Beautiful Hailey {Puyallup Children’s Photographer}

I must say that what first comes to my mind when I see this cute little one…Shirley Temple! And I’m guessing most of you think that as well…the curls are so pretty…and those combined with this beautiful little girl…makes her just perfect! Hailey is three and is a typical three year old…curious, busy, full of energy and independent! It was a delight to photograph her and to have her mom (dad is in the military and not home right now), grandparents and her aunt and uncle join her…what a great looking group they all are! The morning wwe met was cloudy and a tad cooler than it had been, but it worked out great and we enjoyed strolling around the pond.  Hailey proved to be quite the explorer, collecting sticks, flowers, grass, rocks and more…I love watching little ones explore their environment! It’s obvious she loves her mom and was happy to have those she loved with her that day…and don’t let that beautiful face fool you…she is strong willed and determined to do things her way…which is a good thing, but I’m guessing she keeps everyone on their toes! It was a delight to photograph her and spend the morning with her family…thank you for asking me to capture a bit of life for your family that day!!

These are so precious… Hailey and her mom, Tara…I’m guessing they will be sent on to dad…along with a few others!

Wow, did this family do a great job with their colors or what…they all look so nice and were a very nice group to photograph!

This smile above, looks a bit mischievous to me…and as you can see below…Hailey was always in the lead, looking for something new to check out!

Such a beautiful little girl…what a blessing she is to her parents!

As I said, she collected many things along our walk…here are just two of her many sticks…and I think they even managed to leave without taking much of it home with them!!

Hailey with her grandparents…Meme and Papa…which I loved hearing because that’s what our granddaughter calls my husband and myself!

A little time for dress-up…she’s just so darn cute and with this tutu and hat…and necklace, what little girl wouldn’t be having a good time!

A bit of dancing…and some quiet moments (there weren’t many!)…round out this posting of sweet little Hailey…for her family, they will get to see more once the gallery is posted on line…stay tuned!

A Special Family {Idaho Family Photographer}

 Another session from last month while I was on vacation in Idaho was with a very special family, the Barnes! Ned and Linda are the parents of this wonderful group and live in Spokane, Washington, although they have a summer home on Priest Lake in Idaho and it was a wonderful setting for this great family to gather on this beautiful summer day! They have three children, all married and unfortunately, one of their sons and his family were not able to be there for this session, but we were able to get their other two children, their children and some extended family together for these photos…what fun time I had with everyone! Of course, how can one not enjoy any time at a location with such a beautiful view…and I must tell you that I’m a sucker for a water location and especially a lake…I’m a “lake girl” at heart!! So, when asked if I could come out and photograph their family by Linda, I didn’t have to think twice about this opportunity…my only questions were when and for directions!

Besides Ned and Linda, there was their daughter and her family, Katie and Larry as well as their children, Evie and Quinn. Also visiting was Larry’s mother, Olive and his sister, Ruth. Next up with son, Mitch…and his family who were visiting from Spain. Mitch’s wife, Raquel and their children Neddy and Michelle, were joined by other visitors (family) from Spain…Raquel’s father and mother – Pablo and Mari Te and her sister, Sara.   And, we can’t forget Mary Jay, who is Ned and Linda’s beautiful dog…such a  sweet tempermant…and she loved being there with everyone!

This group was very relaxed, but who wouldn’t be when spending a summer day on a beach of a beautiful lake…with no schedule….just a day of fun and relaxation!!

Sweet little Michelle and Neddy…aren’t they adorable!!

Linda with her grandchildren…she’s so blessed to have such wonderful and sweet grandchildren!

Quinn…he was a very quiet and serious little guy…and he took everything in and carefully thought things through…but I managed to find some smiles inside of him before the session was over!

The Spain family…such a GREAT looking group!

Little Neddy…he is very curious and not afraid of much (except for slivers…see photo below!)…and explored everything he saw…what a wonderful spirit he has!

This is Katie’s family (from California) and their daughter, Evie on the right. Evie is a beautiful girl and was very sweet and gentle…such a caring child.

Ned and Linda with Katie and Mitch…it was too bad their son, Eric, wasn’t there…then this would have been a perfect picture!

Little Michelle (11 months old) has the most beautiful eyes and the greatest smile!…and was a delight to watch…she loved her big cousin, Evie!

