J Cooper Photography

Sometimes life has a way of getting a bit too complex.  Too many decisions.  Too many activities.  Just too much.  That’s when you know you need your family to re-charge you.  So off we went.

{Um…if you have a family of 18 that you would like me to photograph immediately following church but BEFORE lunch on a sunny porch the answer is an emphatic “no”.  Although I was happy to oblige my own family…you are on your own!  As you will see I didn’t even get everyone’s eyes open.  But had I asked them all to let me take 20 shots to ensure that all 18 people were looking I think I might have been lynched.  Despite the poor photography….it is a beautiful memory…seeing everyone I love together like this.}

Like those matchy matchy tees?  You can get one of your own HERE.  The Librarian is selling them to raise the randsom to bring home a Peruvian princess.  We like to wear them as a family to show her how we are longing for that little girl too.  My sister also made my family (and all the big and little girls) Africa shirts.  Those pictures will have to wait another day or two as my editing time has already run out for the day!

While I was re-charging with my family I also got to steal away with The Writer’s brood.  It was noonish by the time we hit the streets with my camera…but her models were still willing despite the glaring sun.   They live in a smallish town in Nebraska…tree lined streets with historic houses…brick store fronts…narrow alleys….and lots of antique shops (sigh).  It was hard to come home.

{This photo cracks me up.  I like how the littlest is trying with all her might to catch as much air as her cheerleading sister.  We took about 20 frames of this shot just trying to get them all in the air at the same time!!}

The oldest:  cheerleader, softball player, violinist, academic overachiever, so funny you’re likely to spit a soda out your nose.

The Middlest:  theatrical diva, Reader, talker, fashionista, cellist, aspired to change her name to “Sparkle” as a tot.

The Littlest:  jump roping whiz, brainiac, crafter, violinist, earns the title of “coolest person in the whole wide world” according to my girls.

Aren’t they adorable?  I might be slightly biased being their aunt and all.  Between the three of us sisters there are 10 (going on 12) kids.  They are all lined up like a big stair step.  And luckily for me, I have the privilege of watching my sisters raise their own kids (before I had to raise my own).  It is such a blessing to truly love your family and love spending time together.

So after a fun filled weekend of talking, eating, shopping, playing, game watching, church going, driving, planning, dreaming, and driving some more…we arrived home…refreshed and re-charged….

Hope you had a wonderful weekend too with the people you love!