This beautiful family!! This was one of my very favorite family photo sessions of the last few months. I love the McDaniels — Jason and Heather were my campus ministers all through my years at UNC, and I've reconnected with Heather since moving back to Durham in 2015. It's pretty cool to have known them as newlyweds, and now as parents of FIVE gorgeous children. I so respect and admire their family, and am thankful to know them.
I was SUPER pregnant while taking these photos, but I was excited to capture some photos for their Christmas cards in the Forest Hills neighborhood in Durham. Their kids were promised ice cream after this if they cooperated, and as that's a rare treat for them, they DEFINITELY cooperated. I was amazed — they were so well-behaved, and for the most part smiled on command. It also helps that the siblings all get on very well and make each other laugh a lot, so we got lots of happy faces for most photos.
I had to keep this outtake, because GAGE! He is hilarious, as only 3-year-olds can be. And do his suspenders not KILL you!??! I love them so, so much.
Also an outtake: they're all reminding Gage that if he wants ice cream, he needs to pull it together and turn around. HA! I can't.
This photo was Alexa's idea, and I was shocked that Caden was okay with it! So sweet!! What a great brother. :)
These boys love their one and only sister so much — it's pretty sweet.
Thanks so much for letting me capture this special season in your family's life, Jason and Heather! :)