On Being a Historian

I'm the historian in the family. The one who makes sure pictures are taken, journals are written, memories are remembered. I'm sentimental, slightly a pack rat, and as the oldest kid of 4, feel it's my duty to make sure our kids have something to remember us and our parents by.



So this year for Christmas, I did something a little different. Instead of buying everyone a gift, I called upon my friend Valorie of Valorie Clark Photography, had her fly down to Texas from Washington, D.C., and take pictures of my family.




My mom and dad.
My sister Jessica, with her fiancee' Denver, and kids Danzig and Pepper.
My sister Dana and brother Clark.
Me and Christian.




Ten of us in all. It took a bit of doing to find a time to make it work, but once it did it was magical. I love how these pictures came out. They're taken at Landa Park in  New Braunfels, TX -- a place we all love.





There were of course a few problems during the day, including a flat tire and a completely unruly 3 year old. But it all came together beautifully in the end.



Valorie was patient and encouraging. And she had such a perfect eye for just what needed to be done. She "bribed" Danzig with things, and focused her attention elsewhere when it was clear he wasn't about to listen to anyone. And after the wait for edits, I took one look through of her work & a sigh of relief and rush of excitement came over me. I loved them.



She did a lovely job of capturing the chaos and love that is my family ♥ Check out Valorie's work at her Facebook page and website.




[PS: another photo shoot Valorie did for Christian & I last Christmas]

My next task is to digitize all my grandma's old family pictures. Any tips?