There exists this innate passion in all of us, a want for stumbling into the world’s most exciting of destinations. As the thought of exploration reels into our consciousness, a twinkle in our eye transpires with envisioning those mysterious beaten paths of new surroundings. So few of us are ever lucky to reside in exotic locations like Hawaii for instance, where many dare to dream of ever stomping through such fertile soils where pineapples flourish and sugarcane towers.
Two petite travelers, yet to reach the milestone of their first and second birthday have spent a portion of their lives soaring over the tropical Hawaiian Islands, sun-drenched Florida and the mountainous Utah state. These beautiful little island-born munchkins belong to a dear friend of mine, one that dates back to my middle school days. So the past two years I’ve conversed with Mom through online mediums as I’ve watched them grow from afar.
My first encounter with young Reggie and Leah was much anticipated and well overdue, yet fresh from an arduous Big Island move these tiny travelers trekked through Orlando to pay us a very special visit. Donned in the brightest of shades they welcomed us with warm smiles and an animated introduction from an ever talkative Reggie to his love of all things boy. Darling Leah’s tranquil attitude, homemade floral headbands and comfortably swaying bare feet were much reminiscent of her fortunate upbringing, she just a precious 8 months old.
Suitably, the perfect skies aligned over us that morning as mom’s beguiling reassurance and encouragement enticed Reggie to a game of hide-and-seek with me from behind lanky tree trunks. Camera down, I tempted him and hid my eyes behind spirited hands as I pranced about and watched him chuckle for Ashley’s camera. The marvel of working as a team is much evident in moments like these when tiny clients are suddenly overcome by coyness. I just as simply allowed the inner child in myself to come down to this charming curly-haired toddler’s level while my well-prepared counterpart captured the spontaneity we so much adore in children.
You come to see these dynamic, carefree and adaptable personalities in children who are comfortable in any and all environments. Traveling, much like a tumbling snowball that swells over great distances, will spin emotionally sound children who appreciate the cultures of various locales. This duo is a product of their lifestyle, from their ability to be barefoot on foreign grounds to their nonchalant manner of diving headfirst in the cool wet grass without a barrier of blankets. The personal growth and knowledge that Reggie and Leah will gain from these great opportunities of exploring life outside of their “backyard” are monumental.
Not all those who wander are lost. // J.R.R. Tolkien
So with one final journey we invited Reggie to join us for celebratory second birthday photographs aboard a train. With adoration for Thomas the Tank Engine, he exited his car seat with an exclamation of “Train Jacquie” that got my heart reeling. There along the deserted train tracks with two brightly-colored hovering balloons we captured the twinkle behind Reggie’s brown eyes as he blissfully beamed. This was yet another destination we helped to store away for him, a little one’s dream come true.
Mom and Dad, thanks for being so candid and uninhibited with your precious babies. We are grateful to you for being so enthusiastic in shooting with us and carving time from your Orlando vacation. What an honor to have such amazing clients, among the many!
