one of my favorite families

I had the privilege of visiting Oklahoma City last week, where I lived for a year after graduating from college. I’m a mountains, backpacking, kayaking, trail-running kind of girl and sadly OKC didn’t have much of that to offer … one reason why my living there didn’t last too long.

While I love being back in good ‘ol NC, there are still a lot of friends that I love deeply who live in Oklahoma. The Smithers family are among them. Lucretcia, the mom, has played such a significant role in my life that to say “thanks” doesn’t even begin to cover it. She’s taught me so much and I truly believe that if it wasn’t for her intentionality and perspective in my life, I would not be who I am today. I just love her to pieces!

It’s not hard to believe that her children are also amazing, much less her gifted and kind-hearted husband, David. It’s such a joy to have these guys as a part of my life, and to catch little moments over the years into each of theirs. There’s just nothing on earth like these kind of life-long friendships!

David (dad) wasn’t feelin’ the greatest (or maybe his hair just wasn’t done … we’re not sure which it actually was). While he opted out of our brief photo shoot in the overcast, drizzly afternoon, it still brightens my day to see each of this awesome family so full of kindness, love, and fun! I, personally, think that Oklahoma is a much cooler place because of the Smithers. Let me show you why …

A fun, sweet group hug of the siblings goes from this ….

… to this …

… to this!

Here’s Amber, the oldest. She’s a very talented artist and has excellent taste in all things vintage, artsy, and beautiful (all three words that are descriptive of her as well!)

I think she could easily be a model, too. She does it with such grace and ease.

And Justice (below) is a huge part of the reason she’s so model-ish. Justice is a talented photographer who just loves film and all the old school ways of doing things (I can’t blame him!) Chatting with him about the classes he’s taking makes me miss my darkroom days, and hearing stories about the sweet old cameras he comes across at the trendy thrift store he works at makes me want to go find some old Polaroids, too!

Christian (below) is a skater, and quite good from what I hear! I’ve always been impressed that the “boys” of the family (Christian, dad, and Evan especially) are often seeking out skate parks all throughout the country as they travel. Christian is sitting on the beginnings of their own personal skate ramp that they are building together in their backyard. How cool is that?!

Evan (also a skater) is one of the easiest guys to be around. He’s just phenomenally gifted at making people feel comfortable and at ease … and he has been that way ever since I’ve known him (even when he was really young). He’s the kind of person you can put into any situation and not only will his presence ease any potential awkwardness, he’ll help others to laugh and leave you feeling like you just got a shower of kindness. The best part? I don’t think he has any idea he’s doing it! It’s just who he is, which is what’s so awesome about it!

Sweet little Cherish (who we affectionately call, “Cherry”) has one of the most gentle hearts I know. She’s also becoming quite the talented dancer, too!

There’s just something about sisters … and these two sure know how to bring out the best in each other. Look at how sweet they both are!

Sweet and gentle, but these girls still know how to have a whole lot of fun!

… and one “family” shot, minus dad.