Would you like to know one of my favorite things about August? The Landers clan descends upon Topsail Island – all the way from New Jersey – and I get to visit them. Alyson found my website a couple of years ago when searching for a photographer to take family pictures when the group was vacationing together. I’m so, so glad she found me! The first time I drove up, Claire ran from the house yelling, “Elise is here, Elise is here!” Now keep in mind that Claire was about 6 or 7 at the time, and she had never met me. But, she surely was glad I was there She seemed just as glad to see me yesterday. As much as I like the adult Landers (and Samuelsons and McGuires) I absolutely adore their children.

Yesterday was my 3rd family portrait session with the Landers family. First, we did the entire group, then the senior Landers with their grandchildren, then broke down into individual family units. We took pictures until it was just too dark to shoot any longer. By then, the children had made their way into the ocean – clothes and all.

First, here are John and Sandra who started the whole thing! They will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary soon – and you can just feel their happiness. And boy do they love their grandchildren – and the feeling is quite mutual.

Now, here is the entire group – and the smaller family groups.

And last, but certainly not least, Pooka (or is it Pucha, or Pucka) with all the children. He is grandfather to only 4 of this group – but loved by all. How could you not love the man who supplies water guns, candy and moon pies?

I have hardly had a second to look through the Landers’ pictures, so these are just quick picks. I’ll have the rest posted over the weekend.

To the Landers . . . thanks for having me back again. Enjoy your time together at Topsail. Same time next year?