Marcus leaned toward Emmy and covered his eyes. This was a serious game of peak-a-boo. Emmy's stern expression let you know that she meant business - and Marcus was here for it. Whatever he could offer up to delight his little sister. As they took turns exclaiming "peak-a-boo!" Emmy softened into her big brother and became totally and completely engrossed in their game. Round after round after round. Frame after frame after frame.

I'm no stranger to their genuine affection for one another - I am lucky enough to call them family after all - but I especially appreciate capturing this love through these images. A special reminder for years to come. Marcus adores his little sister and Emmy cherishes time spent with her Marky. This is the kind of relationship a mother dreams of for her kiddos.

Our backyard session was a reminder of just how much each of them has grown over the last few months. Emmy is a walking, talking toddler with a strong opinion about where she is going and how she is getting there. Evidenced by her very specific instructions to Marcus about how he should be walking down the brick path and who was going first. Don't worry, Marcus didn't let her boss him around...too much. And in classic adult fashion, I swear Marcus grew a foot since the last time I saw him. Maybe more. He's certainly taller than I am now, which admittedly isn't hard to do, but well on his way to further ruling the basketball court with a more imposing stature. After a few solo shots he began to relax in front of the camera and have fun with it. We laughed and joked and I was reminded that while he now looked like a young adult he was still the same playful and fun loving Marcus he had always been.

As I worked through their gallery I was reminded of the genuine laughter and fun they each had while we worked for the best possible images. The interactions were real. The laughter was contagious. And the love was felt by everyone.