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The day before Michael and I had driven four hours from Kansas City to Saint Louis and we were scheduled to leave with less than a day in between. He had meetings and I had two photo sessions. We had arrived the night before, hit up Michael’s favorite food joints (Seoul Taco for the win!) and grabbed a Great Pumpkin from Ted Drewes frozen custard before calling it a day!

My alarm rung way sooner than my body wished it would. Outside it was dark. I flicked on one bathroom light so I wouldn’t wake up Michael and began to get ready. I pulled away from the hotel with my slate gray camera bag on the seat beside me and a Starbucks coffee nestled in the cup holder between us. It was moments before the sun made its appearance–you know, where the sky is warm but the air is cold. Where the world around seems a bit more peaceful and welcoming.

I drove up a long two lane entrance with tall, old trees separating the roads. In front of me was Washington University–the place I knew I would hug ‘clients’ I get to call friends. This was our fifth, maybe sixth, family session together but no less sweet than the first time. I turned my head to the left and saw Alecia through my car window—big, beautiful smile across her face. Nothing had changed.

We walked up many flights of stairs and inside a large courtyard filled with bricks and columns and archways. White stone reflecting hints of gold rays from the sun. Curly headed siblings side by side. A blush pink lace dress that I wish came in my size. Two parents whose gentle ways made me smile. A dad with little hands holding his on either side. A chapel they got married in almost ten years ago. Laughs and giggles and quality conversations about Star Wars with a three year old. As well as friend whose words encouraged my heart.

Our trip might have been short but the moments held within it were precious to me. And the family within those moments even more so.