Family Photos Beneath a Cotton Candy Sky

As summer drew to a close, our family once again embraced the tradition of capturing photos to freeze this moment in time. Coordinating schedules and choosing outfits for everyone is never simple, but the effort always proves worthwhile once we have new family photos to frame and hang in our homes.

This year, we gathered at my friend Skylar's beautiful property, Blackwater Place, where she also worked her magic behind the camera. The cotton-candy sky painted the evening in soft pastels, creating a breathtaking backdrop and making each image feel like a keepsake.

The most heartwarming, or perhaps the most heartbreaking, part of our annual photo session is noticing just how much the kids have grown. From their shifting heights to their changing smiles—complete with missing teeth and braces—each photo shoot captures a different chapter of their story. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly childhood passes and how important it is to cherish these fleeting moments.

As my parents prepare to return to Florida for much of the winter, we hold these memories close, knowing they’ll last a lifetime. And as I reflect on this summer, I'm reminded that our family has been through so much together over the past few months -- yet we emerge stronger, more connected, and even more grateful for one another. For this and so much more -- we are blessed.