Wow…trying to get four children to all look in the same direction and happy…definitely a challenge…and thanks to their parents, we were successful!

Isn’t this the most beautiful dog you’ve ever seen…Mary Jay is SO sweet and gentle and was happy to just be there, but even happier when somone would throw one of her toys for her!

Poor Neddy got a sliver in his foot while walking around in his bare feet…good thing dad (Mitch) came to the rescue with a band-aid!

A wonderful and fun group…I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them this afternoon!

These two cousins have obviously bonded and despite their age difference and the distance between their homes, it’s obvious they will always be close!

Evie was playing with Michelle’s toes…so cute!

Hmmm….who was having more fun playing with the toys on the beach…Neddy, or Grandma Linda?!! I think we can see who it might be!

Ned and Linda Barnes…a loving a generous couple who have not only given so much to their children and grandchildren, they have also given to their friends and community…both are kind and quick to give a helping hand to whoever might need it. I know they have been there for my family at times and I know there are many others who have been blessed with their generous spirit as well. This couple is blessed in so many ways, but also are both fighting cancer right now, so they can certainly use any postive thoughts and prayers right now…they have so much left to give and I know they will fight with every ounce of their beings to beat the diseases!  LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Spike and Molly’s 50th Anniversary {Idaho Event Photography}

My apologies to all, life has been a bit crazy lately and I’m behind on my blog posts…please know that I haven’t forgotten you, if you are waiting for one, I promise to get to them and eventually get caught up!

So…here’s a past due post, from a wonderful celebration last month for two very special people. Spike and Molly Lynch asked if I would photograph their 50th anniversary at Priest Lake, Idaho (actually, a small lake right by Priest, called Chase Lake). This was held at a beautiful facility, Sundance Mt. Lodge, which was a perfect location for such a celebration. There are some wonderful views and a quaint little lake that was so beautiful and as you can imagine, we enjoyed taking some time to photograph around the grounds and lake. This lovely couple has been special friends of my family for as long as I can remember and to be able to share in such a wonderful time of their lives was an honor. The evening was very relaxed which began with a cocktail hour and some appetizers and then a delicious meal, followed with an amazing slideshow made up of photos from their 50 years together…they are truly a blessed couple…with wonderful family and such special friends who gathered that evening to share in the celebration.

Spike and Molly, with their daughters and family…which is what a celebration like this is all about…sharing with those you love!

A wonderful buffet served by the staff of Sundance Mt. Lodge…highly recommended!!

Family and friends shared stories and memories of times with Spike and Molly…what fun to hear all the great times everyone had shared with this great couple!

Those who know and love Spike and Molly know that you always have a great time and laughing is part of any time with them!

And, yes…I was fast enough to capture this kiss…so great to see the love after 50 years together…CONGRATULATIONS!!

Guests were asked to put together a scrapbook page with memories over the years…it was a fun surprise and treat for Spike and Molly!

I LOVE this photo, from the slideshow…dogs were a part of their family most of their years together…and you can see this little guy was well loved!

Spike and Molly with their daughters and their “adopted” daughters who grew up across the street from them…and opened their home and shared in their lives.

This is their youngest granddaughter who did not realize I was taking photos of her…as she “bellied up to the bar” at the end of the evening…isn’t she a cutie!!

 Many of the guests stayed at the lodge that night and were able to enjoy a wonderful breakfast the next morning, prepared by owner, Tony Wallace.

This is the side of the lodge you see when you arrive…look at the beautiful skies and great secluded setting!

Some of the many photos I took during my time there!

View from the lake…with an amazing view from the deck(s)…and some of the rooms have a lake view as well!

If you are every in the North Idaho area and looking for somewhere quiet and beautiful to stay…check out – Sundance Mt. Lodge…whether it be summer or winter (snowmobilers!!)…it’s definitely worth checking out!

Eatonville Family Photographer | Fabulous Family on the Farm

It’s been long than I like to take for my blog postings, but with life, preparing to leave for vacation and then vacation (which I’m still on)…but I’m finally getting around to it. Of course, wouldn’t you know that now that I have the photos (LOTS of them!) ready…we lose cell and internet coverage where I’m staying…figures! Oh well, I’ll do what I can and just wait until all the elements fall into place to get it posted.

