The Ashbys asked for the last hour of the day, when the light turns gold and everyone slows down a little. I was greeted at the gate by Anna’s wide-brimmed hat, rolling across the lawn on its own.
We started in the garden while the kids still had energy to burn. They chased each other around the bushes, and every so often someone ran back to Anna for a hug, which is exactly the moment I wait for. Then Will gathered everyone by the bush with the red leaves for one proper family picture. It took one try.
When the sun dropped low, we walked out to the field behind the house. The grass there is long enough to hide a small person, and it did, twice. Will scooped up the littlest Ashby, Anna held on to the rest, and the whole family ended up in one big tangled hug in the middle of the field.
