Morning at the Botanical Garden

I had the most magical time Sunday morning at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with the Caffrey family. I've known Stephanie for seven years--since our oldest kids were still in diapers! Stephanie and I share a love for books, education, and crafting. I took their family photos last year at Greenwood park and brrr, it was so cold! Bea had just turned one and I thought she was going to freeze. Luckily, Sunday was much warmer. And it's always a sauna inside of the dome of the Botanical Garden.

The Des Moines Marathon was going on at the same time as our photoshoot, so I made sure to arrive extra early in case there was traffic (there wasn't!) But better safe than sorry, huh? As I waited for the family to arrive I captured a few photos of the flowers in front of the dome that were still in bloom and even some fuzzy bee friends. A lifetime ago when I was in the social work field, we had several mandatory trainings in the conference rooms of the Botanical Garden, so I was feeling very nostalgic.

We spent some time outside before heading into the dome. The family has a membership to the Botanical Garden. Included in their membership is one free professional photography shoot/year. I felt honored that the family asked me to be their photographer. Stephanie and Bea were at the garden last week for toddler story time and were surprised at all of the flowers still in bloom.

I could not believe how much Arthur had grown in a year since I had seen him last. He's in third grade and right between my oldest boys and he's much taller than both of them. Matt expressed his surprise also since he stated he's only 5'7" tall. Bea, being a typical two year old, was very hesitant to smile around me. I also wore a mask the entire time, per the guidelines of the garden. Covid-19 has done some strange things for the youngest children with stranger danger. It took Bea awhile to warm up to me. I couldn't believe how big and blue her eyes are!

I had so much fun catching up with the Caffreys, updating their family pictures, seeing their beautiful children, and talking books with Steph. I love when clients come back each year.