Looking back on life it always amazes me how much can change over the years.  This year will mark ten years since I graduated high school.  For some, you’re saying “wow you’re young” while others might agree with me in thinking “has it really been that long”.  Over the last 10 years, a lot has changed in my life.  It was about 10 years ago I first met Mike. I remember when I first met him at church and telling him he should be a youth leader.  Eventually, we both worked on staff for the youth ministry at Calvary Chapel East Anaheim.

While getting to know Mike better, I realized that we had a lot of similarities to our past and we actually knew a lot of the same people.  Over time in working alongside Mike we became good friends.  Life can be full of ups and downs to which I have seen both in Mike’s life.  I remember talking with him about his plan to propose to Erin.  Then I was honored to see them get married.  Eventually, they had their adorable daughter Chloe and their goofy son Caleb.  As they’ve grown together as a family, it been a joy seeing the man Mike has become over the years and seeing the woman Erin has become.

Both Mike and Erin are amazing parents and their love for not only their own children but others is one of the first things you’ll notice about them.  Yet they have faced trials as well as Mike battled cancer (which you can read about here).  Though as Mike battled cancer, Mike and Erin’s desire and willingness to help others never stopped.  For me, it’s not just taking family pictures but I truly love getting to know the families and couples I photograph and though I’ve known Mike for years, I am always blessed to see what God is doing with his family.  Below are some of the wonderful pictures from our family session in Oak Glen.  I look forward to seeing this wonderful family continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of others.