“It’s the only thing he draws and colors ― the house with balloons ― the only books he wants to get at the library, and the only toy he wanted when we visited Disney World last year,” she told HuffPost.
Advertisement
When Elijah’s fifth birthday rolled around this year, he and his mom came up with an idea for a birthday photo shoot he’ll never forget: Elijah dressed up as Russell, while his great grandparents Richard Bain and Caroline Bain ― who both turn 90 this year ― stepped in to play childhood sweethearts Carl and Ellie.
Advertisement
With Elijah’s keen eye for everything “Up,” it’s the little details that really make this shoot special. Look at the scout badges! The specificity of the house!
Advertisement
Though they’d never seen the movie, both great-grandparents wanted to get every detail right, too.
“Grandpa even went to the thrift store to get the jacket and hose,” Perman said. “He said, ‘I noticed in a photo Carl had a hose over his shoulder.’”
Perman shared the photos on Facebook late last week, and since then, the pics have garnered more than 2,000 “likes” and plenty of shares.
The mom of three also gave Elijah’s twin sister, Emilee, a chance to pick a theme for a birthday photo shoot. Emilee loves “all things girly and princess-y,” so they took pics with a “unicorn.”
“Once I found someone who would let me put a unicorn horn on their horse, we surprised her and she loved it!” Perman said.
Advertisement
The photo shoots hold special significance for Perman: Five years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer right after giving birth to the twins. At the time, she feared she would never get to see their fifth birthday.
“My oldest child, Mikayla, was 5 at the time and I hated not knowing if I would get the same time with them that I got with her,” she told HuffPost. “So for their fifth birthday, I wanted to celebrate the things they love with photos! Its a celebration for me and them.”
The family’s newfound viral fame (the photos were featured across the web and on “Good Morning America”) is just the cherry on top.
Advertisement
“My grandma said, ‘Well, we’ll have to go ahead and order the movie to see what all this is about!’” Perman said. “And she just told me now, ‘We’re just waiting for Hollywood to call!’”
Scroll down for more of the sweet photos.
Rachel Perman Photography
Rachel Perman Photography
Rachel Perman Photography
Advertisement
Rachel Perman Photography
Rachel Perman Photography
Rachel Perman Photography
Advertisement
Rachel Perman Photography
Rachel Perman Photography
Rachel Perman Photography
Advertisement
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.