My friend Allison is someone who I’ve known since I was the age my kids are now. We journeyed through elementary school, middle school, high school and beyond together. Some of my favorite childhood memories have her next to me. And she and I were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings.

Her husband’s work with the U.S. Navy has taken her and her family to a handful of places over the years before they landed in Virginia, just an hour or so away from us. I’ve loved this time closer to her and them and it’s so bittersweet as they prepare for their next move to Korea next year.

I love watching Allison as a mom. She doesn’t take too much stress to heart and she can keep you laughing with her quick with and funny one-liners. I love that her two boys are really hysterical, too.

We wanted to capture Allison and her family during Fall as it’s a favorite time of year that they haven’t been able to experience much in previous locations.

We let her boys explore and climb together every few minutes to give them breaks during their photo session and those candid smiles and adventures are some of my favorite photos from their session.

After so many years together, it was such a joy to add family photos to our long list of things we’ve shared. I especially love the photos of Allie with her sons — that sweet love for momma can’t be hidden.

Enjoy this peek into a special friend and some gorgeous guys!