Some of you long-time followers will remember this family, the Budd family. We did last year’s family pictures on the Truckee River in Reno. And you might remember that Courtney was a huge help to me at the hospital when Elsie was born. The Budd family has always been there for my family, and their kids have been a shining light for my kids. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve to know this incredible family!

Dan and Courtney are amazing parents, teaching their kids kindness, charity, selflessness, patience and hard work. These kids look out for each other, laugh with each other and serve each other. They are the type of kids you dream and hope your kids can learn to be someday. They cheer each other on at soccer games and they catch crawfish at Tahoe together. And they thrive on their Dad’s playful teasing and practical jokes. Let’s just say, if you were lucky enough to be a fly on the wall in their home, it would be pretty entertaining!

Dan and Courtney are such a powerful team, constantly helping each other out and lifting one another up. They had a crazy year with some unplanned house construction, and I watched in awe as they handled everything with far more patience than I would have. It’s really fun to watch them feed off each other with jokes and funny stories. My cheeks always hurt from smiling after hanging out with them!

Dear Budd Family,

Thank you for trusting me to take your family photos. You guys always make me laugh behind the camera! Your smiles are infectious, and your countenance is always positive. I can’t get enough of you all! Your quiet examples always show me that I can be better. I love meeting up with you at Tahoe to play in the sand, and I’m eternally grateful for your constant friendship. I love each and every one of you!