I was so pleased to get the opportunity to do some Chicago family photography with Beth and her family. I LOVE reading her blog, “Ups and Downs of a Yoga Mom” on Chicago Now. Beth is also the author of a fascinating blog called Modern Day MS about living with multiple sclerosis.

Beth writes about parenting, yoga, living with ms and everything in between. I often find myself reading her blog thinking, “That’s exactly how I feel!”

I knew I would enjoy spending time with her family when the kids and I were discussing their favorite books within the first five minutes of meeting them.

Beth’s home exudes a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. I guess all that yoga works!

What are your favorite family rituals? Wouldn’t it be fun to have a book of those memories to look back on for years?

Still not sure this kind of photography is for you? You can check out some other Chicago family photography I have done here and here.

Having Fun – Chicago IL

When I first arrived at the house, “D” wanted to finish up his book while “A “was ready to head outside and play on their fantastic backyard swing. I’ve always wanted to have a swing like that in our yard, but my poor kids are saddled with a non-handy set of parents so it’s never happened …

Dan then pulled out his guitar for a little impromptu backyard music session. How lucky are these kids to be growing up with such a musical parent?!

Dinner Time

When it was time for dinner, it was a true family affair. Everyone pitched in. From cutting and chopping, mixing and grilling, everyone had a role.

And the best part is Beth sent me home with some of her AMAZING Thai Cashew Chopped Salad with Ginger Peanut Sauce. See the recipe here. It was as colorful as it was tasty!

I was so impressed watching Beth teaching her kids knife skills during dinner prep. I feel like I am always in a hurry trying to get dinner on the table, so I never make the time to help them learn how to use a knife properly.  Sadly my oldest daughter is 12-years-old and I still haven’t taught her how to cut an onion. Time to fix that parenting fail!

Family Game Night

After a delicious barbecue, it was time for a little family game night and hanging out.

Yoga Mom

Then Beth showed me some of her awesome yoga moves. She is a yoga teacher and quite impressive! And then “A” helped out by climbing on her back! (Don’t all kids and pets like to “help” like that whenever we are stretching on the floor or doing yoga? My dog is always trying to jump on me when I do sit-ups on the ground…)