I'm not even sure where to begin this post. The sweet mom of this family has been an amazing friend of mine for many, many years. We grew up together and eventually attended Florida State University where we were roomies, until she married her incredible husband. Many miles have separated us since then, but we've managed to keep our friendship in tact and to pick up where we left off. I've been there for the birth of each of these adorable children and I've been amazed to watch them grow up so quickly. It seems like only moments ago, I was loading up on a plane from New Orleans, wondering if I would make it before the first little boy arrived! Now, just look at him!
It's not surprising then, knowing our history, that I was so excited to get together for a family session with my dear friends. However, the story behind these images is even more meaningful and touching. In fact, you might want to stop now and go get a box of tissues!!
This sweet couple has spent many an evening swinging in their front yard and it is here they felt the Lord calling them to expand their family through adoption, "on a swing and a prayer," as they would say. For their profile, they needed some family portraits and I immediately knew we had to include the place where this journey began.
Notice the symbolism of the blanket, which will one day soon wrap up their precious new baby! Are the tears falling yet?!
How blessed a new baby will be to have these two as their mommy and daddy... and of course, to have this entire family ready to love on them!
I LOVE the next collection of images! The first one in the series might be one of my favorites! I can't help but be moved by the tender expressions on their faces as they look towards the day when a new baby will sit on the swing with them. The light shining brightly down seems profound in this image, as though the Creator of all is radiantly beaming at the hearts of His children to welcome another into their arms. I also love the single blanket, waiting patiently to swaddle the tiny miracle that this family will one day call their very own.
After a little time at their house, we moved on to celebrate the meaning of family by having fun and enjoy the company of one another.
I can't get over the pose that so spontaneously occurred here! Check out the sweetness of a little girl cuddled up in her Daddy's lap! 
The children love their daddy so and they were begging for a picture of them riding on his back! This is just for Mr. J and Miss K!
The kids had been so good that they needed to exert a little energy mid session. It actually made for a very adorable image!
After releasing some energy a little time in the grass was just perfect! These pictures make me smile so much! You can tell so much about their personalities as you look at their priceless expressions!
Knowing that many of these images would be used for the adoption process, I had an idea for the entire family to participate in. We wrote out Psalms 139:14 on the sidewalk and I asked each family member to draw something that represented their new addition. It was such a fun experience to watch them interact with one another and to get so excited about their new little baby brother or sister!
To end our time together, we headed over to the playground for a few last minute pictures and to reward the three sweet ones for being so awesome! Here are a few of my favorite images from "playtime!"
The beautiful Mommy and her girls.
Thank you to this sweet family for allowing me to be a part of this grand adventure! I know of no better family for a new baby to join, where he or she will be loved beyond measure. What a blessing you will be to that little one, just as you have been to me so many times throughout my life!
