Daddy's Ring [Minot Family Photographer]

So after the last session, I had this one...what an emotional weekend. If you've been following me from the beginning, you will recognize this family. They first came to me when their oldest was six months...so pretty much when I first got to Minot. Momma booked this session with me when she first found out she was pregnant with #3...so a lot time ago. Tragically, Daddy passed away in an accident on the job. I've just been so heartbroken about it ever since I heard the news. He passed one month before #3 was born. They really are the sweetest family. Momma is just so happy and sweet to her kiddos and the kiddos are obviously crazy about Momma. This is Daddy's wedding ring in the first photo.

210 Days [Minot Family Photographer]

I think I'm not a very emotional person. I don't know if that's really true, though, I think what I mean is that I'm not a cryer. I can't even remember the last time I really cried. I think the reason for this is because I've just been so independent since I was born. As the second oldest of 10 kids and the oldest daughter, there was much room for coddling. I fended for myself from a very young age and have always been a fighter. Fighting and crying doesn't fit. This session made me teary for days. Maybe it's because I like the family so much. Maybe it's because families shouldn't have to separated for 210+ days. My daughter said, "doesn't the military know that they have lots of small children?" I know this family has enough love to stretch over that time, but I just wish they didn't have to stretch it. I wish Daddy didn't have to miss so many milestones in his young kiddos' lives. I wish the young kiddos didn't have to miss Daddy for so long. I wish Mommy didn't have to do it alone for so long. But this I do know: God will fill the gap and I sincerely hope we will pray for them each of the 210+ days because they will miss their awesome Daddy/Hubby.

Man, do I ever love this little girl.

Hannah's Daddy [Minot Baby Photographer]

My time with Hannah was looking a bit sketchy in the beginning; she's a bit addicted to Momma and wasn't thrilled about Momma not being in the photos until we started talking about Daddy. Apparently Daddy does some pretty funny things; things so funny that it's even hilarious just talking about them after the fact. I'm not going to call Daddy out on the WorldWideWeb, so you'll just have to use your imagination. I've never seen Hannah smile this big and I'm going to use a quote from Buddy the Elf, "Smiling's my favorite!"

Cambryn [Bismarck Newborn Photographer]

I have been so blessed lately with sleepy newborns. Cambryn was perfection for me and I hope she's that good for Momma and Daddy. This is one of the families that I've had the pleasure of following & documenting their milestones. It's such an honor and privilege to be trusted with special moments like this. I really do have the best job ever.

Serene [Minot Maternity Photographer]

Michelle could be described as beautiful, natural, sweet...but I really think she can best be described as serene. She has a busy 18 month old and she's about to get busier and she's just so calm. It's an awesome characteristic to have. I wish she could impart some of that to my kiddos, but I suppose she would have to teach me first.

Michelle is Liz's sister-in-law. If you don't know, Liz comes with me to most weddings as my assistant/second shooter. I would NOT describe Liz as calm. Other good character traits, yes, but not calm.