Family Love

I've had this post in my draft list for over three months.....it's time has come. I took pictures of this family a few weeks before Emmeline was born. We went to the apple orchards at Brooksby farms late in the afternoon and I had such a great time, I think maybe I should have been paying them.

There was no shortage of love in this family.....love was oozing out everywhere....it was so strong and open and free that it had sort of a magical effect.....I'm not sure how to describe it, but it seemed that we all felt alive and happy and at ease. You can see the magic I'm talking about in their daughter's face in the picture above (well, you can pretty much see it in all of their faces). When I'm working as a social worker, I often talk to families (where the mom and dad are both around) about how good it is for kids to see that their parents love each other....it builds security and confidence. I think this picture would really drive that point home....seriously, look at that girls face and tell me she doesn't feel totally secure. Her parents love each other....life is going to be ok.
I have thought back on this photo shoot a lot over the past few months. I know all families aren't like this, and I'm sure this family has their moments....just like all of us.....but, I just can't help but think about the power of family love. I want that magic in my family. I want me kids to know that I love them....and maybe more importantly, I want them to know that I love their dad.

Do you think they love their mom?

And it's plain to see they can't stand their dad.

Man, we had a good time. These guys were up for anything.

Thanks guys for making me think so much and for such a magical afternoon (way back when....when the earth wasn't frozen like it is now....and you could lie on that luscious grass.....will that ever happen again?).