Just plain fun.  This family is not only full of life and love for one another, but this mama had marvelously realistic expectations of what a family photography session might be.  She knew her littlest one would arrive full of energy and a desire to explore her surroundings, and even shared before our time together “We get what we get with her.”  Admittedly that statement takes the pressure off me as a photographer just a touch in knowing that mama doesn’t expect her energetic toddler to magically sit still for a family photograph, although her statement also gave me freedom to embrace the challenge of lifestyle photography.  That is that your child’s behavior does not determine the success of a session, whether the experience itself or your resulting collection of images.  I have the privilege of witnessing your family dynamic, whether a child is up for sitting still or not, and guiding you in such a way that we can fondly embrace who each individual is in this particular moment in time.  I love that these photographs showcase what life might be like with this family at home… and all the while with some brilliant smiles to show for it.