Spangler Family
Holly and I first met in early 2012, when she interviewed me for a story in Prairie Farmer. Right away, I got a sense for the type of person she is - genuine, kind, encouraging. And that was only the beginning. Since then, she's turned into one of my greatest sources of encouragement and inspiration, through one-on-one interaction and through her work on blogs such as 10 Short Lessons for Life.When we decided to do this shoot, I was thrilled to meet her family. As I expected, they were every bit as sweet and genuine as she is.
We spent the first part of the evening just doing "normal" stuff. No posed photos. Just doing farm life how farm life is done. 
Holly's youngest, Caroline, and her bottle calf Olaf. Heartbreakingly, just days after our shoot, Olaf was found dead in their barn. Holly wrote the most beautiful blog and tribute to him in Love, Loss and Livestock. 
Nathan, the middle child in the Spangler family, gave me a tour of their cattle operation. 
Through our little tour, he pointed out past 4-H show cattle, and called them over by name to say hi. 
The entire time, impressing me with how much he knew about cattle and life, and skillfully operating their side-by-side UTV. 
When we got back from our tour, it was time to deliver dinner to the field! 
Hands down, my favorite candid moment from the shoot. Twenty years down the road, Miss Caroline will look back at this photo with lots of love in her heart. :)
Grandpa just climbed out of the combine, and the kids ran to him, ready to say hi and deliver his supper! Ah, life on a family farm! 
I just adore this precious moment, sometimes tired little boys just need a snuggle from mom. It reminded me of my little brother at that age. :) 
Then it was time for some quick family photos! And when I say quick, I mean dad-needs-to-get-back-in-the-field-right-now quick. Farm moms, you know what I'm talking about. ;) You also know we were lucky to even get these!
I just love their genuine love and joy. 
And here's Miss Jenna, the oldest of the Spangler kids! She possessed so many of the "oldest child" traits, especially responsibility! During my short visit, I watched her chase after their basset hound, hot on the trail of nearby hunters. And spend a majority of the time helping mom with supper and dishes. And try to keep her siblings in line. It was fun to see and hangout with a younger version of myself all evening! :)
"Nathan usually doesn't like his picture taken, except he likes these," Caroline informed me. 
"Well I like these because I get to have my picture taken while I'm doin' things I like to do," Nathan explained. It brought the biggest smile to my face as I said, "Yeah, Nathan, those are my favorite kinds of pictures too."
Sisterly love! 
Love how brightly this family shines, even on a cloudy day. :)
