We can make choices and decisions every single day. One thing, we are never able to choose is the family we come from. Today, I was able to spend a decent amount of time with family that I really don’t see too often. Some of them live here in Indiana, just a few miles away from me, others traveled from West Virginia to visit Indiana for a few days. I really find it humorous how versatile people from the same family can be, but at the same time, so happy to know that I am related to such unique people, who I hope think the same thing when they look at me.

I started today with a family photo shoot for my cousins. We had so much fun, especially with all the children (all under 4-years-old). To my surprise, they all cooperated despite the beaming heat. The best part about the photo shoot was how everyone worked together when it was only the children being photographed. This took an unbelievable amount of communication from everyone. In the beginning, because we are family and comfortable with each other, it was mostly a lot of screaming from everyone, and that didn’t work to anyone’s benefit. We took a moment, calmed everyones’ voices and right away, things went way smoother, even after being surprised by two large breed dogs that weren’t on leashes. At the end of the shoot, we were all laughing about everything that had happened that afternoon from being chased out of the woods by two dogs and slipping off the pier and almost crashing into the lake. Sure, you could laugh with total strangers about these events, but it was so much better with family.

I came home from the photo shoot to be greeted by my family visiting from West Virginia. As usual, we all sat outside and caught up on all the family gossip about our family that is so, unfortunately far away. Once again, I found myself thinking how different I was from a large majority of my family, but it’s good to be different. As I saw Uncle Dave pulling up the driveway I wondered how long it would be until I saw him again. If I am lucky, I see him and his family twice a year. But then I realized, just because I do not see him frequently, doesn’t mean I can’t call him and talk to him, or the rest of my family for that matter.

Communication is huge for everything, but especially with family. We don’t know how much time we have, especially together, so it is important to make the most of it. We do not choose who we come from, but I can honestly say, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Steal my look today: Kimchi Blue blouse: Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue pants: Urban Outfitters