This family was a ton of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of their animals and seeing their wonderful farm. Despite it being a hot day, it was great fun and we all seemed to survive the heat just fine…heck, if the animals live in that all the time, we “humans” can handle it for a couple of hours!

Besides the family, Steve, Sue and Sierra, a good friend of Sierra’s, Kaycee, joined us for the session that day…along with all of their animals, who you will meet in the photos to come.

Meet Steve…and Dixie, who is actually Sue’s palomino Morgan….waiting to get into the arena (which is amazing, by the way!) for a turn!

Kaycee and Sierra with their horses, Daisy and Seorise…such beautiful girls and horses…truly a delight to meet all of them!

Sierra and Seorise…trotting around the arena…a nice reprieve from the sun and heat that morning!

The girls (Sue included!) with their horses…I’m thinking that I need to figure out how to get the horses attention…my tricks for kids and dogs didn’t work!!

Kaycee and Daisy…what a great team they are…it’s truly a respect, both ways between these two!

Sue and Dixie…it was a delight to talk with Sue during our session…she’s just amazing…she is incredible with all the animals and boy, does she ever know her plants…I’m impressed!!

Kaycee…a beautiful girl, who obviously loves her horse and is very confident and I enjoyed watching with her horse and Sierra…it’s so refreshing to see young people who enjoy the simple and basic aspects of life…

Sierra – just 14 years old and such a beautiful young woman, very polite and sweet, yet still a great childlike zest for life…and that smile is gorgeous…such a delight to get to know her!

Sue with Max, the old, but goody white Arab, as she describes him…what a beautiful old horse…I can’t remember how old, but he was up there.

And, we finally get Steve with his horse, Rascal, who is a Paint horse….now, only if he would have ridden him…next time, Steve, I expect you to ride Rascal!

What an adorable pony, Chase, is quite striking with the blond mane and tale…what a sweet pony!

And, Patsy, is the other pony…and boy, did these two like to eat, they were thrilled to be by the grass and ate as much as they could while out for the photos!

Meet Amos…he’s so ugly (sorry Steve) that he’s cute…look at that face…and that nose…what character! Oh, and did I mention that he likes donuts?! They called him and said donuts…and he came right on out…it was pretty funny to watch!

Meet Connie and Boo Boo…a sheet and goat, who obviously get along well, maybe they don’t even know they aren’t the same type of animal! 

And, the other goat…Tony Blue!

Another of Kaycee…LOVE her freckles…such a beautiful, natural girl……..

And, Sierra, SOOOO cute…I love her smile and beautiful sparkling eyes…this girl is just striking…and as nice as she is pretty…what more can a parent ask for!

LOVE this shot……..

Sierra with Logan, red merle Australian Shepherd…isn’t this a beautiful dog…of course, I’m partial to aussie’s….since I have one myself!!

And another aussie….Lucy…such a sweet and mellow dog…you would have never guessed she was a pup…oh, what a wonderful tempermant this dog has!

Steve and Sue with Lucy and Ali, a cute little Jack Russel Terrier…full of energy, but very loving!

I really enjoyed the time with Kaycee – such a pretty and thoughtful young woman…we need more young people like she and Sierra in that generation!

Ahh….I’m a sucker for such a sweet moment…mom and daughter…what a touching moment!

It’s obvious that Sierra and Kaycee are wonderful friends…to have such great friends in this day is a gift…

Family…what more can be said about a loving and close family unit…such an important part of  our society!!

Okay, so Sierra is just 14 (not far from 15) and here’s her first truck…such an exciting time for a young person…and next year, I’m sure she’ll be driving it as much as she possibly can…you can see how it just “fits” her perfectly!

A girl, her horse, dog, Snowball (a dog that needs no explanation…) and truck…what more would she need?!?? Hmm, maybe a driver’s permit…but she still has enough to keep her busy!

The time I spent with this family was truly a joy…they are fun, outgoing, loving, hardworking and have a great sense of humor…it was a highlight of my weekend to visit their farm and be able to photograph them, their animals and their lives…thank you, Steve, Sue and Sierra!!

