It had been a busy weekend, filled with out-of-state family visitors, a birthday party and a visit to the train park. Now, they were ending the weekend with a very special family session. All of this to celebrate Ethan’s 3rd birthday. When this family of two became a family of three. Jill arrived with her hair perfectly curled, dressed in a sweet maxi dress from Anthropologie. A dear friend came over to help Jill get ready for this very special occasion. And after our photo shoot, they were going out to dinner to celebrate with Jill’s dad and sister. (I can’t think of a better way to celebrate!)

Over the last three years, I have witnessed Ethan blossom! Always on the move, Ethan explores the world around him. Over the last three years, he’s had many loves. During his first year, he enjoyed playing peek-a-boo, listening to The Bathtime Song, and his blue teddy bear. He adored and still adores Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood! Right before his second birthday, his family moved to a new house and he started preschool. Now, with his third birthday, a new favorite is helping mom in the kitchen and watering plants with dad. Ethan gets a kick out of riding his scooter, swimming, and Thomas the Train. I cannot wait to see what he loves when he is four!

When a family lives far away, having them visit is icing on the cake. Jill’s dad, Carl, and sister Laurie were at the session, cheering on Ethan and providing extra entertainment for those big smiles. During the last few minutes of the session, Jill, Rolo, and I were able to sneak off and take couples photos. Every session we tried to get a few of just the two of them, a time to celebrate what started off as two created a family. As always, Rolo would take Jill and start dancing with her; the smiles that would emerge were endearing and the connection undeniable. They would laugh and whisper secrets. As a parent, capturing how you feel about one another, leaves a legacy.

First of all, thank you Jill and Rolo for having me capture your family every year, Ethan is so lucky to have a way to look back at his past. Second, you two are such wonderful people and parents! Third, I love that you have me create a new card each year with fun facts about Ethan; it is so fun to see how much he has changed in twelve short months! Lastly, one day, when Ethan is all grown up, he will look back at these photographs and think about all of the fun memories you shared as a family.

PS Thank you, Laurie and Carl. It was so nice meeting you both!

Other posts you might enjoy:

Mommy and Me Photography Session

DC Marketplace Family Photography Session

To My Mom on her Birthday