what courage looks like.

and let me tell you, it doesn't get any cuter than this.



this is the story of brielle and brooke. the most courageous, wonderfully happy, gentle-spirited, kind, loving just plain *amazing* little people I have ever met. though their story by no means defines them, it is one that must be heard because it is so important and it has changed their lives forever. but you know what? it hasn't changed *them.* they are way too incredible to let it.

both of these beautiful sisters have a rare and devastating disease known as SMA, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type II. you can read more about their journey and their courage here:

http://brielleandbrooke.smakids.org

beacause that is all the time I am going to give that wicked disease right now. this day was about THEM. about how they are an inspiration to anyone who has ever had to fight for their life or struggled with pain. because, if you didn't *know* they had SMA, well, then you wouldn't *know* it. they are just that amazing. their smiles melted my heart and I swelled with love from the moment their big, wild, curly hair (jealous...) and kind eyes graced me with their presence. and from the moment we first met until stickers and the best hugs EVER were exchanged, their smiles never took a backseat.

brielle and brooke? you overWHELM me with your courage and strength.


and believe me, you are about to fall in love, too....

beautiful, bubbly, big laughter, big hearted big sister brielle.



sweet, soft-spoken, silly, spontaneous, super fun, smaller sister, brooke.



every image makes my heart swell. three sizes too big. but the good too big.




**love**









we had a pretty good time I think....and with these two, living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment of it, how could I not do the same??






















**love**
just a little supermodel break, you know....





sisters. they are in this thing called life together.




with some serious love and support from their ahMAZing mama. (super gorgeous and kind mama, I might add...)




super serious loving....



I think the feeling is pretty mutual...










courage defined.





strength you never thought was possible from such itty little ones.





but this is what it looks like.
and I think, it is going to be near impossible for anything to get these two down.



actually, I *know* it. and I am so honored to know such amazing, beautiful girls. whom we can never stop fighting for. because I know? they never will either.

the art of being

sometimes, life just happens and all you do is watch it pass you by. it is easy to forget that it is happening to *you.* if only you would just let it.
sometimes, I am reminded of just letting things be. *posed* shots are lovely. they are framable keepsakes of a family together. but what is really representative of the togetherness is just *being* a *family.* letting go. laughing really loud. getting wet and sandy and letting your hair whip in the wind. remembering the little things that matter. not forgetting who you are. you don't want to sit down and *pose* for a family image? then so BE it. and you know? I didn't really want you to *either*

the beautiful, easy going bilkey family reminded me of just this.

just being a family.



and the seriously strong-willed, lively personalities of the adorable bilkey sisters helped keep things in perspective, too.

olivia


ella





just finding their place in the family...




and reminding me of what it means to truly BE sisters.

sharing a discovery.



holding hands to keep each other from tumbling on the wet beach sand (and maybe even having a bit of fun doing so...)




exploring together.




just. being. plain. old. sisters.





and friends for life.







being a mom...




being a dad....


sharing the moments in between.




























and most of all? being an amazing role model for the most important little people in your life.
the most important job you will *ever* have on this earth.




and enjoying every moment of it. and I do mean *every* (even the ones where all you can do is laugh. out loud. just to keep your sanity.)



the art of being.



really that is what life is all about.

better together

because when you are family? that is just how it IS. every little thing you do. every little thing you laugh about. every little thing you *are.* better. together.

and when you are a family as fantastic and fun and wonderful as this? why would you want to be anything but....



with four fantastically awesomely fun and sweet and perfectly wonderful little ones. with adorably sun-kissed faces. and sweet smiles. and laughter that carried for miles.


the "j" brothers....let loose on the beach.















and then there is sarah. oh. my.









and her sweet baby brother. not so sure about this whole getting together thing (because sitting still? SO not fun.)



but he came around.





and then things just got all lovey dovey. together.



between a mom and her daughters...




and a mom and her daughter.






**love** ah-lot.



and nothing is better than taking a break with your grandpa and grandma.


really loving, happy, cool ones.







brothers.




sisters.






fathers.




sons.




family.




wherever you are. wherever I am. wherever *we* are. it's always better together.



and everywhere. in between.