Talk to any parent, and she will tell you that her child is a blessing. Whether that child be the first, the second, or the eighth, every child who graces this world with his/her perfection is a gift from above. So, what happens when a parent is doubly blessed? Doubly gifted? What happens when she gets the ultimate twofer? Is her joy throughout her life doubled? Does she get to experience this life with the uniqueness of raising the two children simultaneously? Is everything in her life doubled?
You bet it is!
And when you find out that the parents already have the prodigal son...well, you start to wonder what they did in this life to deserve such riches. Whatever it may be, it must have been good because this family just about blew me away when it comes to just how amazingly wonderful, amazingly beautiful, and amazingly perfect they are. And that they called on me to photograph their amazingness at Top Dog? I must have done something right!
I wish I could tell you what makes the world's newest and greatest sixteen year olds so wonderful. From their laundry list of impressive activities that not only showcases their individual talents but their commitment to helping others, to the kind and generous way they treated EACH AND EVERY guest at their party, to the way they loved on their parents in front of their entire social grouping. It's enough to make you want to say, "What did you do to raise such awesome children and how do I make sure mine are just like yours??"
And any time I get to see my babies, my former students, is a great time for me. I have to admit that I had a hard time keeping on my "business" face when I heard so many familiar voices calling out my name and so many familiar arms reaching out to me for a hug. Had to take off the photographer hat a few times and put on the jubilant I-know-I-didn't-birth-you-but-you'll-always-be-my-baby teacher hat. But that's not weird for a photographer to hug her sixteen year old clients, right?
And now, to present some of the greatest sixteen year olds around! For the record, I am in no way biased when I say that.