The Mitchell's

Man, where do I even begin with this amazing family..I have had the absolute privilege of knowing this family for the past 5 and a half years... I spent many afternoons and Saturday mornings in their home, hanging out with their kids (mainly Caleb), getting to know them on such a deep level.. and there is no other family that really exemplifies what strength can come from continuing to carry on and to find joy.  They laugh hard, build one another up, and have more strength than any one else I know.  

Some of you may not be aware, but before I went on mat leave I worked as an Autism Support Worker/ Education Assistant/ Behavior Interventionist. My main role is to support students who are diagnosed with Autism, and help see them succeed in achieving their goals, academically, socially, and personally.  I supported Caleb in the classroom from Grade Two until half way through Grade Five at a school in Port Coquitlam and was on his home team.

How do I describe the coolest kid in the entire world?  First off, he can tell you everything you could ever know about super heroes, directors, actors, what years certain films came out, and he can draw for literally hours a day!  Caleb and I would play Lego for hours together, we would draw, go for walks, learn to tie shoes, do math, write hilarious stories, talk about everything, and play hide & seek!  Caleb has his own Facebook page with his best friend- Gilmore, the autism assistance dog.  Gilmore goes to school with Caleb, and their bond is amazing!

I love this family, and photographing them was like photographing my own family.  I worked with Caleb on his home team until the end of last summer, when I was 13 weeks pregnant.  So Caleb got to see Harper's first picture, and he was so interested in reading all about how she was developing in my tummy.

This family has taught me how to persevere, how to keep trying even when it's hard, how to love unconditionally, and how to find strength from within.  Nikki & Todd are incredible parents and love their kids so well.  Thanks so much for hanging out with me for the evening and chasing the sunset.  Caleb, you were such an excellent assistant that evening :)  Love you guys <3