Back in November Elektra had me photograph her and her two adorable boys at their bright home in Edmonds as a secret Christmas present to her husband Michael. Michael, along with her father-in-law, had remodeled the whole house which used to be an old folks living facility. It turned out gorgeous and I had so much fun snapping the little kiddos. Impromptu dance parties in the kitchen are always encouraged.

Michelle and I met back in 2010 through a church group that contained some of the fiercest women I've met. If memory serves me correctly she was planning her wedding at the time, and now five years later she's a mom to two adorable kiddos. We were lucky to get a sun break in the mid October rain to walk around Heritage Park in Kirkland, down to the water front and pop into a coffee shop. One of my favorite frames that I took is the last one on this post - mom and dad need a little love too! (Even when the kids are getting covered in grass and running down a giant hill somewhere out of frame...)

"Family hug!" Maisie called out, and as Darren pulled them all in close together Liam let out an excited giggle. It has been such a joy watching these two grow into parenthood and love on their little guy. I'm positive that the Family Hug I documented is only one of so many thousands that Liam has experienced during his first year of life. I was also thrilled that my furry pal Portland was also able to come out to their mini family session in the park. This is photographic proof that yes, you can have a family session with a one year old and a dog!