Blog - Page 5 of 40 - Shannon Von Eschen Photography

Eggs, Easter + an Eli

† Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! -Luke 24:5-6 †

† HALLELUJAH! He is Risen! †

The “Easter” Egg. A sign of new life. A birth that restores our hope. An empty tomb. Eggs have long symbolized just that: Hope. And promises kept.

In response, each year, Eli and I spend an afternoon traversing our field to reflect on the fulfillment of that promise; to play, laugh, take photos, and hide-n-seek Eggs. It’s become a steadfast tradition having gone ten years strong. Today, on Easter, we have been made new. Today we rejoice in HIM: The slayer of darkness. The light of the world + the provider of endless grace. We pay tribute by spending intentional time together as a family, reading and re-reading the Easter Story…and hunting for eggs as a bunny. Oh yes.

It should be noted: Eli is FOR SURE NO LONGER a “baby bunny” … but, rather, an adorable, thoughtful, kind, intelligent, witty, and brilliant child whom I cherish.

And there is no real “hiding” eggs from him anymore.

Those braces that don his teeth now? They make him way too grown up. But not so grown up he’ll give up these Easter Traditions. I love him.

(more…)

Frames of Fatherhood + You

To the man I’m more proud of than I can even express.

To the one I’m more overwhelmed by and more grateful for than anyone else: Happy Father’s Day.

So often, it seems that most Father’s welcome a day plotted on the calendar to celebrate them. Not all, but many, want BBQs, to nap, or to go out to eat. All great and wonderful things, yes. But you. You are so…uniquely wonderful. You don’t want to be celebrated, you don’t want to go to dinner, and you most certainly don’t want to nap or eat BBQ. Haha! Your perfect day consists of “working” and doing something you enjoy with no time-limits. You’re especially happy if both Eli and I can be there too. Your favorite past time is in the pursuit of knowledge and I’ve never known another person who spends more time simply /learning/ during the day than you. It’s easy to see why you’re just so darned good at everything.

And by every, I really mean all: all.the.things.

Your dedication, energy, talent, time, and love you’ve shown both me + E is incomparable and something we don’t take for granted. You are devoted, patient, passionate, loyal, and selfless. We love how fiercely you love us and how much you /work/ in all aspects of life: on our relationship(s), on yourself, in your faith, and on providing and protecting us, while loving us both wildly.

And unconditionally. The smattering of photos that follows proves it.

J, if there were better words I could write out that meant what my heart beats to tell you about the love I have for you and the pride I feel in seeing how you’ve just embodied the very meaning of a good father, I’d write them. I’d–well, maybe I’d tattoo them on my arms for all to see it too, because I often want to shout it to the rooftops. For certain I send it to heaven each night while I whisper my gratitudes. I love you, J.

I adore you and I admire and cherish you for life.

Thank you for being the best Daddy to Eli…and to the angels we have whom we wish we could hold. ♥♥♥♥♥

In the grandest way you know how to love us all, thank you.

xx Shanny