Superheroes in the Making!!!

     Have you ever cruised through Facebook or Pinterest thinking, "Wow! How does that woman truly DO IT ALL?"? Well, the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." {Philippians 4:13} echoes in my mind when I think of Monica Reynolds.

    A humble and inspiring woman who would NEVER toot her own horn is sure gonna get a couple of toots here. Can I get an Amen for the Reynolds hard-working family conductor seen here in all her glory? Lol!

The expanse of a heart God has ordained for great things is unimaginable but can be glimpsed in a couple who chooses to adopt. As a woman better suited to tell a story with pictures rather than words, I can best summarize the Reynolds family story in the triptych below. Use the simple math of addition plus a whole lotta love & patience to get the amazing outcome.

        Husband & Wife plus...

"THE BIGS" plus... 

 

"THE LITTLES" equals...

    I had so much fun getting to know each and every one of these seven unique personalities during our evening in the tall grass together. An open field truly couldn't contain them all. To those who aren't familiar with the Reynolds children, I'd like to give you my take. {And for those who are I hope I do them justice ;)}

***The quiet confidence of the oldest, Adoniyas, as he encourages his younger siblings and blazes his own path through adolescence here in a new country.

*** To Sidise for continuing her role of family nurturer in midst of her own middle-school self-discovery this year. My wish for her is that she can see the beautiful, handcrafted woman God is making that I see through my lens. Here's one of her favorite ones that didn't show her teeth, but I have one that I like even better that does & I'll give it to her mom ;)

    

*** David's vibrance and thirst for life is happily contagious! I'm glad he really enjoyed the flowers during our shoot?!?

***Christian with matching hawks like his older brothers, has a more reserved beauty filled with admiration & love for his siblings. Truly a complete pleasure to photograph with such ease translating naturally through the lens.

***I enjoyed Misgana's sassy take no prisoners attitude and her smiling eyes despite the tall grass itching & scratching at her bare legs. The trooper in the bunch for sure!

     At the heart of this family God is so evident. There's a loving rock-solid marriage, "The Bigs" and "The Littles" that combine and interact so beautifully that make this family function & thrive. Monica, I wish I had your gift for writing at this moment, but this post will have to be my best testament to your exceptional family; truly God's Superheroes in the Making!

                                                                                                                                               

              

Green Spring Gardens with the Kellys

 

A growing family to me is one of the most precious times of life and therefore one of my favorite & most fun for me to photograph. It is my honor & joy to make a keepsake to treasure forever that captures the love, laughter, and emotion at this moment. The warm-n-fuzzy kind of love, unlimited patience, and easy-going nature of the Kelly family last week made my "job" a complete pleasure. It's wonderful when a "client" becomes more like a friend during the process; indeed just what happened here.

Check out some of these additional photos that haven't made any appearances yet on Facebook ;)  A second sneak peek, if you will. 













Meet Georgina. This little lady can carry a conversation for hours while curiosity had her roaming all over the garden areas. The blanket, not a fave spot. The bench, she stayed a split second longer. The toddler-sized stool? Nope. The white gazebo by the brick walkway? Score. In fact, this was where she decided to stay; at home & happy in her "White Castle". {burgers & fries with that?}  Check out the "out-take" picture to the left that epitomizes most of our shoot at her white castle.

While Georgina found another lil friend to run circles around White Castle, I took this opportunity for maternity pictures of mom. The anticipation of knowing another little precious blessing is awaiting in your womb to make her big arrival soon is difficult to capture on film. However, I sincerely hope that the love and connection a mother has with her cherished baby can still be felt through some these photos.

 

 

  

 

 

                                                         



As you can see by the expressions in photos posted below, Dad is   completely beaming while Georgina takes flight and as his three leading ladies lay with him in the grass. {I love the tenderness of his hand on her belly <3} How could he not beam, with such a ray of sunshine running around him nonstop & the promise of another so arrive so soon!?!?

                                                                                             

 

I've finished your gallery Kelly family and am looking forward to meeting sweet baby  Kelly soon as the newest edition to such a remarkable family!

White Sands at the Pier

    Our last assignment we were stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL. We return every summer for 2-3 weeks to enjoy the beautiful beaches and our beloved family & friends. It was my honor & pleasure while visiting to take my good friend's engagement pictures for her to include in her wedding invitations.
    I met Kelly during new teacher orientation at Bay Haven Charter Academy and we immediately became good friends. Almost eight years later, we make sure to have our adult time & our kids still look forward to hanging out together every moment they can. Thanks Kelly for being such a fantastic friend and best wishes for a marriage full of much joy, love, & laughter!