It was hot. The August sun was unforgiving, but luckily there was plenty of foliage to shield us on our adventure. The park was packed when we arrived. I didn’t have cash on me and forgot they don’t accept cards for entrance at Metea County Park, so I quickly ran to the ATM. There were bugs. Lots of bugs. Mosquitoes were the obvious enemy. Luckily I always carry some (family friendly) bug spray in my beloved House of Flynn Rucksack. It was put to good use pretty quickly once we hit the trails in the woods.

I met up with the adorable Thrush family again for their annual family session, this time with an extra tiny person in tow! This little miss is the newest addition to Nick+Nikki’s sweet family, making her debut earlier this year. I have never seen a more relaxed and smiley baby. <3 /swoon

The kids were very chatty, super excited about swimming earlier and school starting, and only slightly disappointed I didn’t bring my boys with me on the job! The six of us managed to get “lost” on the trail – but it was beautiful detour and we had plenty of time to catch up. Summers are busy for everyone and we hadn’t seen each other since April. One of my favorite things when photographing my friends+family is quickly catching up while we’re in between locations… or stopping so the kids can get a view of the people down by the river. Or so they can hang on long branches over-stretching the trail. Or so they can scope out the wildflowers. <3

Once we made it back off the trail, we wrapped up our time together with some adorable cuddling and “dancing” under the tree. Nick wasn’t too keen on the idea of twirling her; in fact, he groaned when I suggested it. But when I saw the smile on his face, I knew he probably enjoyed it a little more than he let on. 😉 The kids spotted the playground as we made our way back to the parking lot and made a beeline for the slides.

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One of the things I love most about being a photographer is clients who become family. It warms my heart to meet up with you again and again, from one milestone to the next, and the daily moments in between. <3

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey over the years.

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Extended until September 30, 2017! Until August 31st, 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Eckhart Public Library fire recovery fund. <3

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