The charm...

We all know what the third time is...

And while Abbey and Jon may argue, I'm going with my cliche' to tell my story.

The "charm" in this case, is the third offering from Robert and Patty Dentel of Victor in the past five years to visit Stewart Photography for their senior session.

Sister Abbey led the way as a member of the Warrior's Class of 2011, and brother Jon followed two years later.

While some find it fashionable to try out a different photographer with each go-around (Lord knows there's suddenly a shooter around every corner nowadays) or even use multiple studios for one senior... it's worth noting when a family stays with what they know.

Loyalty. 

Not gonna overlook that... nor take it for granted.

So when young Miss Katie came in to complete the Dentel Trifecta recently, it was time to reward this family with another stellar effort.

The good news for me is that this little firecracker made my job easy.

Unassuming and with a bubbly personality that probably suits her HLV cheerleader side quite well on Friday nights, Katie was a breeze to work with and I hope that that shines through here.

Add in the fact that when Mama Patty called and requested pricing info and I informed her,  "same as in 2013.... same as in 2011..."  that no doubt led to smiles on the parental side of things as well.

So the good vibes were aplenty on both sides of the fence on this day.  I got the Abbey and Jon updates (Abbey making quite a career for herself in my old stomping grounds in Pella... Jon flourishing at the University of Iowa), but make no mistake.... this day was lil' Miss Katie's.

The future UNI business major knew we had business to take care of, but it was all smiles and laughs on this corporate endeavor.   And to add to the day's perfection, Katie got a made-to-order Montour Chamber of Commerce approved weather day.  (Okay... Montour doesn't have a chamber... just go with it).

All kidding aside.   We got to talking about Katie's former part-time job at a longtime family supper club just outside of Victor called Carnforth.   I say former job, because after 40 years of a family owned business, whether it was just time... or like many things you see in small towns... the struggle became too much... Carnforth is no more.   I get nostalgic about stories like that because it just goes to show you that just because something has always been there... doesn't mean it necessarily will stay that way.  

Which brings me back to the loyalty card.   It's not easy keeping this thing afloat in this little town of 250 where we've made our livelihood for almost two and a half decades now (and the former owner a couple of decades more), but it's families like the Dentels that have helped us do it and stay here all this time.

And as I author this this morning, that makes me thankful.