Granny Visits and Amelia turns 2 {Puyallup Family Photographer}

For nearly 5 years now, we’ve had some wonderful neighbors and I’ve had the pleasure of doing their family photos for nearly that long. When they first arrived, it was just Greg and Leah…and Max…their dog and now they have grown to a family of five with the addition of Luke and Amelia. What a delight it has been to watch ALL of them grow and to see what a great family they are! Luke is the oldest, he’ll be four this fall and Amelia just turned two a week ago…wow, hard to believe they are no longer babies and becoming little people. The past couple of weeks they’ve had Leah’s mom (Granny…aka, Lois) visiting and I know she’s really enjoyed her time there and especially with the grandchildren…it’s always special when you get time with your grandchildren!! So, this past week we had a session with Granny, Luke and Amelia…and made it a twofold session…photos with all of them, a few of Luke…can’t leave out big brother…and Amelia’s second year pictures…what a fun afternoon we had!

 

Such special times…they all grow up so fast, so you have to treasure these moments while you can!

Luke sure loves his Granny…as you can see!

Amelia and Granny definitely have a strong bond and you can certainly see they are related…so very sweet!

Just a year ago, Luke wasn’t very fond of having his picture taken…this time he was great and I just love this photo…but he looks too grown up….slow down!

Doesn’t Amelia have the most beautiful hair…look at those blond curls…and then those eyes and smile…such a beautiful little girl! She’s been so much fun to watch blossom the past year!

It was quite funny during my time with Amelia…she would occasionally tell me…”other one” meaning she wanted me to change cameras and use the other camera/lens…so I would and she’d be happy and then later on would say it again…too funny, and very definite about what she wanted!

I still love little ones feet and toes…and these weren’t any exception…and the grass on the bottom just made them that much cuter!

And, we couldn’t get away without including Leah in a couple of photos…it’s been a great visit for all of them and it definitely needed a special photo to document this time! Lois and Leah are both wonderful and caring people…these little ones are so very blessed to have them in their lives! Not that I’m forgetting dad, Greg…he was working and we’ll get him in the fall with the family photos and Luke’s four year pictures!

One last shot…Amelia was amazed at her reward from the session…a little Pez dispenser from Toy Story…and she couldn’t figure out what happened to all of the candy…hehehe…it was eaten quickly and then they went home…ahhh, my plan…give them sugar at the end and send them home!

CUTE, CUTE Little Malibu {Puyallup Pet Photographer}

What a perfect afternoon I had earlier this week when Malibu and his “mom (aka Jenny) came over for some photos. Who doesn’t melt when they see a puppy…and want to hold and cuddle them and smell their sweet little puppy breath…it’s truly irresistble! This little gal is just 12 weeks old and is a shih tzu-poodle mix and was so much fun. We started in the back yard and boy, did she have a great time, exploring, smelling and trying to eat pinecones and mushrooms (not the good ones!) while out there…she finally used up some excess energy and we then headed to the studio…a bit more confining and not quite as much to check out (though she still did lots of exploring!). Such a fun session…I think that next to kids…animals are my next favorite thing to photograph…okay, so I like most things…kids, animals, moms, dads, seniors, couples…and the list goes on!

 Oh…doesn’t get any better than a belly scratching while lying in the cool grass!! 

Ahh, little Malibu snuggled up close to her mom…such a sweet little pup…though they say she has a bit of the devil in her as well…but then again, don’t most puppies!!

Now, to keep her still, we would have not been successful had we started in the studio…it took some exercise and of course, a few little treats don’t hurt!! Okay, and truth be told, I was making all sort of strange and odd sounds to keep her attention on me…quite entertaining to the “humans,” I’m sure!!

Hmm, a rubber ducky, something she hadn’t seen before…you can see how bit she isn’t by comparison to this little duck!

Thank you, Jenny and Malibu, for a fun afternoon session…you two were great!!

Sweet Kinsley {Puyallup Baby Photographer}

It was my pleasure to see sweet little Kinsley again, who is now 3 months old…and what a delight she was during her session. Both mom and Kinsley seem to have settled into a great routine and are adjusting to their new roles…of course, along with dad (who wasn’t at the session)…what a beautiful little family! Check out this little cutie!!!

Ahh, look at Kinsley in this tutu…so sweet!!!

I love her smile…it just lights up her face and how can you not help but smile yourself when you see this!

This has to be one of my favorites from the session (okay there’s more than one)…I just love mothers and their babies…you can just see the love!!!

Thank you Laura and Kinsley…I really enjoyed the session and look forward to seeing Kinsley as she continues to grow and change.