This family is a wonderful example of why I find the medium of photography so compelling. I'm having a hard time coming up with other reasons why a family would invite a perfect stranger to be apart of their life for a day. The best part, though I was doing something for them, I left feeling like they gave me more.
Family is beautiful, not because of how perfect one can appear, but because of the authenticity and enjoyment they bring to each other regardless of how easy or difficult life may be. To find families who need little prompting to be with each other and to be themselves is simply refreshing. 
Joanna has a photo of her dad (holding the photo below) and his brother with their mom (her grandmother) as teenagers. We had some fun and copied the photo with Joanna and her boys.
During the time I spent with this family, we did family photos, then they had a birthday party for their oldest son, Anton. Anton turned 16. The party was hosted at his grandparents home and the guest list included close friends and family. Watching Anton entertain his young guests and enjoy the company of the adults it was clear that this family has focused much time and energy into people.
Joanna and her husband Colby, had kept a book on the their kitchen counter over the years of raising their three children. They would write down moments to remember and funny things the kids would say. At the party they hung many of these funny sayings Anton had said as a child. They had also asked many of the men in their life to write words of wisdom to Anton as he turned 16. Then they gave Anton a box of these letter written to a boy turning man. Intentional living and enjoying life with those we love. It is hard to think of much greater gifts to give our children or to one another.
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