When you grow up in Minnesota, snow is normal.

In fact, my very first experience ever driving a car was in a foot of snow. It just became a regular part of our lives for 6 months out of the year in the frozen tundra of the northland.

But when you have a kid, you start to see things through their eyes.

Normal becomes extraordinary. Simple observation becomes amazement.

And… also… babies look pretty cute in the snow. ;) (So there’s that.)

Every now and then, families gather.

Whether for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or other lovely events, people take time out of their schedules to be with each other.

They fly, drive, walk, or even hitchhike to be with those they call family.

Sometimes families get along perfectly; never fighting, never disagreeing, and always enjoying every moment in what seems like impossibly exhausting relationships.

But not every family is like that. (Thank goodness, right?)

Most families are just like the rest of us; choosing to love those we’re related to (or even not related to) for the sake of having people we belong with. So we claim them as our own.

We choose to love them despite differences, disagreements, and (maybe) not always enjoying every single moment together. (We can be honest about that, right?) :)

Because they’re our people. And that’s what family is for.

John and Victoria (and alllll the Friend fam), thank you SO much for deciding to capture the amazing gathering of all your people! It’s so fun to have everyone in one place and I absolutely loved getting to see and document the beautiful relationships you all have. I hope you’re soaking in all the time together! :)