Home on Leave: Family Dinner

I met this loving family a bout a year and half ago. I met them under very interesting circumstances: Savannah , the granddaughter, needed senior photos done immediately. Not because she had procrastinated but because their family cabin was being sold. This was the home she went to for holidays, birthdays and just to sit on the front porch and relax with her Great Grandpa. Due to extenuating circumstances this beloved cabin , which her grandpa built was being sold. 

So I rushed out to Cooperstown and met her, her mom and grandmother for her senior shoot. It was a gorgeous fall afternoon. I could have kept exploring and taking her photos all evening. I knew then we had made a connection. 

At prom session I received another call: Savanna's prom photos. Of course they were stunning! I heard all about her plans for the summer, starting college and her brother Cooper. 

Middle to late February I got a call from Mrs. Debbie, Savanna's grandmother (mimi). Cooper was in town on leave and they were having a family meal at her house and she wanted family photos. What a wonderful way to create memories! We made the plans and on a sunny afternoon I made my way to the family dinner. 

The family...This is most of the family gathered , had to reshoot this one to add an uncle in lol

I can not put in to words what is was like to get to capture this super fun and sweet family. I was able to do some family shots and then just capture them as they spent quality time together. The kids were riding dirt bikes while the adults chatted, watched and laughed. 

The dirt bikes The dirt bikes The dirt bikes The dirt bikes The dirt bikes

Cooper had not been home in 2 years and would be flying back out to his new station in Spain the following Tuesday. To see the emotion and love this family has for him and he for them was so moving . I wont lie I had to hold back tears as his mimi fixed his plate, handed it to him, and then to see him lean down and kiss her cheek. Y'all I pray that as I raise my family up they can be as close and loving as these guys are. 

They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart! They left their Christmas tree up for Cooper... Be still my heart!

This whole family holds such a special place in my heart! Thank you guys for allowing me to spend the afternoon and eat with you all! 

The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight The Dinner and Food Fight

By the way, if one person told me to eat at least 5 of them did! lol And let me tell you it was delicious! There hospitality is second to none!