We had a bit of a rocky start … as is usually custom when working with little ones. Especially little ones that happen to be boys … and who are much more interested in attempting to jump from great heights, throw sand, locate every bit of rust on tattered rail ties, and find the perfect stick-turned-lightsaber.
But … after a short while … magic happened. Like catching lightning in a bottle. And it was magical. Just like a family should be.
The weather that afternoon was simply divine. Absolutely delicious. A wonderful fall day, complete with a breeze and crisp air. We started at one of my new favorite locations and then moved on to my very favorite spot, before heading over to the Public Transportation Station (a f.a.bulous old railway station). I’ve always wanted to do some photos there … so I jumped for joy when this bunch was game. The boys were getting tired, naturally … but wanting to hit that last location, I opted for bribery. No … I’m not above it … and I’m woman enough to admit it. I’ve found that the lure of a glimpse at a train seems to work every time if you have two X chromosomes (let’s not forget the Hotwheels that filled my bag). What I didn’t expect, though, upon arriving … was for there to r.e.a.l.l.y be trains there. And moving trains to boot. Trains moving cars loaded with rock. Now, I ask you … do I deliver … or do I deliver?
This photo shoot was a big turning point for me. Opened up a whole new world … and was the start of big things. For many reasons. I won’t elaborate on that, because … well … it would bore you. More than likely. There are maybe only two people that would care about these details. Actually, ‘two’ probably also describes how many are reading this post at all. But … I digress.
I need to thank Brian and Ammon for tagging along for this shoot. Honestly ... we couldn't have done it without the two of you (especially that Ammon ... saying, "Cheese" and 'snapping' his fingers while shouting, "Look here, Rukas!" (Lucas)). And, of course ... I want to thank the Mitchell’s for – yet another – joyous afternoon. I’m always thankful for the time I get to spend with this family. Forever capturing their beautiful faces – like catching lightning in a bottle – is just an added bonus. It’s a bonus that I’m glad to accept. Any day.
Truth. I felt the effects of that very long day when I finally wandered to bed that night. A full day filled with General Conference, Brian’s 10-page paper on the ‘Cost of Hospitalization in Relationship to Medication Non-Compliance’ (say that 3 times fast), strawberry fruit snacks, hand sanitizer, very loud trains … and a Goodyear blimp. A tiring day … that was more than worth it in my book. I hope they agree. Enjoy.
This shot is more or less an outtake, of sorts. But it brings a smile to my face. Sweet Brian Jr. started pointing at something over my head. And was so intent on said something … that I really started to wonder what in the world was on my head. Becky started laughing … whether at the disembodied voice coming from behind the lens, “What’s on my head … Someone please tell me what’s on my head …”, or not, I don’t know. I soon realized that there was a Goodyear blimp buzzing around the Dothan skies. And … for some reason … was hovering over me. For a long time. And yes … once I realized nothing had set up house amongst my roots … it was funny. And that Lucas and his precious cheeser-smile. Ah ... again with the magic.
We learned early on (try right away), that there was just going to be too much darn distraction with all those moving trains. But it did prove to offer several impromptu moments of enchantment. Like this one:
And this one. Only in the South, when you wave at someone … to include a train conductor … they wave back.
We love you, Maweese. 
