One Small Decision I'm So Glad I Made This Summer

Back in mid-June, I kept seeing a creator on TikTok share practical ways to set your future self up for success. The advice wasn't about making huge life changes. It was about taking care of the little things before they became another item on your to do list.

One suggestion immediately caught my attention.

Schedule your fall family photos.

At first, it seemed a little odd to think about family pictures when summer had barely started, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Every year, the calendar fills up faster than I expect. School starts. Work/volunteering piles up. Weekends disappear. Before I know it, the leaves are gone and I find myself saying, "Maybe next year."

That happened last year, and I regretted it.

So I opened my laptop and started looking for photographers with availability later this fall. As I browsed, I came across Lindsay McGowan Photography, a photographer based here in North Liberty. What caught my attention wasn't just her beautiful work. It was that she happened to be offering mini sessions, our family's favorite kind of photo session.

We're not the family that needs an hour in front of the camera. Give us a short window, keep everyone moving, and we're happy.

Then I saw the location.

The sessions were being held at Los Trompos, a temporary interactive art installation in Centennial Park. Created by Mexican designers Esrawe + Cadena, the larger-than-life spinning tops are inspired by a traditional children's toy, blending art, play, and community into one colorful experience. I had seen the same installation back when it was up in downtown Iowa City a couple years earlier and immediately thought it would make an incredible backdrop for family photos. I love color, and the playful design felt so much more like our family than a traditional field or wooded trail.

Even better, there were still a few openings.

Before I booked, I'm fairly certain I checked with Gspice. His response was, "We don't need family photos every year." My response, "I know. We didn't do them last year, and I really regret that."

So I booked the session.

A quick trip to Kohl's later for clothes that actually fit and made me feel good, and we were ready.

Fast forward to a few days ago, Lindsay delivered our gallery.

I don't think I was prepared for how emotional I would be looking through these photos.

I absolutely love them.

The location was every bit as vibrant and joyful as I'd imagined, but what really took me by surprise was seeing how much our family has changed since our last photos in the fall of 2024.

Gary and I have both lost weight.

Owen has somehow grown a million inches the past two years.

Jack now wears glasses.

When you see your family every day, those changes happen so gradually that you barely notice them. Then someone captures a single moment in time, and suddenly you realize just how much life has moved forward.

I've found myself smiling at these photos over and over again. Sometimes they make me smile so much my face hurts. Other times they make me want to cry, because I know this version of our family is already becoming a memory.

That's what family photos really are.

They're not about perfect outfits or convincing everyone to smile at the same time. They're about preserving a season of life that you'll never get back.

I'm incredibly grateful that a random TikTok video nudged me to think ahead. I'm grateful that I stumbled across Lindsay's page. I'm grateful there were still mini session openings. And I'm especially grateful that she captured our family so naturally, in a place that felt colorful, fun, and completely us.

Thank you, Lindsay, for giving us photographs we'll treasure for years to come. These aren't just pictures. They're a snapshot of exactly who we are in this season of life, and I couldn't love them more.

If you're looking for a family photographer in the Johnson county area, I can't recommend Lindsay McGowan Photography enough. And if you've been thinking about scheduling family photos someday, let this be your reminder.

You can also find Lindsay McGowan on Instagram & Facebook.

Sometimes the smallest decision you make today becomes the gift your future self treasures most.

Below are a number of our favorites!

Our 2025 New Year Card, Finally Online

Almost every year, we create a holiday card that captures our family in that exact season of life. And every year, I swear I will post it on the blog.

This past year, I forgot. Until now.

As usual, we designed our card through Shutterfly. Clean layout. Bold color choices. A format that lets the photos lead.

The photos came from our November 2024 session at Mariah Kay's Way, featuring stunning autumn colors.

We did get this batch of cards out the door early January 2025, but I never shared my favorite holiday card online. That changes today.

These photos do not do it justice, but they still make me smile. The colors popped in print. Truly.

Better late than never.

Holiday Cheer 2024 {1} - Holiday Card

It’s been a hot minute since my last “Holiday Cheer” post, but this one feels especially fitting. I had every intention of sending out a holiday card at the start of 2024. In fact, I even designed a beautiful card using photos from a recent Oelrich family photo session in late November 2023.

But life had other plans. Early 2024 brought a heaviness I hadn’t anticipated, and that carefully crafted card never made it past my desk. There they’ve sat ever since, waiting for a moment that never quite arrived.

The holiday card was just too lovely to discard (or recycle, as my eco-conscious self prefers). So, while the card didn’t make it to everyone’s mailbox, it still holds a special place in my heart and deserves a spot here on the blog.

One card did go out on time. In fact, I was able to hand-deliver it to my parents during my visit with them in late January 2024. It was such a sweet moment to see their smiles as they held the card, and it felt even more special bringing along our new puppy, Lexi, to give my mom plenty of puppy cuddles. 

2024 was a rollercoaster year—challenging in so many ways, yet filled with moments of joy and love. Looking back, it feels like a brighter chapter than 2025 has been so far.

So, without further ado, here’s a peek at our Happy New Year card from 2024!

(Credit to Jillian Webb of JWebbArt.com for capturing our family photos.)

30 Things that I am Grateful for in September 2020

Although a little late, here is my September 2020 Gratitude List! You'll notice from the photos especially, that we had tons of outside time as well as family time which was great. It really made September a special month but also went super fast once school started on September 8!

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear - highly recommend!

2. Long car rides so I can listen to my favorite podcast - ChooseFI - a podcast about financial independence but also personal development

3. Adorable Halloween decor from RosellaMargaret

4. Sunsets are still pretty stunning in my neck of the woods

5. Our expandable dining room table from IKEA

6. A newer version of Just Dance - Owen is now obsessed with a song by One Direction...

7. Spending time with Nadia and Leta's in-laws!

8. Walking to the park with all the littles

9. Trusting the older kiddos to run back home

10. Sleeping Queens

11. Randomly discovering a place we've driven by so many times - the Coralville Lake and Dam area

12. The first day of virtual school

13. Magnesium supplements

14. More cousin time! This time with the Hellers!

15. Citrus Salmon from HyVee

16. Celebrating my birthday with Amanda and Bridget at Biaggi's in Cedar Rapids

17. The ice maker with my fridge!

18. Making small batches of canned tomatoes and not having to buy a ton of cherry tomatoes

19. Early morning walks with the boys

20. The ability to make adjustments to the boys schooling - at home/at daycare

21. Bed head - the boys both have this on point!

22. Spending a weekend on the lake with my parents and Bridget's family

23. The boys got to fish for the first time!

24. Oven sheet pan nachos

25. Dominating the game of Sequence with my mom

26. Joining a Hydration Challenge on the Way Better better

27. School supplied chromebooks

28. Finding enough pants that actually fit Owen's teeny tiny waist and between sizes height 

29. The first day of in-person school!

30. Fall and the changes colors of leaves