One Happy Family | Arlington Heights Family Photographer | Water Street Dreams

This family just makes me happy.

I've been photographing them for years

so it blew my mind

when the boys popped out of the Suburban

and had majorly grown.

Like big time.

Words are now full on sentences.

Animated stories are being told by big brother.

Little brother wants to do everything big brother does.

Rough and tumble.

And
OH.SO.ADORABLE.

So much happens in one year!

Meet Big Brother Landon!

And Little Brother Grayson.

And yes,

I took a poll and we all agree

that Suzanne and Jon need to have

like 10 more kids.

Because they're SO DARN CUTE.

Jon is Mr. Laidback Dad.

He's just chill.

Goes with the flow.

Suzanne and I whip things

into a frenzy and he just stands by,

going along with our madness.
Everyone needs a Jon in their life!

Suzanne,

is mom extraordinaire,
full of life and enthusiasm.

And as a COMPLETE aside,
I do think she should write a book

about all the craziness she meets on the train

to and from work each day.

I'm friends with her on Facebook

and honestly,

about every week she posts

something hilarious about

her seat mates

and the random strangers that plop down behind her.

The smells.

The sounds.

It's revolting and hilarious all wrapped up

into each status update.
Seriously.

All.the.stuff happens to her.

They're just a happy family

that are busy living life well

and soaking up all life has to offer.

It's my joy to continue

our yearly tradition of capturing

them in each chapter of their story.

I think I'm gonna have to start tacking on supper

after our sessions because there's just never enough

time to catch up with my clients

after not seeing each other for a year.

We did chat it up a few minutes after their session,

and to say it's been a hard year of loss

for Suzanne and Jon and their family

would be a significant understatement.

From a best friend passing,

to their dog's passing,

to Suzanne's cousin's very recent passing,

to hearing cancer diagnosis of loved ones,

to everything in between.
It's just been hard.
Loss is simply never easy.
And often takes us by surprise.

I drove away feeling deeply saddened for the loss
they've encountered all year long.

But amid the deep loss and hard times,

I get the sense that they

hold onto the beauty of family and friends.

There is evident happiness amidst their loss.

They scatter love and joy along their paths

and their desire is to focus on the good,

having grateful hearts for all they still have.

Suzanne and Jon,

my hope is that next year

when we capture your family photos,

your loss will be minimal,

your happiness will exude,

and your grateful hearts will continue to overflow.

You're an example to me

of how to navigate loss well.

You're truly beautiful inside and out.
Stay well this year!