my wonderful family.

I cannot even begin to explain to you how very thankful I am for my family. They have always been there with me through everything. They've been my bestest friends growing up. Encouraging me to be everything I can be, and to pursue all of my dreams.

I've always heard the saying: "You can't pick your family." But even if I could, I wouldn't choose any differently.

Mom + Dad have always been such amazing examples throughout my entire life. Through their marriage, through their relationships with us kids, through their relationships with God. I love them to pieces. Mom is one of the most joyful people I know...and my Dad is one of the funniest {and godliest} people I know. Love love love them. Can't say that enough.

Miranda and I are three years apart, so we've always had that special relationship. I was the typical bossy older sister who always wanted things done my way {when Miranda wouldn't let me do her hair, I would run to Mom and ask her to "make" her...ha!} Thankfully she's never stopped wanting to be my friend, and we're closer now than ever. She's super talented {she's written a NOVEL, folks!} and I know God has great plans for her life. Love her.

Ben. haha, this picture makes me laugh...because you have no clue how long it took me to get him to not make a goofy face! This guy has me in stitches pretty much every time we're together. He always let me play tonka trucks with him, which I always appreciated. :) Ben is also super-talented. He's currently studying animation, and he's SO good at it! You'll see his name in the credits of a Pixar movie one day {"Ben Turpin", remember it.} Love him.

Alycia. Alycia and I have always been close. When she was little {and I used to babysit}, I would convince her to do things by pretending to be cows with her...and asking her to do things "for your mommy cow?" haha, yeah it was silly...but to this day we still joke about her being "Baby Cow" and me "Mommy Cow." Good times. She is super-talented. She's an amazing pianist, flautist, artist, and photographer. She also has one of the sweetest, kindest hearts I know. Love my baby cow.

Moriah. Goodness, she looks so grown up in this picture...it's making me tear up a little. Jonathan and my future kids have Moriah to thank for me being at least a little prepared for parenthood. :) Ever since Moriah was an itty bitty baby {and I mean itty bitty}, I had the joy of helping take care of her. She is also super-talented. She's a great artist, has a beautiful voice, and is one of the most organized 10 year olds I know! Love her.

Here we are. The Turpin/Zajas family! I love these people. And see what I mean? Ben can't be serious for a picture. :)

I encourage you to always show appreciation to your family. Tell them you love them, even though you think it is implied. Even if your sister won't always let you do her hair... :)

P.S. Of course, Jonathan and Max are also a part of my beloved family. But I think you've heard a little bit of them before, right? :) Best husband + puppy ever! Love them.

P.P.S. What's that you say? You want to see more photos? Well, you don't have to twist my arm! Click here to see the rest of the images from our little family shoot. :)