I think Amber wins the award for “best daughter-in-law ever”!  For Tracey’s birthday, Amber had the idea to give her the gift of a family photo shoot during their yearly beach vacation on lovely Chincoteague Island.  My  favorite photos of our parents with my son were taken on a beach vacation so I know what a great gift this really is.   I was very excited to tag along for a day.

I met the crew at the house to take some preliminary shots before we made our way to the beach.  Joining Eli’s parents and grandparents for the shoot were his aunties, Kiley and Simone, as well as Kiley’s boyfriend Noah and Simone’s friend Eliza.  It was here at the house that Mark, Justin’s dad, made the discovery of the flapping burp cloth.  Eli couldn’t resist giggling at anyone waving the burp cloth around in the air.  Actually, no one else could resist either!  For the rest of the day, everyone took turns entertaining Eli with that burp cloth.

Tracey, a.k.a. Eli’s Nanna, won my heart right away because each time I took a picture she would say, “yay!” in a small voice with such sweet excitement.  Eli was due for a cat nap when I arrived so it was the perfect time to get some sleepy shots with Nan in a onesie she gave him.

Then it was off to the beach.  We started on the marsh side where water channels weave through tall sea grass, making up much of Chincoteague’s distinctive landscape.

I love this shot with the aunties:

And of course, his grandparents:

As the sun dropped lower into the sky we shifted to the ocean side to enjoy the beautiful blue water.  I like the reflections in this big group shot:

My favorite part of the shoot were all the candid shots of family just being… family.

As I drove over the bridge off the island on my ride home I witnessed the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen.  I’ve been to some exotic places but it happened right here in Virginia, my own home state.  Here’s a slideshow jam packed with way too many photos (all in the gallery here too) but what can I say?  You guys are pretty good looking.  I’m so excited to take Eli’s “official” six month photos at the end of the month so stay tuned for more of this little cutie.  Happy Birthday to Tracey and thanks to the whole family for making it such a fun shoot!