This family is truly one of my faves and I am so LUCKY that I have the opportunity to photograph them every fall. Jen made me laugh when she told me that she always has visions of a calm, relaxed photo session where everyone is dressed by the time I arrive and everyone is in good spirits. I’ve been doing this for quite some time now and I can assure you that with a family of five, it quite simply just does not happen that way. BUT, what I can also tell you is that there is beauty in the chaos.

While this was their annual family session, the focus was also to be sweet Benjamin’s one year photos! What a handsome little dude who was all smiles. I got to hang out with him a bit while the girls were finishing up getting ready before we headed out to the park.

Then the kiddos all came downstairs and piled on mom. This moment makes my heart happy.

I love this image above and below. This is real life.

And the annual holiday card photo in front of the spectacular aqua front door. LOVE.

Such a big boy walking by his first birthday!