As the Reed family strolled down Gold Camp Road, the golden light of the sinking sun filtered down through the trees, illuminating the dust kicked up by the occasional passing car and causing the high rocks around us to glow a brighter ruddy hue.

The warm air enveloped us like a hug, a warmer-than-usual spring day gracing us with its presence. The girls' giggles echoed down the canyon as they showed off their dance moves and played tag along the high mountain roadside under the watchful eye of their parents. Waiting back near the cars was a cliff-side picnic with macaroni and cheese! Comfort food and snuggles with mom and dad; gorgeous views and occupied, fed kids for the grown ups; the perfect way to end a beautiful spring day!

When children are well-loved, it shows. They are often confident in who they are. Their parents engage with them as unique individuals rather than problems to be managed. They laugh together, converse together, and even dance together. They give each other a hard time with a good sense of humor. Lee and Melinda have clearly cultivated a culture of love, laughter, and confidence in their family, and it overflowed into their photo session in a huge way! I can only imagine the life these four share together every day.

Thank you for trusting me with your family memories, Lee & Melinda. Thank you for sharing your precious girls with me and trying out new ideas, too! I can't wait to have y'all in front of my camera again see those girls continue to grow into their vivacious personalities!