It was such a delight to enter Erika and Travis’s home while we were visiting on Oahu. They radiate that spirit of aloha that we have come to know and love while being on this island: warm, friendly, inviting, kind, and selfless. Not only that, but they also had their sweet newborn baby in their home, which always adds an extra layer of sweetness to any session. Erika and I had met when we both worked at the Reading/Writing Center at Brigham Young University-Hawaii several years ago (8 years? 9 years? We can’t possibly be that old!!). Her and her husband Travis had gotten married not long after Adam and I had moved off island. Since then they had moved a few times, but now seem quite settled and comfortable right where they began: back on the islands.

Their baby girl was number two: I got to meet their oldest boy, Wolfgang, as well. He was just as most two-year-olds are: fun and friendly and fiesty at the same time. We let him direct the course of the session, and were all much happier for his leading the way. At one point I asked him if he wanted to hold his baby sister, and he so tenderly and eagerly grasped her in his arm, pat-pat’ed her soft little head, and when he was done, instructed Dad to carefully take over for him.

There is something so special about photographing a family in their home. We weren’t sure just what the weather was going to do that day, so we decided to stay nearby. We began in their bedroom, the most intimate and holy space of their house, and these images are just so tender and real. We moved outside, and little Wolf lit up to show off HIS favorite spaces: the backyard, his playhouse, his bike. Erika’s parents were also visiting with the arrival of the new baby, so we were able to get a few photos of Grandma and Grandpa with their grandkids as well! Erika and Travis, thank you for your unlimited kindness, your outpouring of aloha, and your fearless parenting and friendship. It was wonderful to be in your presence again, and to witness your family and newest addition. All my love I give with these photos!!