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“True Friends are the siblings God forgot to give us.”

This family is very special to me…we met them when we moved to Washington over 18 years ago…and our youngest children were in the same class as they were starting the third grade…and the rest is history! We moved from Tennessee and didn’t know anyone and soon we had great friends who we now consider to be family! And, our oldest were the same age as well…so it’s as though it was meant to be!! We’ve spent many holidays together and shared great memories, and been there for one another when we’ve needed extra support…it’s our “Puyallup family” that we never knew we had until we moved here! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing the Grimm’s before, but this time was extra special as their oldest child (who’s now grown!!), Anna, was visiting from Germany, and I knew we needed to get some photos of all of them! Seeing them together brings back wonderful memories of this close and amazing family who are not only special to my family, so OH, so many others…they are all amazing! Dad…aka, Kelly has a great sense of humor and has a special gift for babies and toddlers…we’ve named him the “baby whisperer!”  Tammy, a dear friend to so many, is compassionate and caring and gives so much of herself to those who need extra help! Anna, their oldest, lives in Germany, and it’s funny as we all thought she’d never leave the area and here she is, living in another country…it’s amazing to see how she’s grown and see her gift for working with younger children at the Air Force base near where they live. Jenny, the baby (sorry, Jenny!!)…is a teacher and an inspiration to children who are eager to learn…our country needs more teachers like her!!

This afternoon was a bit chilly…and quite foggy, but it didn’t matter as the focus of this session is THIS family and it left the focus on an amazing group of people who are not only great individuals, but also, a wonderful family…an example of what the FAMILY should be…it’s inspiring to see such a great representation of a family that continues to grow and thrive!

Beautiful young women…their parents are so proud!
Oh, how we love this couple…they are the BEST!!

And, even Malibu (their four-legged child), cooperated for this shot…love this photo of all of them!!!

AHHH…Malibu sure loves her daddy (and mommy!)

Laughter is always a part of this household…I so love being around them!!

Sisters…the best, and I’m sure these two would agree!! They don’t get to see each other very often, but make the most of the times they do have together!

Kelly and Tammy…we love you guys and I was thrilled to capture some memories of Anna’s visit last month…here’s to more memories and family times shared!!

These two little girls are not only ADORABLE, but both are so very sweet! It was my pleasure to have met this family 3 years ago when Brylee (who will be 3 this month) was born and I must tell you I SO look forward to seeing them when I have a session scheduled! Last summer Brylee welcomed her baby sister, Ava, and are these two little girls ever loved by their parents, Rick and Jessica! When the day arrived for this session, I was so excited to see the girls…it had been July when I last saw them, shortly after Ava was born and I had a “peek” at how much she had grown when I received their Christmas card…and couldn’t wait to capture some special photos for the family. I was greeted at the door by Brylee and Rick and the beautiful smile on Brylee’s face was the BEST! I’m not sure who’s the most excited to see one another – me to see her or her to see me…all I know is that I LOVE the greeting I get each visit as I am welcomed into their home. And, Ava…my oh, my, she’s sure grown and has the best smile….and as you will see, a great series of expressions. It’s always wonderful to catch up with Rick and Jessica during the session…they feel like family after we’ve established such wonderful relationship. So, without further delay…here is this wonderful family, who I truly adore!!!

Byrlee is the most gentle and loving big sister…she totally adores Ava and is always making sure she’s taken care of…I loved seeing this! They are going to be wonderful friends!!!

See what I meant about this family…they are ALL beautiful and their smiles say it all…such a heartwarming sight to see how close this family is!!

Beasely has been a part of this family for many years and sadly he’s battling a liver disease and his life expectancy is maybe another year…so it was very important to get some special photos for Bylee and for the family of their four legged family member. He’s the nicest little guy…always wagging his tail when I arrive and eager to give me a few (or more!) kisses while I’m down at his level. It breaks my heart to think he might not be a part of the next family session…I know what it is like to lose a pet and it is really heartbreaking.  Seeing he and Brylee…it makes me smile…he’s so darn quick to give Brylee kisses and even when she thought she was safe…that fast tongue was out faster than you can imagine…I SO love these photos and hope that they do as well!!

AVA…what a baby doll…I LOVE LOVE LOVE her smile…she was such a happy little girl during most of the session and I delighted in the smiles she gave me!!!

Isn’t he super cute…I want to just cuddle up with him on the couch!

Oh, Brylee, she is always a ton of fun and letting her make silly faces had me laughing with her…to see a child be a child and just enjoy life…there’s nothing better!

Another try for Brylee to give Beasely a kiss…guess who was faster…yet again!!

What a beauty…and to think she’s almost three…even though she was showing four fingers…she’s just thinking down the road and getting ready for next year!

I told you that Ava had GREAT smiles…such a happy, happy baby!!

Brylee wanted to make sure her little bear was included in the photos and she shared with me that when she had to have a little surgery this past year and he was right there by her side, to make sure she was okay!

As you can see, Beasely is very gentle with Ava as well…what a wonderful dog!!

My oh my…I can’t get enough of these smiles…she’s just TOO cute!!

Isn’t Brylee beautiful…she has such a natural smile and the prettiest eyes…she’s such a blessing to her family!

Melt my heart!! Little Ava was getting quite tired by the end of the session…and nearly fell asleep in her daddy’s arms!

And, as you can see, she did fall asleep in her mommy’s arms…I LOVE seeing a baby snuggled with her mom!

Some fun and games with Brylee…she’s got some super powers and can jump REALLY high!!

Brylee was excited to show me one of her gifts from Christmas…a new camera! Her parents said she wanted one after I let her take a couple of photos last year with my camera…I can’t wait to see what she is shooting…who knows, someday you might just see some famous photos from this little one!

Rick and Jessica, you have two beautiful girls and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy photographing and spending time with all of you during the sessions. You are so blessed and I’m ever so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know all of you! Thank you for trusting me to capture some special memories for your family…it truly is MY pleasure, I really do adore all of you!

Early last month I had a couple of kids in the studio who I’ve had the delight of photographing for a few years now and it’s always so much fun when I get to see them! Maddy turned five earlier this fall and Max is 18 months old…and it’s hard to NOT smile when around the two of them! They are always silly, laughing and smiling…and full of energy! Oh, I wonder how I can harness that energy for myself some days!! Maddy will be starting kindergarten this fall and it’s hard to believe she’ll be starting school…I met her when she was about Max’s age…and what a beautiful and sweet girl she is growing up to be! Max…oh, I remember the day her mom told me she was expecting…I think I was nearly as excited as she was and once Max arrived…I could hardly wait to take his photos. This family started as clients, but have become friends and that is one of the best parts of my job…meeting new people as clients…and developing a relationship with them and calling them friends. We had hoped for this session to happen outdoors earlier in the fall, but between the weather and these two cuties getting sick, we ended up later and in the studio…I love that this focus on THEM and just how darn cute they are…yet, I can’t wait to get them outdoors (this spring) and watch them explore the great outdoors!

What a beauty…and her eyes…wow, she is going to have the boys following her as she gets older!!!!Maddy can be silly and goofy…or very serious. She wanted to show me some of what she is learning in her ballet class…I’m excited to see more the next time we are together!Max’s smile….you can’t help but smile yourself when you see this…what a charmer! And, I loved his blanket…security and comfort…he didn’t want it to get too far away from him!!Max was so intent on these blocks…I loved watching his concentration as he played with these!Sweet Maddy is five and we had some fun with glitter for a little extra for her to celebrate such a great age!!

Kerry and Ed….thank you so much for your business and friendship…you have some adorable kiddos and I love getting to see and “play” with them during their sessions!