A Family that Plays Together...

...stays together! I wasn't blessed with siblings, but if I had some, I imagine they would be like these folks.

 Ok, well, you can't really see them above. But what you CAN tell from that picture how fun this family is!

Alright, I'll turn up the lights so you can see...

This past week I had the pleasure of photographing this vivacious family from Utah. I think that if some day my family abandons me (doubtful, of course), I will call up Kris and his brood and ask for them to formally adopt me. These guys were so.much.fun.

Mom and Dad Cottrell have four offspring and between those four kids there are SIXTEEN grandchildren and a few more great-grandchildren! Wow! Needless to say, there are plenty of reasons that these people are all smiles!

I have to quickly give a nod to George **ahem** I mean DON (sorry, little inside joke there). Don opted to keep his shoes on for the shoot...which was a great idea until the Pacific Ocean had some ideas of her own. Low and behold, Don's feet quickly became soaked. But did you hear any grumbling from this guy? No way! He just rolled with the punches. What a cool dude.

Thank you all so much for choosing me to be your Maui photographer (and an extra thanks to Kris for finding me)! I had so much fun with your beautiful, beautiful family. Enjoy the rest of your trip and safe travels back to Utah!

The Best Neighbors Ever...

...are my neighbors! My husband and I moved into our awesome rental home in Makawao in February of 2010. Right away, we felt like we belonged here. Often on cool Makawao evenings we hear the laughter of one of the many Silvas float through our open windows. They're such a great little family and in the two years I've watched them become even more tight-nit. First, the birth of Kaleb, the first grandson, then the wedding of Matt and Raeli (their daughter), and Lauren (the youngest) moving up to middle school. Then Leicey (the middle daughter) moving to Oahu to attend the University of Hawaii, Ryan (the son) graduating high school, the birth of their second grandchild Kaila. And now, Ryan has just returned from boot camp for Thanksgiving and Leicey is about to move to Georgia to attend school and be closer to her man. This holiday will be the last holiday for a while where the whole clan will be together.

I was so happy to take their family portraits during this Thanksgiving break. It's going to be a rough road ahead for the Silva's with two children on opposite sides of the country. But I know they'll be stronger and closer because of it all.

 Here's Kaleb in July of 2011 and then in November of 2012. Amazing what a year and half can do!

Little sister Kaila had grown a lot too! Here she is in June of 2012 and now, six months later.

OK, so they aren't all Silvas; here are two Casils as well!

  

And here's that Ryan guy, now the Marine guy, with his two proud parents

Thank you Silvas for choosing me again to take your family portraits! A special thank you to Ryan for serving our country. The Marine Corp is lucky to have you.