The true spirit of the holidays is captured by spending time with family, right? Well, if that is the case, this fantastic family has cornered the market on holiday spirit!

These beautiful children are all cousins - and friends - and they absolutely love to spend time together, whether it is a holiday or just an average day.

I first met this family several years ago when I was hired to take newborn photographs of this beautiful hazel-eyed little girl. If you have followed my work, you will see her pictures throughout my sites and previous blog posts.

Since then, her little brother has arrived, along with a few cousins to boot! The family is very close and they like to have their child portraits taken together. Of course, many photographers might find this more challenging but let me assure you that with these kids, its a FUN challenge!

They are all so photogenic and also very cooperative. But most of all, they are each HAPPY. And I mean, seriously, spiritually, genuinely happy. Their smiles come from deep down -- nothing fake or phony. They laugh and play and honestly enjoy their time together.

Each child is unique and while I strive to capture the group shots that the family adores, I love photographing looks like this one -- the looks that show each child for who he/she is. Their personalities shine through their expressions and as I have gotten to know each of them over the years, I find myself looking at each child's portraits saying things like "oh, yes, that is sooooo him" -- as if I was a relative with the inside scoop.

With this family, though, it's not hard to feel like "one of them." The reason these kids are so happy and easy-going is because their parents are that way. From the first newborn photography shoot, I felt comfortable with them and over the years I have come to think of them as dear friends rather than just the great clients that they are.

So far, I have been lucky in that the parents love photos and they seem to appreciate my journalistic, natural style photography and so they sign up each year for a year's worth of child and family portrait photography. And I look forward to every shoot.

Of course, I am not-so-secretly hoping that they will continue to allow me to photograph these amazing children and if I am lucky I will be posting senior portraits and maybe even wedding portraits of each of them.

But let's not get too ahead of ourselves here....

Meanwhile, I am going to keep photographing these captivating huge hazel eyes and anticipating this cutie's next adorable outfit (she is always dressed in the most adorable clothes).

This holiday portrait shoot was so much fun. We went to the grandparent's home in the mountains of North Georgia and they had their tree all decorated and set up already which allowed some great shots that I am sure will cause Santa to mark that "extra nice" checkmark on his list.

When is the last time you saw two cousins who were so genuinely sweet to each other? Maybe you are lucky enough to have close relationships like this within your own family. If so, you are very blessed -- and you should call me to take some pictures! ;)

This is one my favorite photographs from the holiday portrait session -- just look at the way little brother is laughing! A big, belly laugh, straight from the gut and displayed in a giant, contagious smile.

Of course as we were at Grandma and Grandpa's house, we had to include them in some photos. Watching this little guy with his Grandfather, I could easily see that the two share a unique bond.

I think this couple has a lot to be proud of - a beautiful group of grandchildren to make their holiday season so much fun and full of true holiday spirit.

I hope this family cherishes these photographs -- the childhood years go by far too quickly and these family portraits will help them remember how it was back "when we were young!"

Merry Christmas to this inspiring family. I thank you for yet another year of memories you gave to me -- I have enjoyed your children and getting to know all of you. I hope your holidays are full of love, joy and genuine holiday spirit.