It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since we photographed Aimee & Rick’s Ridge Club wedding. Happily, we’ve kept in touch and have been able to get them back in front of our cameras a few times over the years. One of my favorite sessions was three years ago, when I photographed them as they welcomed their baby girl, Tess, into the world.

I love me some quality baby time, so getting to photograph Tess just a few weeks after she made her way into the world was a real treat! Click HERE for a look.

I remember after our session, Aimee looked forward to the time when they’d have another baby for us to photograph. Baby number two came a little over a year and a half later. Sadly, it was to be some time before we’d get to photograph baby Brooks. He had a rough start to life, having to endure several surgeries to repair a cleft palate.

As difficult as it no doubt was for sweet little Brooks, I’m sure it was absolutely torturous for Aimee, having to watch her sweet boy be wheeled into the operating room more times than any mother should have to.

Happily, Brooks is on the mend, and although he still has more surgeries ahead of him, he is a happy, healthy, sweet, playful, delightful little boy, who is very much adored by his big sister.

We got to finally meet Brooks two weeks ago, when we got together with the whole family while they were vacationing on the Cape. Our gathering took place at The Spit, the same spot where we first photographed Aimee & Rick for their engagement session. It was a lovely full circle moment for us. Here’s a peek at our time together.

All grown up at three, Tess strikes a pose that had us in stitches…which she and her little brother seemed to enjoy. Love these little munchkins.

Brooks plays with his Dada and is all smiles…..big, beautiful, delicious smiles!

Happy, curious little Brooksy.

Andy has a way with kids that has always been something I’ve loved about him. Seeing these photos he captured while playing with Tess just about made my heart explode. Look at how enchanted she is with him….

I don’t know what he said or did to get these reactions (and there were a couple more in the series that were equally as delicious!), but I LOVE it!! And, from the looks of things, so did Tess!

A little beachside stroll with Dad….that look….too much!!!

Playful, lovely, gorgeous Tess….the way children smile lights my heart on fire!

While the kids play, mom & dad take a minute for a little snuggle time. Yaaaay for enduring bello love!

Such a sweet family…..

Be still my heart…..

I often will use reverse psychology on kids….telling them NOT to look at me or my camera when I feel like I’m losing their attention. Well, Tess LOOVED this game, and kept shouting, “IIIIIII’mmmmmm lookin’ at you!!!!” which was cracking us both up and making her baby brother wonder what the heck she was shouting about. The results….adorable! I knew those college psych classes would come in handy eventually.

After all the formal stuff was done, it was time to play in the water…and Brooks was loving it!

While the boys played in the waves, I got the girls in front of the camera for a little one-on-one time. Moms & their daughters…..one of the most complicated, intensely loving and utterly important relationships that ever existed. These photos make me miss mine and envy my sister for the two sweet daughters she has!

And, no better way to finish the evening than with a little skinny dipping. Baby bums are my fave…that and a little peek-a-boo.

And, with that, we said goodnight to this lovely family! Aimee & Rick, thank you so much for letting us be a part of documenting this next happy chapter in your life. We LOOOOVED meeting Brooks and getting to see you and Tess again! Your kids are just delightful and we’re so thrilled that Brooks is doing well and seems completely unphased by everything he’s been through in his short life. We hope these photos help celebrate this milestone for Brooks and for your whole family! He’s a resilient little trooper and we cannot wait to see him continue to blossom in the years to come!! Love you all to pieces and feel so grateful to have you all in our lives! Big hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo