Christina Garber Photography:

To my dear son Josiah on your 3rd birthday,

2 was the year of matchbox cars, train underwear, and The Little Engine that Could book.

When you were 2 you regularly asked me Can I play? and Can I pray? – both phrases sounding exactly the same.

You prayed thank you for all of your family members by name and then thank you for the trees.

When you were 2 you longed to go outside and “go somewhere.”  I think you would have left with the milkman to get out of the house if I would let you.

When you were 2 you spent most of your time pretending to be a kitty, a turtle, or a lion.

When you were 2 you decided pickles were the greatest food there is.

When you were 2 you flashed your magical grin and melted me ever time.  No seriously… every time.

But today, Josiah, you are 3, and so begins a new year of adventures and moments to cherish for a lifetime.  Happy birthday, my little son.

Love always,

Momma

Let me tell you about why I am able to be a wedding photographer.  Every Saturday that I have a wedding, Matt, my loving husband, has a date with our four, small children.  Matt takes these dates very seriously.  They are creative and fun.   From a bus trip for ice cream at the mall to an amusement park adventure, he plans and plans.  And together they make memories.  The kids see my wedding photography days as special Daddy days.

Four little people have made him a daddy.  I know that some of the deepest desires of his heart are met in that role.

Happy Father’s Day, my love.

This picture is Matt, Josiah, and Matt’s grandfather making lumber from a felled tree this past fall.

Is it summer yet? she asked me in February after a vacation down South.

Is it summer yet? she asked me in March and started daily donning her bathing suit first thing in the morning.

Is it summer yet? she asked me in April while wearing the bathing suit outside in 60 degree weather and squirting herself down with the hose.

Is it summer yet? she asked me every day in early May, mid May, and late May.

Well, my daughter Anya Joy, Memorial Day has arrived, and for Garber family purposes, I now decree, IT IS SUMMER YET!

Let the pool parties, creek walks, sunburns, swim till you drop on your bed ready to dream about swimming all night long- let the summer begin!