About two weeks ago, my brother and his family from Colorado Springs came to visit my parents. Being the best child out of six, I live the closest to my parents, so we certainly benefit from these visits.
This is my brother, Dan with my Mom at one of our favorite restaurants. He’s a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and was in Iraq (his fifth tour overseas) until this past March. This visit he was also able to meet Eli for the first time.
As some of you know, I have five brothers and sisters and love that I am able to photograph their families when they come to visit. (or I go to visit them.) Dan’s oldest son is entering his senior year in high school. Now, I’ve asked almost all of my nieces and nephews to please, please, please stop growing up and they all say “okay, Aunt Beth” or “okay, Aunt Ba,” as the younger ones call me.
But they never listen.
On our way back from the restaurant, we stopped very quickly at a cute little location to snap of few shots of Grant for his senior portraits. It was a lot of fun. Especially with Dan around. He always makes everything a little bit happier.
He was also good to have around to help Grant with his hair. (which was helpful because obviously Grant has a TON of hair.)
We managed to get a few good shots.
Here’s a pull back of the above shot:
After taking this photo, he said “no one will ever believe I was really batting. I’m not left-handed.“
And occasionally, I’d be taking a shot of Grant and I’d hear “Beth, take a picture!” and I’d turn and find this:
He reminded me how immobile I am, being in the middle of my seventh month of pregnancy. (jumping on box cars is most certainly not an option)
But, in his own way, he reminded me how important it is to lighten up and have fun.
He’s such a wise fellow.
I love adult sibling sets with more than two siblings. I’ve got one brother who has always been one of my best friends, but I really love the dynamics between siblings with larger families. It’s actually one of my main reasons for considering more kids. There’s no way we could get to six even if we thought we could support six at this time though, but seems like even three really opens up to more opportunities.
I love this so much.
(next time, shirtless.)
Ditto Erin. Great minds think alike. There was nothing like that post when both brothers were roofing your mom and dad’s house shirtless and you posted that awesome picture. Oh yes, I am so with Erin on this one!!!
I love that an L.Col in the Army wears a Mickey Mouse shirt in his off time. He looks like a really fun guy. Thanks for his service! (My husband is currently in Afghanistan. Only a few more months til he comes home!!)
So, how’s that calendar coming along?
oh. my. goodness.
your family looks AWESOME. adopt me?
I love all of the pictures, Grant’s senior pictures are amazing! What a handsome boy! The pictures you caught of Dan really do capture “Dan”. He is one of the most fun, funniest, clever and nicest person you’ll ever know. It was the same way when they were at the campground for the day. We really are lucky, aren’t we? We have the BEST siblings, EVER! Oh yeah, and it’s CRACKING me up how “some people” ^^^ are still talking about the shirtless pictures!
CRACKING me up I tell ya!
I love keeping up with all the Hibners. Fun to see Dan and his son. Tell David I said hi when you see him.
And…I rally enjoy your blog and photos you post. You are a very talented young lady!
Handsome fellas. Is your nephew considering military service?
Thanks for sharing the pictures. And for sharing your family. As a mom of six (!) it warms my heart and makes me excited for our future. I pray that we stay close as a family.
LOVE!
And I love that restaurant too.
And…can I book you now for Violet’s senior pictures for next year, now?
Great post, Beth! It definitely captures our family and your pictures SO capture Dan and Grant! We’re so blessed with amazing family!
Okay, I have to know…whats all this about shirtless pictures? If it involves your yummy brother, please post them at once. God bless America.
You have very good looking brother!!!
You have a beautiful family.
Your brother certainly seems like an amusing guy
On a more serious note – everything he has seen with the army probably makes him appreciate and enjoy his life at home even more than normal.
And your nephew seems to be at that age where he’s like “I’m so embarrassed but I’ll pose just to shut the adults up…” – at least that would have been going through my head at that age
Your Mom is gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing your family with us
You’re family is so sweet and fun Beth. And your brother is clearly FULL of personality!!
Great pictures as always! Love the picture of your brother with your mom!
I always love your family pictures. These guys are just so handsome. Your nephew even has a handsome name! (The name Grant has always screamed “handsome man” to me…) I especially love to see such a clean cut, smiling teenager. I know I’ll sound like an old lady by saying this but I’m so over the crazy hair, sloppy clothes, piercings and tattoos…. I have two boys of my own and I will be thrilled if they look like Grant when they’re his age.
So glad your brother is home safe with his family. Please thank him and his family for his/their service. I really can’t imagine but I am so grateful.
Thanks for sharing!