Blogging about life in Minnesota, raising our six kids with Down syndrome while battling Breast Cancer.

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says, "Oh shit! She's up!"

Saturday, February 13, 2016

On the beach

This trip wasn't about fancy. It wasn't about 5 star restaurants. I didn't pack any make up. We didn't pack and "nice" clothes, just our every-day stuff. The owner of the house in GA asked if we'd like to have some family photos taken. Wow! We have never done that. Ever. We opted for pictures on the beach.

I panicked. Oh my word! What are we going to wear? I looked at the kids, at the boys who *all* were in desperate need of haircuts, as were Dean and I.  I had nothing but t-shirts along for myself. Oh man, these were going to be the real US! The real deal! No hiding under brand new clothes or make up. Just shaggy heads, frumpy mom, sandy faces.

And I love them.

I love every single one of them. I have very few pictures of myself with any of my kids, and now I have pictures of me with every one of them. And pictures of Dean with every one of them. And pictures of all the boys together, and my girls together. And Dean and I....oh how these pictures of Dean and I together mean the world to me. Here are some of our favorites. You'll see everyone's personalities, from those who don't really care for hugs to those who are a bit more mischievous, the serious, the "Teen who can't smile for the camera", and the one who loves the camera most.

I want to say a special thank you to Tamara Gibson Photography, who so generously gave time to our family. These pictures mean the world to us.































































18 comments:

Cindy said...

Absolutely gorgeous images. I'm so SO very happy for you. They sure put a huge smile on my face.

Jen said...

Leah, these are beautiful! Your family is beautiful. You're right, each kid's personality comes out in the photos. And I love the photos of you and Dean, too. You look great! And I was so touched by loving way that Dean looks at each of the kids - and you! You got a great guy! I'm praying for your family!

Unknown said...

There amazing photos!

gps said...

Oh my. ALL the feels! No words. LOVE!!!!!

Unknown said...

The photos are beautiful! You have a beautiful family,it was so nice that you were able to have this trip.

Imogen said...

I need to go grab some tissues. I cried through the whole set. You and Dean are beyond beautiful inside and out and those kids of yours are just the bee's knees and the cat's pajamas. My two fave pics are the black and white portrait of Axel and Angela, and the pic at the end of you and Dean looking out over the ocean. Oh my gosh... the feels xx

Unknown said...

Photos like this have so much more meaning... they are beautiful!!!

Sara P. said...

These are incredible!! What a beautiful family and what a talented photographer to so perfectly capture these special moments!

diane said...

What wonderful pictures. Could not have been any better. The expressions on their faces tell the whole story. What a beautiful family and I'm so happy for you that they were taken by a professional for you as she did stupendous work. Lovely family you all are!

Heather said...

Wow these are gorgeous pictures! Looks like an awesome trip! Beautiful family!!!

KT said...

These are absolutely positively gorgeous. I don't know you "in real life," but have been reading your blog for a while and based on what you've written, these photos really seem to capture the personality and spirit of each of your family members. What a treasure!

Unknown said...

These photos are really lovely. There is no need for fancy clothes & hair & makeup stylists. These show all you need are a beach & loving family & you are good to go. So pleased you were able to get these done

Erika said...

Stunning photos! Your kids are beautiful.

Cindy said...

Perfect photos! Really captured the fun and joy of your family!

Mardra said...

<3 This!

Unknown said...

These are lovely, so so lovely.

flgoldengirl said...

All I can is WOW! These photos surely show the love you all share. Beautiful family!

Twilson9608 said...

You have a family that I dream to have one day! You all make a beautiful family!