Jill and I have known each other since elementary school. She and her family live out of state now but last fall she and her brother and his family (who also live out of state) came home to celebrate their mom’s 70th birthday. As a gift to their mom Jill had me come out to their childhood home in Audubon right next to the John James Audubon Center for a family photo session. I have known this family for years and years so everyone immediately was comfortable in front of the camera as we were basically just hanging out talking and taking photos every now and then. Near the end of our session another friend of ours from high school surprised Mrs. Basile with mimosas and cupcakes….and sparkling apple juice for the kids. No one (other than me) knew that Mike was going to be there. So it was a very special birthday for Jill’s mom. And Mike’s surprise was (literally) the icing on the cake. I love photographing family sessions like this. And we love working at The John James Audubon Center for any sort of occasion. Dawn and I grew up going here and taking walks through the park together years and years before we ever started dating. So if you have a reason to bring us to Audubon, where we grew up, please don’t hesitate to contact us. I’m all in when it comes to working at the John James Audubon Center!