Our family of 12 gathered at Heart’s Desire on Crooked Lake in July 2012 to celebrate my parent’s 50 years of marriage and a legacy of deep love and enduring faith. Who knew 39 years earlier when the little cabin was purchased with a small inheritance that it would become a rock for our family, a “home” for a family whose journey would involve several moves and eventually scatter us across North America? We’ve truly been blessed with the desires of our hearts: God’s presence in our lives, a loving family and a wonderful place to enjoy both.

We asked my very talented cousin, Kendra Stanley Mills, to come and photograph our family for the day. It wasn’t a particularly special day — except that we were together, which happens too seldom since we live several states apart. Kendra is a photojournalist and she’s in her element when she can be a fly on the wall and capture what she sees happening around her — simple little moments that tell big stories. More than recording activities of the day, her photos capture little interactions and what it feels like being together at our favorite spot on earth. She did portraits, too, but my favorite photos are the ones where we get a peak at her unique vision. I had so much fun going through the photos and creating this photo book as a gift for the family.

The hammock shot with one of the kids is pretty spectacular.

What better time to capture our family interacting with one another than dinner time. I love that Kendra took photos of the food in some vintage serving dishes that have been in the family at least as long as I have. I get the warm fuzzies when I see them.

 

Family portraits are important, but I highly recommend finding a photojournalist (or hiring Kendra!) for some priceless vignettes of everyday life.

You can view some of my other photo books here.