Sometimes in life, you wish people just lived closer to you. You never see the right ones enough, do you? Nick and I got to spend a morning last month hanging out with Erik, Erin and sweet baby Priska. It’s so inspiring to hear them talk about their lives as expats in Switzerland (with a soon-to-be-move to Germany). Erik is a designer for Cannondale (a bicycle manufacturer) and Erin is a Renaissance gal, photographer/writer/designer and keeper of a sweet blog with lots of updates of her precious baby girl.  If we could, I know Nick and I would hop a plane to visit these old high school classmates of his in a heartbeat, but since that’s not going to happen any time soon (especially not with a baby on the way), we’ll gladly soak up some time with them when they make their annual trek home! (and continue to ask about that day when they may return state side for good ;) )

With that intro, I hope you enjoy these photos of this trio — I only wish you, too, could meet them in person. I promise you’d be equally smitten!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

We photographed the family early in the morning at Brown County State Park. Erik, Erin and Nick all grew up in the scenic hills of Brown County (in southern Indiana). The park is the state’s largest and has a lot of sentimental pull for this family, given that Erik’s dad, Jim, has been the lead naturalist there for 30+ years (that morning, he was heading out to lead a group of visitors on a bird watching expedition). I still can’t imagine growing up here – is there any wonder why these boys are such outdoorsmen? :) Erik’s quite the fashion-forward papa in the footwear department (I swear he wears shoes that must only be made in Europe!) His daughter is definitely following in his footsteps! Oh Erin, I love, love, LOVE these shots of you and your little girl. Particularly because I know you’re the one who’s always BEHIND the camera! Ahhhhh …cuteness overload. That face! Favorite! (Priska’s little dimpled cheeks? Sooo Cabbage Patch Kid friendly! I just want to pinch ‘em!)Oh I love this photo of this precious girl. (Erin has posted lots of Instagram shots of her in this cute little hat—I was so excited when they brought it along!) Daddy’s girl! And because these two haven’t had photos taken of themselves since their wedding in 2005 (I think I still have the mixed CD Erin gave us wedding guests as party favors – she’s got great taste in music !) we had to capture some of their fetching smiles. How good looking are these two? Whoa. Love them! (the pictures AND the people)

Erin and Erik, Nick and I wish we had more time to spend with you! Every time we see you it’s always great, so we’ll just look forward to the next visit home! (and I’ll continue to be jealous of every Euro adventure you two share with us online! ;) ) Love you guys!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.