This late summer weather that lasted well into October created the dreamiest of evenings! I got to spend a little time with Durlin & Emily and their four darlings to capture some family pictures! It’s enough to make you fall in love with the color green, summer evenings, and a charming town named Gordonsville!

How can you pack this much love into one spot?

Now We Are Six

By A. A. Milne

When I was One,
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three
I was hardly me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five,
I was just alive.
But now I am Six,
I’m as clever as clever,
So I think I’ll be six now for ever and ever.

Everyone talks about how the babies grow and change, but this year I’ve been noticing how much the big kids change! Seriously, a year can make a huge difference! They shoot up in height, their faces lose a bit of roundess, and their conversations deepen. Metri is 10 but goodness he looks like he’s going on 13 here!

Oh, Cari.  How is possible to pack so much love for high heeled shoes and playing in mud puddles into one little girl?

Nationwide traveler right here! Look at those tanned chubby cheeks from his little excusion to southern California! You can’t beat getting to be Mom and Dad’s anniversary sidekick and turning into a bit of a beach bum, right?

Where the magic happens … You know what they say, “The best gift you can give to your family is to love your spouse.” It’s so true! Anniversary trips look good on y’all.

And one more because who can stop with this much beauty?

I always get a bit nostalgic when I’m with families of three girls.  I grew up in one and it was so much fun! That sisterhood …. it’s an amazing, beautiful thing! We borrowed from each other’s closets, had late night chips and salsa parties in my bedroom, and talked each other through so many life experiences. I look at these three and smile as they love on each other. It’s only going to get better, I want to tell them!

Like most families, these little girls have distinctly different personalities, but their friendship runs deep.

Sweet, sweet Jocelyn! She was feeling a little overstimulated until we snuggled her into this basket with the softest white blanket and her daddy started talking to her. She fixed her blue eyes on him and listened to his voice. Within seconds she started calming down and soon looked so comfy we didn’t want to disturb her!

Missy chose the perfect location to complement their colors!  The rich purple was so striking against the backdrop of water and trees just beginning to be tinged with the gold tones of autumn!

I always love to get a few pictures of Mom and Dad during family sessions.  Sometimes it takes a bit of juggling, or cropping out little people clinging to daddy’s leg, or even smiling and pretending to be oblivious to the cries of someone who is feeling miffed at not being the current center of the universe. (Any mamas out there know what I’m talking about?!) But that love that got you here in the first place is still as important as it was when it started. I love keeping a framed picture of David and I in my kitchen to remind me of that strong foundation on days that get a little crazy with the chaos of daily living.

Missy, they’re so CUTE!!

Family is the place your heart calls home.

Four darling children + two people in love = one adorable family!

I love how Mckinzie’s eyes sparkle, but it’s not just her eyes. She’s like a sparkle personified!

Oh, Reagan! This girl is going to move mountains! She is on the move every second …. just loving life and trying to keep up with all her big siblings.

When I left Virginia, Josiah was about to be born. Now he’s a sweet, thoughtful four year old!

Lovely, Ava. She’s always noticing pretty things and sharing them with others. While I was taking pictures of one of her siblings, she was finding tiny little flowers among the fallen leaves and next thing I knew she was offering me a little bouquet. So sweet!