Ever since our local Penn State arboretum announced its plan to add a pollinator garden, I’ve been anxiously waiting for the grand opening. I love its mission of increasing ecological diversity and providing food resources for pollinators. My wildlife-loving son is stoked that we are taking care of our bees. 🙂 And from a photographer’s standpoint, I am in love with all the picturesque areas of interest, especially the pond and the Round Meadow.

I am so blessed that Sarah and her family were my first clients to explore the arboretum’s extension. We had so much fun playing games and getting to know each other. Photos were just secondary. 😛 But truly, Evelyn and Claire shared their favorite experiences in elementary and I’m all ears as we prep for Khai to enter kindergarten this fall. And they make my job so easy by smiling and laughing on cue. (That’s so rare! Haha) But I supposed that comes naturally when you’re having fun. 🙂

What I love most is that this family brings high energy *and* sweet, tender moments. Sarah shared that she is most proud of how much kindness and unconditional love her daughter possess and practice. They have such a sweet bond and their love for one another inspired my favorite “mother and me” portrait to date. Now now, I’m not leaving Dad out of the picture. 😛 We have so many beautiful moments of the whole family, of the sisters together, and yes, of Daddy showing how strong he is. 😉

PS: Doesn’t Dad resemble Lin-Manuel Miranda!?!