We raise our kids so that one day they leave our nest and fly, able to soar even if they fly far away.  Mom Kirsten has put her work in through many years of mothering, and seen so many stages.  And this was their now, and it wasn’t going to be for long.  Her two oldest are engaged (well one is just married, and the other’s wedding is soon!).  Her youngest is still in Middle School, and she is homeschooling him.  All the kids have activities, some have jobs, some are at college, some working… and she seeks to honor God with all of the stages, and chaos.  Because when the geography of your family is this spread out, chaos is sure to ensue, at least some.  But for this day the entire family would come together and would be home.  For this day they all met at home in Maui, even as they were preparing to expand from a large family of 9 to a larger family of 11.  I love that Kirsten wanted to capture her family before the next chapter of their family began. And this beautiful spot on the beach in Maui, in Makena, was perfect for her family portraits.  I worked quick to get a little of everything, to create a story for them that would be read in generations to come.  And even though we had sick kids, who battled through, we had fun.  I think you’ll see that for yourself…  Blessings to this family as new chapters are beginning for them.