A while back the kids and I met up with some friends for an evening picnic. The temperatures had finally felt amazing for what seemed like the first time all summer. I had been wanting to get out and let the kids play, you know, like we did as kids…not with video games, organized parks or even sports. Just playing and taking advantage of the things that surround you. Well, it couldn’t have been more refreshing…for them the water, for me, capturing them in their element. These two could throw rocks and look for fish all day long!
This summer I have realized that we are transitioning from the early stages of childhood rearing to the elementary stages. They are becoming people, with schedules, which means our lives just got that much more crazy. I also realized that this was probably the last summer where I could catch Claire as our little one (and, in a swimsuit!) and Gabe as the willing-to-do-what-mommy-asks-for-a-picture-moments…such as walk and hold hands, spin Claire around, etc. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit sad that this stage is ending for us with them. However, I am equally excited to watch them grow into the little people that we are already seeing them grow into. We are so blessed to have been entrusted to raise these two. We are continuously preparing our hearts as we let God lead us, as their parents, in hopes that they will choose to follow Him all of their days.
These two truly are my inspiration…not just because I’m their mommy, but also because of being able to capture them. I love how sweet they are together and how they truly enjoy being with one another. I’m always so excited to get their photos on my computer so that I can savor the moments that have been captured. I realize this is the same excitement our clients feel…knowing that within a few months their little ones will already be older than the moments captured. I love that I (we) get to freeze time for so many…
I told him not to smile for this one. So, what did I get? The look of…are we done yet?
He has his Daddy’s beautiful eyes…
The biggest reason I brought my camera that evening was to capture a few photos of Claire with ‘her camera.’ This vintage camera sits in my office and she has claimed it over the past few months. I love that she has taken an interest in photos from watching us. Who knows…maybe we can talk Gabe and Claire into running the business for us, so that we can enjoy an early retirement. Ha! Just kidding. Love these photos of her…
by Melody Carpenter
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