When I was younger, the change of seasons meant different things to me: warm sunny weather meant no school and lots of time in the pool, cooler weather and falling leaves meant the beginning of school and Santa Ana winds, and rainy weather with green leaves meant Easter was coming. While somewhat correct, my perceptions of the passing of time always fueled anticipation of what was to come, whether it was looking forward to opening Christmas gifts, or eating Easter candy. This fall means something different for the Howard Family…. not only does it mean leaves falling, Christmas coming, and the beginning of school for Ethan, but it also marks the last fall season they’ll be a family of four…. a 5th member is on the way.

Heike and Jeff wanted some photos of their boys (and a few of them as a family) to document this special time in their family’s life. Their oldest son Ethan started school recently, and their younger son Dylan is at a super cute and fun stage in life…. learning new words and loving new things like trains. Here are my favorites from the afternoon with them in San Juan Capistrano Los Rios Historic District….

Jeff and Heike, your family is SO CUTE. I’m excited to see your family grow and I had so much fun running around with your boys, climbing trees, looking at rocks, and marveling at the trains. You’ve been blessed with beautiful boys who bring joy to whomever they interact with… thanks for sharing them with me!

Grandmother’s china tea set, a big stuffed bear, a warm autumn afternoon, and cookies…. could there be a better set up for a family portrait? I think not! When Mary first contacted me about taking her family’s portraits, we brainstormed a bunch of ideas on how we could make it creative, fun, and unique to them. She mentioned her mother’s tea set would be a neat way to pay tribute to her late mom’s relationship with her daughters Rya and Kayla. I loved the idea! The pictures turned out so cute!

After the tea party, we decided to go exploring around Irvine Regional Park….

This was one of my favorite shots. It’s not a typical family portrait, but I LOVED the relationship between bigger sister and little sister that shows through it. Makes me warm all warm and fuzzy inside… and makes me want to hug my own sister.

Loved the light in this shot! So great!

Dad came back after taking a man walk around the park… tea parties don’t interest a man like Van. It was fun getting some daddy/daughter shots in.

Such a cute family!

We let the girls run around for a little while we took a few quick shots of Mary and Van… a VERY cute couple, if I do say so myself…

Twas a great afternoon and an amazingly beautiful and fun loving family…. blessed to know these people!

I had never met Iris before, but after following her blog for a little while, I felt like we might be the same person…. and I knew we’d get along real well. Iris is a another wedding and portrait photographer in Orange County who is pretty much a super woman. When we talked on the phone before the shoot, she mentioned that not only does she own her own business, but she’s also a full time mom of two adorable children. I have no idea how you do it, Iris…. you amaze me.

Welp, Ricky, Iris, Annabelle, and Christian…. I had so much fun running around Irvine Regional Park with you! Your family is too cute, and I hope these photos will help remind you later on down the road how much you loved each other. And Iris, I know you aren’t on this side of the camera very often, and even if you don’t believe me…. I think you’re STUNNING. I hope I’m as in love, as successful, and as beautiful as you when I’m a mom. Here are my favs….

Mr. Lightning McQueen himself!

Fist Pump?

Then… out came the mustaches….

FAVORITE.