sneak peek: for a reason.

I truly do believe that all people come into our lives for a reason.  With some people, this family in particular, I don’t have to search very hard for that reason.   Mom and I met 14 years ago, right after we graduated from college and entered a teaching program called Teach for America.  Young, naive, and out there to change the world, we had a really quick reality check during our 6 weeks of training in Houston, Texas and then our years of teaching on the South side of Chicago.   As roommates, we spent more than one (ok, a lot more than 1) car ride home sniffling (ok, all out sobbing) as we shared stories about our tough (more like horrific) day.   But, we shared a lot more than tears.   We shared some of the best laughs that I’ve ever had.   It is my true privileged to have navigated the teaching waters with one of the most patient and loving teachers ever, and to see her pass those skills right into motherhood.

These kids were an absolute blast to photograph.  Full of smiles and giggles, they couldn’t have made my “job” any easier.  And while I absolutely adored the location of our session, the part that made it even better is that it is a place that this family loves to hang out.  In mom’s words, she wanted our session to:  “Reflect the love and fun of our family in a place we love to come together.”  Well, I am pretty sure we did just that!

And because I’ve already proven myself to be a failure at sharing just one sneak peek, here are a few more.  Enjoy!