Before I head back out to meet this family for our annual shoot together, I better get around to sharing our photos from last year’s session!

Especially because there was a special treat for me: it was time to release the monarchs the family had observed as they went from caterpillars to chrysalis’ to full blown butterflies.  The kids were both excited and sad to set their friends free and watch them take flight for the first time.

They had let once friend go a few days before and the process happened slowly – the butterfly had stayed on the children’s hands, grabbing a little nectar “to go” before the long migratory flight.

So we were rather shocked when it happened really dern fast for all three.  They were there and gone, no to-go cup, just “get me the ef out of here.”

Maybe we shook the hutch too much while carrying it outside or maybe it just felt overdue and they had places to be.  Change happens.  Sometimes it takes its sweet time and sometimes it happens faster than we feel ready for.  The only thing for certain is there is no stopping it.

I love getting to watch these two grow up and am so thankful that I’ve been part of this couple’s family life from the day it officially began.  The greatest boon of being a wedding photographer who became a family photographer is seeing so many family stories unfold from the very beginning.

With this family its change that I can handle, one year that flies by too quickly at a time.  I’ll feel that way until the day H seems big instead of small, until the day Z is suddenly a tween.  But for now, I relish that they share their big personalities with me and show me their worlds and interests.   I get to take it all in, even if for an instant, before it flies away.