Over a decade ago, I worked for a financial institution as an Operations Manager.? Meredith, a Project Manager, at the same institution was a co-worker.? I always liked Meredith and we worked well together but the workplace didn’t give us the opportunity to really get to know one another.?? We both quit working to start our families.? An ironic set of circumstances allowed us a second chance at a friendship when Tanner was a baby and I am so grateful because Meredith is one of my closest friends and I love her dearly.?? In the last decade, we have shared so many of life’s many blessings together and also some of our deepest griefs.??? (We also got to spend time together in Washington, DC in 2005 when Tanner and Ella got to meet with President G.W. at his request.? THAT was a fun memory!)

At one point during our shoot, I wanted to sit down and have a good cry after spending time with Ian.? The boys have been so busy for such a long time that it’s been hard to get time together where both of our boys were in the same place at the same time.? Because of this, I was SHOCKED when I saw the growth in Ian.?? Selfishly, I couldn’t bare the thought of what the next 3 years might bring in maturity for Tanner.? At 12, Ian is nearly as tall as I am (though to be fair Andy is very tall so I don’t think Tanner will hit growth spurts like Ian’s for several years still).

Sister Ella is the darling jabberbox of the group and I love it.? She was full of good ideas and is oh so expressive.? Ella and Ty get along very well.? 🙂

And this is beautiful little Quinn…the baby of the family.

I love these little outfits from Naartjie – I think Tori needs one.? 🙂

Seeing this picture of Ian holding Quinn makes me anxious to see Tanner with a new baby next year.? I am almost 10 years older than my baby brother and I was always (and am) second mama.? Will be fun to see the dynamics with a big brother and little brother (or sister – Tori definitely wants a sister).