Growing up with my clients is a privilege I cherish. It's like I have the largest extended family on the planet and I get to be there to celebrate the biggest milestones and the happiest moments in so many people's lives. 

This particular session was very special to them and to me. It's marking the time as a family of three, how they've settled in so nicely into parenthood, this little beauty with her joy and spirit, and how--in just a few months--they will add one more to their nest.

The weather was incredible and the light fell perfectly on them no matter where they were. Everywhere we explored, we found beautiful little nooks to help them tell their family story. This gazebo was breathtaking, covered in every inch by jasmine in full bloom. We could smell it before we even turned the corner to spot it. It was like a fairytale unfolding before us.

I had *just* finished watching The Tree of Life a few days before their session. Even if I didn't fully understand the movie, I was completely inspired by the memory-like progression of the film...those little snippets flashing on screen making even the smallest moments seem significant. It greatly influenced my approach to their session and the ones I've had since. I need to watch it again.

And then, as if we needed icing on this cake, we stopped by this wildflower field on our way home for some signature Pinkle Toes Texas wildflower images ;-). Seriously, it was if we could do no wrong this afternoon.

I'm so happy we got to do this session before baby #2 arrives and I'm very much looking forward to see how baby girl up here embraces her new role as Big Sister!

Since we've already started getting into the 90's around here in these parts, we naturally assumed that a sunrise session would be the perfect temperature and not too hot. Silly us. I think it had just barely reached 50 this particular morning and bless his heart, it was all we could do to keep him warm. We would take a few pictures, mom would wrap him in his blanket, he'd warm up, we'd take a couple more, rinse and repeat. He was such a trooper and every now and then, he would treat us all once again to his infectious smile.

This is a good looking family, no doubt about it. These boys just take my breath away. Even from the first time I met them [funny...I just noticed the titles of the last post and this one are pretty much the same ;)], I was completely bowled over by their energy, exuberance, and dashing good looks. Despite a tragic balloon incident, we managed to have a wonderful time at the city park, enjoying the perfect weather and all the fun sites to see (like counting turtles and climbing giant hills)!

Three years ago I was charmed by big sister. At the time, she was one of the most well-spoken, pleasant, intelligent 1-year-olds I had *ever* met. She is still one of the most well-spoken, pleasant, intelligent children I've ever worked with. She has a GREAT imagination and loves to entertain. I'm glad I get to say, "I knew her when..."

Enter little sister. Just as joyful, a little timid at first, but you can see it didn't take her long to warm up to the idea of exploring this amazing Austin park at sunrise. The fog that day was mystical and although we battled slight drizzle, no one seemed to mind. We were just there to play and celebrate what it's like to be a happy family of four.

A little birdie told me that butterflies were among this little beauty's favorite things. SOOOO, I enlisted the help of my boys to round up a collection of butterflies for their family session. I was so eager to show her my surprise for her, but much to *our* surprise, she was quite afraid of them :-(. Well...she was cool with it when mommy or daddy was holding them, but if one landed on her...oh my. At least we were lucky enough to get that one lovely shot up there.

But my personal fav is the one I caught of dad hanging on the monkey bars. So glad we went to the park so he could have some playtime, LOL!