Every now and then, I find myself wishing I were part of a huge, rollicking family with 10 kids and thousands of laughs. Big families always seem to have so much fun when they get together. It’s like a huge party at which you’re related to all the party goers, so it makes it much more relaxed. You don’t have to worry about being a great host and making sure everyone has a drink – they can get their own darn drinks! Cups are above the sink.

The Bloem family is one of those families. They truly enjoy being around each other and have a lot of fun in the process. We first met their daughter Christina when we photographed her wedding to the love of her life Josiah this past summer (you can see some of their photos in our Wedding Gallery). Christina got in touch with me before Christmas to ask if we would be able to take family photos for them, as all the kids would all be home for the holidays. We couldn’t have been more tickled by her request to capture these fabulous people.

This was taken right after I said, “Smile! You’re sitting on a hot guy’s lap!!!” 🙂

Love everyone’s expression in this one. Fantastic way to wrap up the shoot.