Mitch and Lynette live about a five minute walk from my house and are the nicest people ever! Lynette called me up just days before all of her kids were going to be in town. Their oldest, Mike and his family live in Idaho. We were able to schedule a consultation for practically the next day and go over all the details of their shoot. I'm probably one of the few people who still have their ringtone set to a custom song. Whenever I get a call, The Final Countdown by Europe launches into the chorus. Mitch and I have similar music tastes and during our meeting I kept thinking I was getting a call, but really it was just his music streaming in the background. 

    With the tight schedule we were on, shooting had to happen earlier than I tend to, but I was able to combat the harsher sun perfectly by suggesting Dimple Dell park for the location. On the equestrian parking side there is a trail that dips below a hill and into the gully. Giving us the perfect patch of shade, while still allowing some gorgeous backlighting to happen. The family members all arrived at varying times, and since little kids were involved, we got right to shooting. We ended up shooting all of the breakdowns first and then ended with the big family group shot while we waited for Mitch and Lynette to pull up. It was a little backwards from the flow of things, but it was perfect! In fact, I might start doing it this way from now on with extended family shoots. We were able to play with the kids, let them lose and get some great shots. Not to mention the kids were already warmed up to me (aka trained to look with fruit snacks) by the time grandma and grandpa were there to do the big group picture. I loved hanging out with the Longs and playing with all the kids (with and without fur.) As always, my bag was packed and prepared with fruit snacks and dog treats since I knew Ollie was going to be in the pictures too. By the end of it all, it got to the point where Benjamin (oldest grandkid) would hear my shutter click and then instantly hold out his hand for a gummy. Smart kid! I'm so glad we were able to throw this shoot together and soak up some beautiful fall weather!