I am blessed

because I have a niece who not only loves the camera as much as I do...but she takes beautiful photographs in the process. I finally got around to downloading my photos from the holidays and was overwhelmed when I came across these lovely pictures. She was at my house watching the boys a few days before Christmas - I love that she just picks up my camera and snaps away.

Love love love this one of the stockings and the tree. Awesome Kate.

But this one is particularly special. And this is the other reason I love my niece's photographs. She takes pictures of life happening. Of moments. She captures a feeling.

This is a photo of Duncan creating a book for me. On this particular day, Duncan got a little sad and missed me...so he called me and we talked for a bit and I suggested that maybe a nice way for him to express his feelings would be to make me a book. (1. I know he loves anything having to do with art/creating and 2. I figured it would be a nice way for him to convert a little sadness into happiness). My niece told me he got off the phone, went up to his room and came down with his arsenal of tools needed to create his book. Katie told me of how he diligently worked and colored on his masterpiece...he even made his own wrapping paper, wrapped the book and it was waiting under the tree for me when I got home.

Needless to say...the book was...well...perfect. Duncan's Luv Book. And not only did it help to make Duncan's day a lot brighter, but can you even imagine how it made me feel? I'll admit it...I cried (don't EVEN say you wouldn't have too).

Here is the page that Duncan was creating in the photo above...

The book itself is obviously a keepsake...but having the photograph of him creating the book and the story that goes along with it is an overwhelming added treasure. I love that someday I will be able to pull out this book and share it's story with Duncan. It's a simple story of a couple hours that took place on December 23rd, 2010. But it's also a huge story of an amazing event that occurred on December 23rd, 2010. Simple and amazing. Life.

*Thank you Baby Kate for the lovely gifts that I so often find on my camera. Thank you for your vision. Thank you for documenting. I love you to pieces sweetie.