The “B” Family

I’ve sat here for awhile, scrolling through the images of this family, trying to find the perfect words. Words to describe how special these people are. Words that contain how much I love and appreciate them. Words that hold the depth and the breadth of their love for each other and their commitment to the life they are building. Words fail me, though, as I scroll, image by image, and smile at the wonderful people on the screen before me. As I scroll, my mind wanders back over the years. The years I have known this family. The changes they have endured. The strength with which they have carried themselves.

Kylee is one of “The Girls” whom I have written about often in this space. I met her in college and while she changed schools after Freshman Year (I think?), she remained committed to the friendships she made during that first year. In fact, she is much the glue that has rooted “The Girls” together, making sure we stay connected, sharing stories, sharing lives. And that is who she is. Her relationships matter. Connections matter. People are life blood.

Kylee and Craig are the perfect compliment to one another. Different enough to keep life interesting, but similar enough to move in the same direction. A love that began years and years ago, they have remained rooted to a beautiful life they have built along the way. Moving out of the country, enduring loss together, celebrating new life together, finding new passions, letting go of old ones. Individually Kylee and Craig are incredible. Together, they are unstoppable.

Years ago, when I visited their home in Mexico, I heard it said more than once when talking to their daughters, “Daddy and I are on the same team.” It seems the perfect parenting book could be made right there.

Kylee and Craig are on the same team and their two little girls are blessed beyond measure to have joined this team.

I love watching this pair with their daughters. Two young girls who are as different as different can be–yet love each other deeply. It is a mark of excellent parenting, I think, when children are allowed the space to be who they are–and Lila and Vivi are given this space. What a tremendous gift.

To know this family is to love them.

Craig, Kylee, Lila, and Vivi, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to photograph you once again. Thank you for your friendship. And thank you for the integral role you all have played in my journey.