wedding countdown celebration with a bridal shower. that week, i whipped up 80 sugar cookies with royal icing. hot pink. bright orange. it was going to be a festive tropical party.

the favors were set.

the flowers in bloom.

the card catcher created. (yes, created by auntie kelly.) and the presents sat awaiting to be opened.

we mingled and sipped on exotic cocktails.

dined on delicious food and fabulous cakes.

the girls danced. and oh, i cannot wait for the wedding because i don't think these three will ever leave the dance floor.

and we celebrated and toasted to this beautiful happy couple. much love to jen and pat. we are so looking forward to the big day. xo