Being one of my brother's childhood friends, I've known Andy for a long time. So when he called me up last week asking if there was ANY way I could take family portraits, of course I was happy to say yes! But there was a catch... the portraits needed to be taken THAT weekend since Andy was headed back to Japan the following week (where he works as a teacher), and wasn't sure when the entire family might be together next. I told him it wouldn't be a problem, that I'd make it happen. Even Mother Nature decided to cooperate and get rid of the rain just in time! Family pictures like this are soooo important, and I'm glad it all came together in time.

Meet Andy...

... and the rest of the family.