Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.~ Jane Howard ~ A family where you are wanted, where you are valued for who you are, where there is room to grow and change and forgive, where you can laugh and tease, and where you belong is a gift. We all need a place like that.

Steve and Jen have that kind of family. Here they are.

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Here are their kids: Summer, Lilly, Dylan, Daizy

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They have opened up their hearts and home to others that God has given them for a season to be a part of their family. Actually, I think they'll always be family.

Michelle told me she lived with their family for four years and that they helped her to grow so much. She dearly loves them and they love her.

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Then for this season, there are four other wonderful people in their home.

Karis

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Here are her beautiful kids. Reagan, Tristan, Kenzie.

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I had a blast photographing them. I was struck by how seamless the relationships were between all the kids. They teased, swung their arms around each other, and hung out....like one big family. Cool.

Actually, it was pretty cool the day we met but they all had great attitudes and were so easygoing, that it made for a super fun time for me.

When I pulled out my two packs of Old Navy moustaches at the beginning and they fell on them like piranhas, I knew it was going to be a good time.

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The girls were working the look.

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I love Tristan have his brains eaten by Steve.

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Now sometimes big group shots can look a bit like police lineups...but not if everyone gets close. I loved how they just held hands, wrapped arms around each other...and felt the love :) .

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They were so fun! Love this one of Dylan warming up his sister as I ran them from place to place.

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Hilarious. Totally one of my favorites.

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Gorgeous sisters.

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Family. You guys are a good time! It's fun for me when I know of a family, and by the time we are done our session, I just like them so much. When we were done, we all crowded into a coffee shop and Steve stood in line for coffees and hot chocolates to warm us all up. I had a hard time peeling myself away at the end of my mocha and visiting with them. Good clan, network, tribe, family :) .

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