seven letter word for family • the findleys • redondo beach, ca

little ones, we are family

I couldn’t possibly write all that I’d want about my wonderful friend Dana. She’s known me through thick, thin, & just plain crazy. Dana has always been like a sister to me–someone capable & dependable & positive that I would trust to pack my house & balance my checkbook. I always say that she’s the type of gal who gets more done between 6 AM and noon than I can do all week. She’s creative, loving, thoughtful, talented, hard-working…In just the last four years, she & wonderful husband Kirk grew their marriage into a family of four! It was very special to share our pregnancies at the same time, & to be in the same phases of parenthood. We often laugh & talk about what life was like “then” (road trips, vinyl pants, discos, Olive Garden), & how it is “now” (day care, sleepless nights, Target).  I loved doing these first family pictures of theirs since the arrival of daughter & little sister, Aria, last spring. She joined big brother Race, & now Dana & Kirk have a perfect matched set. Here’s to “now” & this amazing family!

thanks • the hsieh sisters & families • pacific palisades, ca

holidays, little ones, we are family

The last time I photographed Yvonne & Elaine & their families was two years ago. I was preparing myself for how much the kids must have grown since then, but I still couldn’t believe it when I saw them! Shae was still in grade school last time, but now he’s halfway through eighth grade (which makes him closer to being a high-schooler!). And little sister Mia is that blossom of a girl who is just super into soccer & probably has no idea how gorgeous a young lady she’s become. But they’re both still kids enough that snuggling Mom, Elaine, is still cool—which was the most endearing thing to see. And Yvonne’s oldest, Sonia, was just a baby a couple years ago; not so this year! She’s definitely the big girl-older sister to little Tessa, whose little teeth just made the best smile! Here’s to sisterhood, cousins, & being together for the holidays!

number one! • the juarez family celebrates daniel’s first birthday

little ones, we are family

How special that first birthday is with your first baby! I was so honored to help Mandy & Derek celebrate Daniel’s first year with our portrait session. It was extra special, because Mandy is a close friend of my childhood “cousin,” Tricia, whose mom is my mom’s best friend. I love sharing this friendship, & we all have sons who are the same age. I had a great time clicking away while Daniel got snuggled by mommy & daddy—& even more fun was watching him dig into a birthday cupcake…at first tentatively, & then getting it, & then with gusto! Happy First Birthday, Daniel!! And congratulations to Mandy & Derek for surviving that first year & raising such a sweet little boy!

c3 • the cuevas kids • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, we are family

The Cuevas family is always in motion! Mama Erin is a dynamo–mother of three, entrepreneur, producer, & wife to wonderful husband & partner in all their creative plans, Frank. I am so impressed by how this family makes moving & opening new businesses look like so much fun & adventure. They’ve crossed the country & started new ventures & nested new homes all in the time I’ve known them, & they inspire me to break out of the routine & be bold! But I have to say, it’s nice to have them back here where we can resume our playdates & face time. We love seeing their three beautiful kids—Sienna, Jack, & introducing new addition, baby sister Carolina…