Greg + Kelsey : A Downtown Des Moines Family Session

Friendship, History & Hug Breaks | The Hudson Family Session

This session with the Hudson family is one I look forward to every single year.

Kelsey and Greg are dear friends—fellow educators, fellow parents, and fellow humans navigating both the joy and the grief that life brings. We don’t get to see each other nearly enough during the school year (because let’s be honest… by May, we’re all just tired educators). But when summer comes around, and I get to greet them with hugs and laughter and a morning of photos, it feels like home.

Kelsey teaches AP World History and brings it to life for her students—literally. She’s often traveling the world with them, helping them experience history firsthand. Greg teaches AP U.S. History and also serves as a West Des Moines City Councilman. He has this rare mix of intelligence, wit, empathy, and perfectly timed words that make you feel both seen and smarter just by being around him.

Their kids—Natalie, Tommy, and Will—were just incredible this year. Natalie, now heading into 8th grade, leads her younger brothers with a kind, confident ease. (It blows my mind that I photographed her as a newborn!) Tommy’s going into 5th, Will into 3rd—and they were up for any and every idea I threw their way. Honestly, when kids are that willing to join the fun, you can’t help but meet them there.

To the Hudsons—thank you for the joy you bring. Thank you for the years of friendship, the laughter, the hugs, and the trust. I’m so grateful to have you in my life.

Take care,

Carrie

PS You can view more of our time together HERE.