Richmond Family | La Jolla, CA

I want to be exactly like this family when I grow up. Exactly. They are so close, so fun, such great people (I think they may have even invented the jumping photo, they've been doing it for years). I'm still waiting to hear what your secrets are, Ray and Alicia! This was the last weekend they would be all together for 18 months because one of their kids left to serve a mission for the LDS church, and I'm so glad we were able to make it happen with everyone's busy schedules!

Herb en Routes | Point Loma, CA

I recently photographed an amazing pop-up dinner by my good friend, Chef Kari Rich, at the Herb en Routes urban farm. The place is just as charming as it's owners, Paige and Danielle, and it was really interesting learning about what they do there. I've never had such a literal farm-to-table meal and it was, of course, incredible. There is something so visceral about smelling and walking among the plants that your dinner came from. I'm suddenly dying to make space on our little city patio to plant some things that my kids can touch and smell and eat! Thanks for having me, girls. I can't wait to come back.

Medina Family | Pacific Beach, CA

This family is a favorite of ours. My husband works with that cute daddy and they have each other's backs, which makes the fact that my daughter and I love those girls and the mommy even better! We had so much fun running around on the (ridiculously crowded) beach together that it was hard to narrow down the cute candid shots I got. I'm glad I got to capture your beautiful family again, thanks Medinas!

Sister Jessica Richmond | La Jolla, CA

I'm already tearing up... not a good sign. I remember the first time Jessica babysat for me. My daughter was about 18 months old and I was packing up our house to move up the street. It was the first time in my life that I had hired a babysitter (who wasn't my mother). I remember thinking about this new chapter and feeling so comforted knowing she was the one watching my little person as I filled boxes and felt my son kicking in my belly. She has been our primary sitter for the past 2 years and an enormous blessing to our little family. My kids are in love with her. Juniper talks about her all the time and asks for her regularly and Everett runs to her every time he sees her. And of course my husband and I adore her. I tell her all the time that my biggest hope is that my daughter turns out just like her. She is simply an amazing person.

Jessica is going to be so embarrassed that I wrote all this but I can't help myself! She is leaving soon to the Philippines (!) to serve an 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her mother and I sort of made her do the shoot. I told Jess I was going to title this post "What do I do with my hands?!" because she asked me that about 27 times during the session. I'm still laughing about it! She honestly has no idea how gorgeous she is. Anyway, these photos are my favorite. We love you, Jess, and I hope you have an amazing adventure in the Philippines!! I can't wait to hear you talk about the food. Expect lots of packages full of treats with bite marks in them, Instagram photos of my kids, and finger paintings!