family ties

So, I have been struggling with how and what to blog...I don't want to just go back to "normal" like nothing ever happened, like losing my brother has not changed my very being...But, on the other hand, I do believe mine is an overall joyous occupation, celebrating individuals, families, and love. I don't want to cloud all of my posts with my own sadness. So, like I said, I have been struggling. This post is easier, because it is of a family so close to my heart, a family interwoven throughout my personal history.
My family has always lived farther away from my grandparents' farm than most of our other relatives do. When I was younger, I always loved get-togethers at grandma's for so many reasons, not the least of which was getting to see my cousin and one of my best friends, Kayla! We would always beg my parents and her parents to let me spend the night over at her house. Now, in case you don't know, I was raised very strictly, so I didn't get to spend the night with very many people, but thankfully my Uncle John and Aunt Becky were on the list of approved chaperones. ;) I have so many great memories of fun times with Kayla!

When I was up in Iowa recently to attend the annual family hayride/bonfire out at my grandparents', my Aunt Becky asked me to do some family portraits for their entire family. I really enjoyed the shoot, as I have recently been so severely reminded of the importance and preciousness of family photos.

{A fun fact: my Aunt Becky is one of my mom's nine siblings/one of her seven sisters! :)}

Here is the entire Engle family...


my cousin Kayla, my Aunt Becky, my cousin Keith, my Uncle John, and my cousin Kim...


Kim is the oldest of John and Becky's three. Here is her adorable family... {I got a few where they were all looking at the camera, but I just loved this one with the boys messing around. :)}


And here is Kayla's beautiful family...

{Funny story about the above photo: When Kayla and Jason started dating, I bet her a Mountain Dew {yes, the pop--we were obviously mature teenagers} that the next time I saw her she would have a different boyfriend. Over ten years and five kids later, I still owe her that Mountain Dew! :)}

John and Becky with their grandkids...


the boys... {awww!!!!!}


pretty girls...


sibling love...


"Okay, everybody lean in clooooose!"


the couples...





The girls wanted a pic of ALL the girls in the family...


John, Becky, and family~
You guys are so special to me! Thank you for trusting me to document your family! Also, thank you for being a tower of strength, love, and support for my family to lean on!

~abi~