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!!