“True friendship isn’t about being inseparable, it’s being separated and nothing changes”. I am so lucky to have this family in my life. I have known Brittney for decades now and we have seen each other through many of life’s special moments.

When my life was falling apart, there she was. When I had no money, she gave me a job. When I needed to vent, she listened. When I questioned myself and my choice, she built me up. When I decided to pick up my life, and leave everything I knew she brought her truck. When I got a job and moved to the city she bought me a messenger bag and a bracelet that said, “She thought she could, so she did”. And when I picked up and moved again she was proud.

I haven’t been able to stay in our hometown, and be a part of the boys lives like I used to, but when I saw them for this shoot, nothing had changed. I had two little boys hanging on me like monkeys. I helped with homework, we had dinner, and we sat as a family to go through the photos.

I am SO PROUD of these little gentlemen you are raising Brittney. They are magnificent. They are caring. They are strong. They are adventurous. They are your boys! And I love them!

To see you as a mom, as an entrepreneur, and to have you as my friend has been one of my most cherished gifts. It’s crazy how fast time flies and at times I wish it would slow down, BUT who they are becoming and the journey of where we are all going is so very exciting.

I hope that when you look back at these photos, years from now, you remember how Colin helped carry my equipment and how he was so into following direction to get the shot! How Toby took some awesome behind the scenes shots, and how he was so excited to practice his trumpet. And how Ty listened to everyone to get in the right pose, and how ALL your boys thought you looked SO stunning. How they all made a pact to be present in the moment, and to follow my direction so these photos, this experience, could be a gift to you from them.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your family. You’re friendship means the world to me!

X O X O,

Ashley