From the moment I met the Malinek family in 2017 for a family photo session, I knew they were a special family. They are all kind and sweet and you can tell they all enjoy each other immensely. Fast forward a year and I was lucky enough to take their photos again.

When I arrived at Diefenbaker for their photo shoot, the first thing I noticed was Mom Ashili’s stunning red dress. I knew, at some point in the photoshoot, she would need to be twirling.

On every family photoshoot, I bring a white blanket for the families to cuddle on. I came to own the blanket after I noticed it at my moms house. The blanket is a unique white quilt and a perfect rectangle for families to sit on. The patch work is well made, it has served me well for the past couple years. My mom, who is an avid thrift store shopper, came across it a few years back at the Delta Hospice in Tsawwassen.

I pulled the white blanket out for the Malinek family to sit on during their family photoshoot. Ashli took one look at the blanket and noticed SHE was the one who made it! Ten years ago, she hand made that exact blanket, her initials were even hand sewn in the corner. Such a small world! She had given it to thrift years back. And here she was, with her family sitting on it.

To the Malinek family, thank you for spending the evening with me at Diefenbaker. You guys are always a pleasure to take photos for. I love seeing from year to year the way your boys grow into lovely little men. Ashli, thank you for making and passing along your beautiful blanket!