This was such a unique family session.  I have a friend who loves my photography.  I have photographed both her children’s weddings and she has gotten me many, many referrals.  I have grown to love and be loved by all of her family and friends.  

One of her best friends, she refers to as MyDonna.  I have gotten to know Donna these past two years.  And I’ve also gotten to know one of her daughters, Mindy, as well. . . I think we’d be fast friends if we lived closer.  Donna has four grown children, two of whom are married with their own kids.  Mary arranged to have Donna’s entire family meet at a park where she was going to take their pictures (Mary loves taking pictures as well).  She has taken their family pictures before, so it was out of the ordinary.  Once they were all there, I was supposed to pop out and surprise her and have her realize that Mary had hired me to take their family photographs instead of Mary being the one to do them.  

Here’s the few images I tried to snap once Donna figured out what was happening.  She definitely was surprised 🙂

Her family was a lot of fun to work with.  They were all great helpers with trying to get the kids to smile.  At one point, I had a snake (a real one) dangling about three inches from my face to try to get the boys to giggle.  (I think two of them were petrified).  We had people dancing and singing and being goofy.  My mom even came with us and she helped by blowing some bubbles.  

Fun was had by all.  And I laughed so hard during parts of the session that my cheeks hurt.  That’s when you really know you love your job 🙂