Another year with the Jacobs family, and somehow it just keeps getting sweeter. Cody and Emma are both full-on toddlers now, running, climbing, giggling, and moving in every single direction at once. As an Idaho Family Photographer, this age is honestly one of my favorites. You never know what’s coming, and the best thing you can do is embrace whatever happens. That’s the magic of photographing little kids: the session becomes less about stiff poses and more about play, airplane arms, bear hugs, and the real personality that makes your family yours.

I’ve photographed Kyle and Megan for years now, and every single time, their kids show up with new expressions, new quirks, and new little pieces of their personalities that are starting to shine. They’ve made it a priority to get photos done every year, and being their Salmon Idaho Photographer through all these stages feels like watching a story unfold, chapter by chapter.

And let me just say, historically, we pick the coldest day possible for their sessions. It’s almost a running joke at this point. I’ve stood with them in snow, in the icy dry wind that stings your eyes, in that “I can’t feel my fingers but we’re doing this anyway” kind of cold. But this year? This year was the jackpot. Even though the weather reports claimed it wouldn’t be too bad (and we didn’t believe them for a second), we ended up with the most beautiful cloud-covered day. Soft light, no wind, perfect for toddlers who just want to run and explore. It was truly the best year yet.

And speaking of best, Megan. If you’re from Salmon, you already know she is that baker. She owns Straight Outta the Oven and I swear everything she touches turns into something heavenly. I’ve seen so many of her masterpieces at weddings I’ve photographed, and I’ve had the absolute honor of being a taste tester for her new chocolate chip cookies. When I tell you they were good, I didn’t just take one. I didn’t even take two. I took three more the minute she had extras available. Her cupcakes? The chocolate chip cookie dough one is unreal. I’m telling you right now, do NOT sleep on it.

This session felt like everything coming together: familiar faces, happy kids, perfect weather, and the kind of energy that reminds me why I love being an East Idaho Photographer. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories of who these kids were in this exact chapter, before they grow again and surprise us next year.

And I will be here for it. Every single time.