Family Photos

We recently took some family photos with the amazing Robin Papera from LMM Photography. Initially, we were just doing to get the kids pictures' done and just keep Mom and Dad out of it. It's so easy to say "I'd love to lose a little more weight before I do photos" or any other excuse to stay out of the shot.

However, I remembered a few years back that my bestie had a family friend pass away suddenly in his 30s, leaving behind two young children. While this is horrific to think about, I remember her specifically telling me they had family pictures done a few weeks prior to his passing and that those photos are so meaningful and special to his children.

While no one wants to face their mortality in that way, she had a point and it's something that has really stuck with me. Someday, we'll be gone. While that is so uncomfortable to even think about, it's reality. The time to get in the picture is now. Kids grow so fast and while I never miss an opportunity to snap their precious pictures, it's also so important to be present in some photos so that they have them to cherish someday.

My kids love looking at pictures of my parents and Tim's parents, both current ones and older pictures. They love seeing pictures of my grandparents, Tim's grandparents, and learning about their family and where they came from. Recently we were even showing Charlie pictures of our great grandfathers from their college sports days and he was SO excited and had so many questions. It was so special to be able to share that with him.

So, while most of the recent photo shoot focused on our two little cuties, Tim and I jumped into a few shots. I could not be happier with how they turned out- they really captured what our family looks like at this moment in time and really are so special. I am truly grateful we had the opportunity to do it.

With that, I encourage you to be in the picture this holiday season. Don't put off being photographed because of this reason or that reason. Don't exit the shot because you don't like how you look or what you're wearing. Years from now, your family won't care. They just want to see YOU.

I'm posting some of my favorites from our photo shoot with a HUGE thanks to Robin Papera for capturing these beautiful moments for us- we will look forward to another shoot with her in the near future!

XOXO ♥