Just over a month after our first family vacation to the Outer Banks, we returned, this time with my mom and my sister's family.

The first time around, Tucker was just three weeks old and slept most of the six-hour drive. This time, he decided to hate everything about his car seat, including the fabric which he happily pooped all over (somehow it got in his hair, but completely missed his back?). So between that, screaming and stopping to feed him, the six-hour drive took about eight. 

Our time at the beach house was great, though! Tucker made it down to the beach a few times, and I actually got to spend some time alone by the pool. Having my mom and sister around to help, plus feeling more confident as a mom myself, made for a relaxing and fun vacation. 

Tucker's new beach overalls deserved a mini photo shoot. 

It might look like my niece and nephew are just playing in the pool, but they were actually trying to avoid my camera in every photo.

The only time my 4-year-old-going-on-14 niece would let me photograph her was when I did her hair and makeup.

I love these photos because she's wearing one of my old dresses! I used to be obsessed with my "bear dress." 

These guys love their Uncle Tyler.

Phone pics! 

I met the Merrill family back in December, when Madison was just 6 months old. She was sweet and smiley and way more fashionable than I am. Six months later, and nothing has changed! 

When I drove up to our session location — Madison's grandparents' home in Troutville, Virginia — I was reminded just how perfect a spot this is for photos; nothing beats their sprawling backyard and neighboring apple orchard.

​When I walked in, Madison's mom Megan was ready to go with all the first-birthday essentials, including a big, pink balloon and a homemade cake. I was instantly in love with all these special details!

But my favorite thing about this session was hearing Megan gush over her little girl. She is so in love with everything about Madison — her smile, her hair, the way she sits and even the back of her head. She loves being a mom and creating memories with her children. 

On Madison's birthday, Megan shared on Instagram, "Last night, as I rocked her to sleep for the last time before turning 1, I told her how I had dreamed about her my whole life. I can remember being a little girl and daydreaming about what my daughter would look like. She's even more perfect than I imagined and I'm so lucky to be her mommy. I kissed her tiny hands and tiny toes and sang 'Happy Birthday' to her tonight before bed and asked her not to grow up too quickly. I hope she listens." 

Hope you all enjoy looking at these photos as much as I loved taking them (and as much as Madison enjoyed her cake!).

I love my little 1-year-old clients. Their funny personalities make me smile, their freshly mobile feet keep me on the move and (most important) they can't say no to lots of kisses from Mom and Dad! Their sessions are full of love and fun, and it's such an honor to capture.

When I met with Wyatt and his mom Ashley back in April, I knew their family session would be no different. They were relaxed, sweet and LOVE spending time together outside. I couldn't wait to watch Wyatt explore the arboretum with his parents.

I hope these photos reflect the relationship Ashley and her husband Charlie have built with their son this past year, a relationship Ashley describes perfectly in her blog post about Wyatt's birthday:

"Each day has had moments of pure happiness. Each day has had kisses from the boy I love the most. Each day has had giggles and snuggles and milestones and memories and I wouldn’t have chosen to spend the past year any other way."