Recently I had the honor to do 2 family sessions in Wodbury MN at the Tamarack Nature Preserve. I want to pause for a second and explain why I love doing family sessions. Sure, they can be a little stressful for mom and dad because the kids don't always want to smile and so parents are worried about getting a "good shot". But my desire is to first, create an environment that helps the kids feel as comfortable as they can; second, find ways to make them smile or be goofy; and third, capture their personalities AS THEY ARE.

Which brings me to the real reason why I love family sessions: It reminds me that all of us parents are doing a great job, the best job that we can, and that we are gifted for such a time as this.

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position
for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14

I came across this verse a couple weeks ago and it has stuck with me. Hard. Of course, the context of this verse was not related to being a parent, but we can apply this to multiple areas of our lives.

Parents - you were made for such a time as this. It is your purpose (one of many in this world) and when you feel lost, swimming or drowning in the sea of life with maybe no clear direction, especially when you have small children who test your patience, need so much of your attention, and don't care that not everything around you stops for THEM, just remember: You were made for such a time as this. And you can do it.

Ok. Enough heavy. On to photos of the beautiful families that are rockstars at this thing called parenting, and who recently reminded me that I can do this.