Some of my favorite pictures from growing up were the ones my dad took of our family decorating the Christmas tree every year. The crisp nature-y smell of a fresh cut tree, the colorful lights that twinkle through the pine needles, that one ornament that inevitably falls and breaks every year… there’s something special about those times.

And this year, for the Smith Family’s Holiday Portrait, they decided to bring me along to document their family decorating their Christmas tree…. on the beach. I’ve never actually seen a Christmas tree on the beach, but I loved the idea… and the pictures turned out to be awesome! So here’s to new traditions, to spending more time with those closest to us, and to creativity! Enjoy!

Last Saturday, it felt like summer had come… finally. (But if you took a look outside right now, you would think it’s February still.) We all met up at Irvine Regional Park, my new favorite shooting place and I met the family. Jeanine’s father, Ron, was celebrating his 60th birthday with the whole family… and to celebrate, they had the wonderful idea of planning a soccer themed photo shoot. According to Jeanine, Ron’s all about soccer… and I’m sure they’re all thoroughly enjoying the USA vs. England match right now! Since it was so warm out, we hung out in the shade to take some classic AYSO-esque individual shots…

And another big reason for the photoshootin’ occasion was the fact that Ron has two uber cute grandchildren… Zoe and Wilson!

Team Photo 2010.

I’m pretty sure this picture made me laugh out loud in public when I was editing through this shoot…

After hanging out in the shade for a bit, Papa Ron warmed Wilson up for the big game… he’s just learning how to walk!!! What a special moment for the both of them!

After everyone was good and sweaty, we all climbed up into a gigantic tree and took some more fun family shots!

Wilson was hungry…

For the last bit of the shoot, we took some more fun shots of Papa Ron and his family… I loved this one!

And this one too…

Then the tough kids came out and ganged up on poor Ruth! She’s a fighter though!

Twas a wonderful summer day with the Smiths and the English family… and Eric’s excited about summer as well!

Thanks for including me in your family soccer game! Papa Ron, Happy Birthday! And I hope you’re all enjoying the World Cup 2010 right now… U-S-A!

Eric Smith has been on staff at Irvine Presbyterian Church for a while now. I never got to have him as a high school youth pastor, but I’ve heard good things. I first had the chance to get to know him a little better when  we documented Daniel and Heather Orduna’s wedding in March 2009… and progressively I’ve had more opportunities to spend time with him, his wife Jeanine, and their kids Zoe and Wilson. Wilson was born earlier this year and has been a super cute addition to the Smith family! When Eric and Jeanine asked me to document this short and fun time in their lives, I jumped at the opportunity to spend more time with them.

It had been a while since I’ve played at the park. I’ve forgotten what a different world that place can be… hills of grass… sand… playgrounds… so fun! When Jeanine suggested their neighborhood park as the place they wanted to do the shoot, I thought, “How fun! ” I arrived and we immediately got the family shot out of the way so we could get to the important part… play time.

Wilson is one cute baby! Eric and Jeanine were right to want to document this super cute time in his life…

Proud Father and Son moment…

Um… can anyone say Gerber Baby?

Jeanine is one proud Mama…

While Zoe was off chasing butterflies and Wilson chomped on his stuffed pig, we took a moment with the big kids…

What a beautiful woman… I love that smile!

After hanging with Wilson and the parents for a little…I finally caught up with Zoe. I snapped this right before she tossed me the ball…

Even though she’s a little camera shy… the camera loves her!

And she’s such a good big sister…

These are my absolute favorites of the whole afternoon…

Happy Holidays you guys!