...we are family

[i got all my sisters with me] 

those lyrics kept playing in my head as we had a fun family session on the beach! the great part about my "job" if you could even call it that, i prefer to call photography my passion, outlet, or saving grace, is that i am able to capture family as it is.  no stereotypes, no forced smiles, no rigid poses. 

i loved this session because i feel as though i was able to capture the Castro/Hiben family as they are...and i think they are pretty darn adorable. 

lucky who?!?

me and you!

really when i get to watch zachary, its a win/win situation for us both.

i get time to relax and just marvel at the lil' miracle that is now crawling, talking (he says dada, momma and grrrr) and almost walking.

they get a much needed and well deserved break!

and SURPRISE! he was such a doll (not to my surprise!) so i captured a couple portraits of your pride and joy...thank you!

sweet summertime...

whew! 

(that's just me catching my breath!)

boy oh boy! i have been so thankful to spend time with the most amazing lil' gems EVER!

*gems, yes plural!

i am thankful enough to have such gracious friends (but i consider them family) that allow to capture life's moments. and while we are on the topic of gems, zachary will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart, as he was my first official lil' gem that i have been so thankfully welcomed into his life by his wonderful parents.  not only do i get to do zachary's portraits, but i also get to watch zachary so his devoted momma and daddy can have a date night...pretty amazing huh?!? i think so. i've said it once, and i will say it a million times, there is just something special that a baby brings into a house...and i love it!

 it had been a couple months since we were able to do portraits of zachary, so i was thrilled that the weather cooperated and we were able to do some outside portraits, although zachary much preferred the indoor studio, as he was not a big fan of the grass! regardless, we got some pretty sweet portraits!  and i think if i had two words to describe zachary at this session, hmmm?!?  mover and a shaker! he was on the go, which was great because then i didn't feel as guilty skipping the gym! thanks guys!